IBIZA - SANT RAFEL DE SA CRUE

ASADOR CAN PILOT

We returned to Restaurante Asador Can Pilot, an old favourite in the small inland village of Sant Rafel de sa Creu (San Rafael). Since 1989, it has been an excellent place for traditional Spanish food, especially BBQ meat.

The traditional, rustic Restaurant is always busy, and sometimes you may have to wait in the vibrant bar.

There is a large BBQ grill in one corner of the room.

The room is furnished with traditional Ibicencan wooden tables and chairs.

We had to make an 8 p.m. reservation, which is early in Ibiza, as the Restaurant was fully booked after 9 p.m.

You will find solomillo (fillet steak), entrecot de ternera (sirloin), chuletas de cordero (lamb chops), pluma Ibérica, Conejo lechal (baby rabbit), hamburguesa de buey (ox hamburger) and various Spanish sausages, like chorizo and morcilla (black pudding).

To begin with, there is a fine list of starters, including the ubiquitous pan, alioli y aceitunas (garlic mayonnaise, olives, and bread), to enjoy while waiting for the rest of your meal.

We started with pimientos de Padrón.

Superb anchoas del Cantábrico (Cantabrian anchovies with tomato and toast).

Grilled garlic mushrooms.

Jamóm Ibérico de Bellota.

Also, look for specials, like frita de polp (fried octopus with potatoes and peppers).

Butifarra (Catalan sausage).

But the star of the show is the chuletón de buey (ox t-bone steak).

It is served to a minimum of two people. You cook it to your liking on a mini charcoal grill at the table.

Other cuts of meat are also available, including Solomillo (fillet) and entrecote ternera (sirloin).

Solomillo (fillet steak), all served with homemade chips with mixed peppers and garlic,

With a vegetable plate, including tomatoes, onions, and aubergine.

We had a bottle of Valduero Crianza Dos Maderas D.O.Ribera del Duero to drink.

For dessert, there are the two Ibicencan favourites, flaó (egg, mint, and soft goat cheese cheesecake) and greixonera (cinnamon pudding with ensaïmada base, it's a bit like a Spanish bread pudding). Please be aware that ensaïmada contains lard (pig fat).