I was delighted to receive Australian chef, restaurateur and author Frank Camorra and his merry band of gourmet travellers from Australia at Annie B’s Spanish Kitchen last week.
I met up with Frank and his group in the fishing town of Barbate to shop for merluza (hake) and clams for fish soup, and gambones (large prawns) to be baked in salt, at the Mercado de Abastos.
After a stop-off for lunch at El Campero fish restaurant on the way home, Frank prepared a spectacular dinner for 15, served on the rooftop of Casa Alegre over two tables, where we enjoyed astonishing views of whitewashed Vejer with northern Africa looming on the horizon, on a warm, balmy night.
Pepi and I are hugely honoured to each have one of our recipes featured in Frank’s latest book, Movida Solera – Pepi’s handmade gazpacho, and my almond and lemon biscuits.
Local musicians Juan Pedro and Susanna came to play whilst guests sipped on vino and fino.
Pepi smashed and bashed sun-kissed tomatoes using her mother’s mortero (pestle and mortar) for her handmade gazpacho – just as it appears in Movida Solera. Everyone loved it, naturally.
My contribution was pan-frying some boquerones (filleted by John) and my sumptuous sticky citrus and almond cake for postres.
With the help of Maria, Pepi and I bombed up and down the stairs from kitchen to roof terrace, receiving a month’s workout in one evening.
A fab evening was had by all – and then up popped a deep red moon on the wane. I don’t think anyone will ever forget the beauty of Vejer, the night air, and the red super-moon.
Gracias to Maria Muñoz for her excellent photos.
