Tarbena - Spain

Tàrbena, a little town of Arab origin has been subjected to a religious de-population and later a re-population episode by an entirely different race of people.  In 1609, at the time of the Inquisition, Tàrbena was abandoned, its crops unused and the town became pretty much deserted when the mostly Moorish population was expelled from the Iberian Peninsula.  The few remaining locals turned to nearby Majorca natives in search of farmers to reoccupy the fertile properties and re-populate the village.

 

This town’s charm is very unique and its location unbeatable.  Situated in the interior of the country and slightly away from the coast, it has escaped the over-exploitation that many coastal places have suffered.  Yet pretty accessible today, you will discover this awesome place;  enjoy its authenticity, as well as taste its famous Majorcan sausage.

This time again, I travelled to that town on Christine's recommendation.  She told me that in addition of the beautiful scenery and the unique character of the town, there was a restaurant which I simply had to see as it was truly unlike anything else I had ever seen before.  That was sufficient a recommendation to want to go there.

After a fairly short and most picturesque drive up in the hills, we finally reached Tàrbena and just as Christine had said, I was immediately enchanted by the place but more was to come.

Tarbena Square and its Church

After a short stroll of the town, we headed towards the famous Casa Pinet restaurant.  What a place that was !!! 

 

Casa Pinet started as some sort of refuge where the original owner used to feed and hide the freedom fighters during the Spanish Civil war.  Today, the original owner's son runs the establishment and it is a fully-fledged restaurant.

The Famous Casa Pinet Restaurant in Tarbena

As soon as you step into the place, a whole array of memorabilia from the civil war is there on offer for the guests to marvel at.  From old rifles, hand guns, trinkets, plates, the place is literally full of interesting bits to look at and relive a tragic part of Spain's recent tragic past.  I even spotted a business card from Fidel Castro among the hundreds of bits and pieces hanging on the walls or locked in glass cabinets.

A section of the Casa Pinet Dining Room

The Abundance of Memorabilia of the Casa Pinet Restaurant

 

Another Section of the Casa Pinet Dining Room with more Trophies on the Wall Including a Photo of Che Guevara

The reception we enjoyed there was nothing short of amazing; it was friendly and most courteous.  The owner looked after us with such attention to everything and after sampling a range of their specialities, I was offered a bottle of Mistela, a local wine quite similar to Moscatel but lighter in colour.

The Casa Pinet Owner by the Bar

The Casa Pinet Kitchen Area Complete with a Whole Range of Sausages Hanging by the Ceiling

Assorted Local Sausages to Sample

Fried Sobrosada with a Drizzle of Honey and Caramelised Onion and Red Pepper

Hot Seafood Gazpacho with Squid, Octopus, Fish and Langoustines - Absolutely Delicious

Baked Egg Custard and Cinnamon with a Glass of Mistela for Dessert - A Perfect Way to finish a Sumptuous Meal 

 

While we had lunch, a bus tour of Dutch tourists came in and were served a paella with all the fuss that the restaurant could dish out.  It was a delightful experience and I will certainly return there as soon as I possibly can.  Once again, Christine had gone beyond my expectations and I must thank her for including Tàrbena in the circuit.

The Other Restaurant Guests That Day - A Bus Tour from Holland

The Huge Paella Served to the Bus Tour Guests