Some guests will remember Elisa who started “Bonissim” the Delicatessen and has now brought her son, Javier, a recognised chef back to Gaucin to start their new venture. They have moved into La Fuente’s old space and given the terrace overlooking the square and the inside dining room a refreshing new look. Azulete is a must when you are visiting Gaucin.
La Fructuosa, the village hotel is just under different ownership and with a new chef in their restaurant ….I have not been there yet, so no photos or feedback, but have heard good things. And then there’s Platero & Co, a lovely small restaurant in Calle Los Bancos, check them out on Facebook and I will write about them next time and put something in the house book for guests coming this season.
In early February, the team came in to trim the palms back, then by early April the first blossoms were cheering us up, the judas tree, the early jasmine, clivias, roses and the palmito with it’s bright yellow flowers.
This is all in marked contrast to the snow fall in January, can you believe it! (thank you to Ruffi for the photo) Amazingly no plants seem to have suffered.
I drove to Arcos de la Frontera last week with family to visit another of the dramatically positioned pueblos blancos in the area; Getting up and leaving Gaucin early it’s a 1.45 min windy drive through Cortes de la Frontera and out to Ubrique and El Bosque where the road then straightens out.
Arcos, atop a rocky limestone ridge, with its whitewashed houses and stone castle walls stopping abruptly as a sheer cliff face plunges down to the fertile valley of the river Guadalete below, is very impressive indeed. I took my binoculars and saw several pairs of Kestrels flying around San Pedro church.
Declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962 in recognition of its exceptional architecture and impressive location, the old town is a tangled labyrinth of cobbled streets that lead up to a sandstone castle, the Castillo de los Arcos. As you’d expect from such a spectacular vantage point, there are exhilarating views over the town and the rolling plain below. Although its time under the Moors was one of its most successful, Arcos has had a long history of occupation, as shown by the discovery of numerous archaeological remains. Plentiful water and its superb defensive hilltop location must have been the main attractions for settlers. 
On a visit to Tangier In February I went to find the building in the Kasbah that originally inspired us with the design of La Casita. Now “The Moroccan Club” they have glassed in the tower on the top terrace.
La Casita is now available for weekly renting again after a 2 year long let. The interior has had a fresh coat of paint for the summer and we are looking forward to welcoming you. There are a couple of weeks still available this summer and a special offer from Friday July 21st - Tuesday 1st August, 11 nights for €1,375.00. Please check availability here.
I leave you with these 2 chaps. Geoffrey in El Portesuelo restaurant/bar opposite Casa Mosaica, now doubt talking to any stranger that comes along! And Kevin posing in front of plum blossom.
Very best wishes,
Emma, the Casa Mosaica Team and K&G
