ALICANTE - ELDA - EL RINCON DE JUAN

EL RINCON DE JUAN

By Howard Goldsmith

El Rincon De Juan is on Calle Episodios Nacional, one of the side streets off Calle Ronda and Avenida Alfonso XIII. Plenty of parking is available nearby.

I recently met Alexis and his father, Juan, at the gym (Paidesport). Alexis speaks fluent English, and we had a Spanglish conversation about Spanish food when he told me that his parents own El Rincon De Juan in Elda and that I should take my wife, Gail, one day and try it out. Alexis told me that his father cooked the most wonderful paellas and rice dishes, especially the caldosa, the soupy rice variety. So we tried it out.

When we arrived, we met Alexis' mother, who is absolutely charming and very welcoming. Alexis had left for Thailand earlier in the week, where he is a professional Muay Thai boxer and personal trainer. Alexis had told her we were coming, and she suggested lunch. A small plate of superb Jamón Serrano (air-dried mountain ham) and Manchego (cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep of the manchega breed) was brought as an aperitif along with a bowl of mixed nuts whilst we caught up on the news and the weather from the television, which was thankfully turned right down.

A plate of queso frito (fried cheese)

And Patatas Bravas arrived, which, although it may seem a tad boring, really were not. There was a suggestion for fresh sepia, but I'm not a fan. We had been asked how hot we liked things, and the potatoes' salsa had been made accordingly, which was a nice touch.

A beautiful salad arrived, as you can see from the photos: crisp leaves, grated carrot, sweetcorn, plump olives, tuna, egg, and tomato, and enough for four.

Then, the star turn, the paella Valdosta. This was one of those occasions when the dish's look alone told you it would be good. It's a hearty dish, and the portion was substantial for the two of us, but we had a good go at it. I counted at least three types of meat and a similar number of vegetables, including some exceptional artichoke hearts, all resting in this wonderfully flavoured, perfectly cooked, soupy rice.

Alexis' mum tried hard to tempt us with homemade desserts, but we were full to the brim. However, it did not stop us from trying one of her bushels (sort of cinnamon doughnut but much better) with a coffee outside in the glorious sunshine. We had no idea what the bill would be because, given the warmth of our welcome and the ensuing conversation, we had not seen a menu. Neither Gail nor I drink alcohol, but we had a few soft drinks and were pleasantly surprised to find that the total was € 30. Our leftover paella was put into containers for us to take home, and there was at least one more meal for the two of us. We loved every part of our afternoon. The food was perfectly cooked, and the staff was charming, especially Alexis's mum. We would recommend that you try it and perhaps taste something different.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there are churros and chocolate breakfasts, with offers like 3 x Churros and 1 x Hot Chocolate for as little as €2. That has to tempt you. In addition to our food, there were paellas, arroz, a banda cooked to order, and a Menu del dia.

Check it out if you like traditional Spanish food with friendly service.

Photos and words by Howard Goldsmith.

EL RINCON DE JUAN

Calle Episodios Nacionales 10, 03600 Elda, Alicante

+34 966 18 73 01

Restaurant open 8 am–11 pm

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