I write this as I have just got back from a fabulous lunch at The Plaza Lounge Bar in Benamargosa. It was a hot sunny day and after a mornings bike riding a Sunday lunch was exactly what we needed to recharge the batteries.
My family drove to the inland village of Benamargosa and parked easily by the local village petrol station and wondered through the village and up to the small plaza. Arriving to a cool restaurant was a welcome retreat from the heat of the day. Although, if you want to enjoy the heat a little longer there is a small terrace area to enjoy a drink or two if you wish.
We had pre-booked the Sunday lunch this time a week before, as we had been disappointed on a couple of previous occasions when they were fully booked. Audrey the owner does advise that it’s always best to book a few days in advance. I had been to the restaurant before however my family hadn’t and they all commented on how lovely it was inside and unexpected in the small village of Benamargosa.
The excellent service started immediately with drinks and menus on our table very quickly. Our waiter explained that there was the 9, 95 euro all you can eat Buffet Sunday Lunch but you could first order a starter if we wished. We took a look at the menu and the starters were truly mouth -watering for example Pear, Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad or Baked Fresh Trout Fillet. I wasn’t sure what to choose however as I glanced around I realised how much meat, vegetables, potatoes and Yorkshire puddings were being brought out to the hot plates. I realised I wouldn’t be able to give the Sunday lunch justice by having a starter and the rest of the family agreed.
After a short while we were called to pick up warm plates and to help ourselves to the Sunday Lunch. My family chose to have the pork which was freshly cut as we passed by with our plates, also available was beef and roast chicken. I am vegetarian so the cauliflower cheese with mushrooms was fantastic to have available alongside the other vegetables and potatoes. We couldn’t have wished for a bigger choice to go with the meat selection. There was Yorkshire puddings, wonderfully crispy roast potatoes, beautifully glazed carrots, peas and beans, butternut squash, homemade gravy along with the availability of traditional accompaniments such as mustard, apple sauce and horseradish. The whole meal was fabulous, beautifully cooked and we were spoilt for choice. To be honest the Sunday Lunch beat me and I could not fit another thing in however the kids had spied the desserts. Despite looking like they were going to pop they ordered an ice cream and one of Audrey’s homemade desserts the Chocolate and Baileys Mud pie. I know I had said I was beat well the Chocolate and Baileys Mud pie came and I just couldn’t resist it, it look so tempting! I asked for another spoon much to my daughters dismay and I dug in. It was seriously delicious I would thoroughly recommend it; in fact I would go to Benamagosa just to have that desert!
We had a great time at The Plaza Lounge restaurant. Audrey is a tremendous cook, her husband and their staff served us impeccably I would definitely recommend a visit. Due to the heat they will be delaying the Sunday Lunch times to 4.30pm over the summer but remember to book to avoid disappointment.
