U3A DINING OUT GROUP LUNCH AT EL CAMPO

15TH NOVEMBER 2022

Something a bit different for the Members of the Dining Out Group this month – a lunchtime event at El Campo, Benitachell where Brenda and her staff looked after us extremely well, and a good time was had by all.

Bookings over the past year or so have dropped considerably in number for a variety of reasons, and we hosts agreed to try having a lunchtime event to see how that would work and whether Members would feel more confident about joining us for lunch rather than driving out in the darker, colder evenings during the winter months.

44 Members signed up and were rewarded by a very pleasant sunny day, delightful surroundings and a very different and interesting menu. Cava was served on arrival and people were able to mix and chat both outside and in before being called to the tables at 1.30.

The Starters consisted of 3 individual portions served up to each diner, including Gazpacho Andaluz with a crispy pistachio pesto, Tartar de Tuna with apple and avocado mousse and a Green Salad with crispy farm Chicken accompanied by Bread with Aioli.

For the Main Course there was a choice of Salmon or Beef with accompaniments AND CHIPS (!) or a Thai Veggie Bowl, followed by the most sumptuous and moist Carrot Cake I have tasted in a very very long time. Diners were also able to choose from Cava, Wine, Small Beers, Soft Drinks or Coffee as a “Token” system was used by the restaurant to enable people to choose exactly what they would like to drink with each course.

Long after the lunch was over Members sat chatting at various tables, knowing that it would still be light when they departed for home. We received lots of positive comments and suspect that we will give this another try perhaps next year. Meanwhile the next event will be held in January and hosted by Peter & Pauline Griffiths.

Sue Donadio

23.11.2022.