The Canary Islands by Abel López
A warm welcome to paradise. The Canary Islands are about much more than sun and sea. Abel López will be taking us to the Spanish archipelago to discover all those places, bars and restaurants loved by the locals for their gastronomy, cocktails and good living.
NATURE, GREAT FOOD
AND TOTAL RELAXATION
Abel López, ambassador for the Torres Brandy Embassy in the Canaries is the best possible host for discovering the delights that this enclave out in the Atlantic Ocean has in store for us. Together with Abel, we’re going to taste something of the essence of these islands. This time we’re off to two of the eight – Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Get ready for landing! Welcome to Tenerife, our first island port of call.
Playa las Teresitas
We’re leaving behind the frenetic pace of life in the big cities to enjoy the seashore on the emblematic Playa Las Teresitas beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The golden sands and palm trees may well remind you of the Caribbean. Abel recommends checking out the Strasse Beach Club and chilling out on one of their sun loungers, cocktail in hand, to enjoy the views of this marvellous beach. And if you’re feeling hungry, do try some of their mouth-watering dishes.
Monte Anaga
Just 20 minutes away from Playa Las Teresitas is Monte Anaga, a protected natural space that’s also a Biosphere Reserve. Stunningly beautiful surroundings, with areas of lush subtropical vegetation that’ll make you feel as if you’re in the heart of the jungle. Taking some time to explore the different paths surrounded by dense leafy greenery that criss-cross the area is a must. Abel’s recommendation is to head for the Punta del Inglés viewpoint to take in the impressive panoramic views, and put your photography skills to the test. The perfect spot for lovers of instagrammable pics.
SAVOUR CANARIAN CUSINE:
THE GREAT UNKNOWN
La Chachi
Savour Canarian cuisine at the restaurant belonging to prestigious chef Javier Gutiérrez. Dishes that fuse tradition with innovation, created with Km0 ingredients that showcase not only local gastronomy, but also local produce. Dishes such as Chuchangas, Chocos con Almogrote, baby squid and black potatoes will make you a firm fan of Canarian delicacies. Traditional food with lots of heart. Be sure to try the Croquetas de Sobra!
The terrace of Altagay
What would an island be without the freshest of fish on the menu? Well, Tenerife, certainly won’t disappoint.
On this terrace by the sea, not only can you enjoy traditional Canarian fare and good fresh local fish, but also the wonderful views of the sunset over the sea. A simple, unpretentious bar and restaurant where you can try Lapas, a typical Canary Island dish. And order the Papas con Mojo to go with it. Bon appétit!
A PERFECT COMBINATION
OF GASTRONOMY & COCKTAILS
On the floor above trendy pizza joint Fugazzi Pizza in the Pointe Saint-Charles district, you’ll find the Milky Way Cocktail Bar. It was nominated the best ‘new’ bar in Canada by the prestigious 50 Best Discovery. The glass ceiling, the eclectic cocktails and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere will mesmerise you.
Fancy a cocktail? Allow Kate Boushel to advise – she’s the one who wowed us with a Gall Maker, a Torres 15 based cocktail that pairs brilliantly with a Wu-Tang Killa Bees pizza. Delicious!
Aquelarre
And to round off our first visit to the islands, leaving Tenerife behind we’re heading off to the island of Gran Canaria, to be swept away by the pleasures of cocktails. Aquelarre is located in an old house, a casona in typical Canarian style that has been completely renovated. The team here know how to make sure that you enjoy the very best cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned – a classic that never goes out of fashion, and a true icon.
