This month I went to the pretty village of Riogordo to meet the new proprietors of Amigas de la Terraza.
Riogordo is well sign posted from Lake Vinuela. The bar/restaurant is found by driving through the main plaza of Riogordo and round to the right, across some road bumps , then right at the end and first right and here you will find Amigas del la Terraza on your left. Those living in Riogordo probably already know the place well as it is extremely welcoming especially with vibrant personalities of Suzannah and Vanessa who now run it. Suzannah and Vanessa are great friends and are extremely keen to make a success of the place that opened under their new management in January of this year.
Suzannah has been in Spain over 4 years and lives on the same road as Amigas del la Terraza, she has 3 children, her eldest is in England studying to be a joiner, her daughter Jessica is the young enthusiastic waitress keeping Suzannah and Vanessa in order. Jade her 10 year old and our helpful translator and entertainer (making the Terraza a very happy family bar) is in the local spanish school Vanessa has been in Spain a year, she has, for most of that year have been inundated with non stop visitors. With a family consisting of 2 children, 2 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren not to mention aunts and uncles, they have had a very busy first year! As a relief from cooking Vanessa regularly took visitors to Amigas del la Terraza where she would often see Suzannah, the place had also become a very convenient local for her too. They soon became friends and when the opportunity arose to run the premise they decided to take it on together.
Vanessa provides the food during the week and Suzannah runs front of house. Monday to Thursday from 4pm onwards a range of light snacks are available including fish and chips, pie and chips and lasagne and tapas. At the weekends a professional cook is brought in to provide dishes such as steaks, curries and chicken breast with a succulent special stuffing. Homemade soups and sweets are also available which are proving a hit with their regulars. Traditional Roast is available from 2-6pm on Sundays where you can choose a 2 course menu at 9.95E or a 3 course men at 13.95E. There is a varied choice for each course and the meat comes with everything you would expect and more. Suzannah and Vanessa admitted it is all very hard work but they do both love their new jobs. They explained their husbands love the place too and that they almost see it as an extension of their own homes: the games room they have never had! You can understand this as inside there is an area with a darts board and pool table and not forgetting to mention the widescreen T.V that shows all the latest sporting events.
Suzannah and Vanessa are keen to make Amigas del la Terraza a great meeting place for everyone and anyone to come and have fun, eat home cooked food or have a drink or two. They are regularly organising events – for March please see advert opposite. A pool league runs every Tuesday and they are looking to start a darts team. Recently they ran a special raffle where money was donated to the local school. They are keen to continue this theme of raising money for the local area throughout further raffles and events. Due to the size of Amigas del la Terraza it also makes a wonderful function room for special events such as birthdays, anniversaries etc with space for dancing, DJ, buffet or sit down meal.
Vanessa and Suzannah also spoke enthusiastically about plans for their outside area which consists of 2 terraces and they hope to have these opened for Easter. Further changes include making use of 1 terrace for children only with outdoor toys, especially sectioned off for the children's safety. The other terrace will be for adults with some more shade created for comfort.
Suzannah and Vanessa were a joy to interview, really enthusiastic and obviously hard working so if you are near drop by Amigas del la Terraza – I certainly will do from now on!
