Menu - Can Cassoletes

We were recently traveling in the Alt Empordà region of Catalonia, Spain, with good friends. After visiting an excellent winery la Vinyeta, highly recommended i... read more We were recently traveling in the Alt Empordà region of Catalonia, Spain, with good friends. After visiting an excellent winery la Vinyeta, highly recommended it was lunch time, the main meal there. We originally looked for a restaurant in Espolla that we couldn 't find maybe an incorrect name? , but that proved to be a true blessing. On a cold, gray and windy afternoon we happened upon Can Cassoletes in Espolla. The many cars parked outside suggested that something worthwhile was awaiting us inside, an impression all the more convincing once we realized that local hunters were dining there. And we were fortunately very correct: a warm and very local restaurant serving true Catalan fare at a great price: 13 euros for the menú del dia prix-fixe menu , which in our case included as options traditional Catalan soup 'escudella ' and, for our main course, paella. We chose to have a local red wine that was recommended by our server, who to me a 40-year verteran traveller in Catalonia was one of the owners of the venue. When in Espolla and looking for good, solid Catalan cuisine, don 't miss Can Cassoletes! I 'd go back there tomorrow, and most likely will do so on my next visit to Catalonia 's Alt Empordà region.

After having passed by this place at lunchtime several times in recent months, it was good to find it open again this time. It is in a cool, rustic setting. The... read more After having passed by this place at lunchtime several times in recent months, it was good to find it open again this time. It is in a cool, rustic setting. The welcome is friendly and efficient. We chose the 20 euros Sunday 3- course lunch, including wine water. One of us had an enjoyable Catalan meat salad, the other a large plate of delicious small calamares. We shared a mixed meat/seafood paella, The portions were very large and very tasty, especially the excellent aborio rice. We were shown pre-prepared desserts to choose from and enjoyed our selection. Service was very efficient.The menus and the carte were shown in English, French and German as well as Catalan. The staff don't speak English but it wasn't a problem. Overall, a really good choice for Sunday lunch. We have previously had the weekday 23 euro lunch menu which is even better value.