Gay Bars versus Apps

I randomly came across this video (click on link above to hear the discussion from Rise and Fall of “Men of the Den” on YouTube). You make good points.

As a disabled and queer person, I do not see gay bars in quite such a rosy light. I live in the suburbs of Manchester, England, which has its own gay Village. For me the vast majority of the venues and in some cases the actual streets are inaccessible to me.

When I have visited, prices are high - too high! And the area is inundated with groups of young wimmin, supposedly seeking safer spaces. Many LGBTI folk have deserted the Village and prefer to mix with straights in the less expensive, boho Northern Quarter. From my perspective, this area is far more disabled-accessible and thus disabled-friendly.

Living in the suburbs, there is a dearth of gay bars. However, I am fortunate to reside in an affluent and tolerant community. Nonetheless, it is very often difficult to know who is queer or straight these days for various reasons. So, for myself and others, using apps helps us make friends and acquaintances, folk with whom we chat online about art, politics and so forth. In my case, my housemate & I also have been introduced to queer neighbours and arranged a meet-up in our local pub. I have also used apps to make friends with folk in foreign lands prior to visiting on holidays.

Apps usually do not discriminate against disabled queers; bars often do discriminate due to lack of accessibility. For me there is no real-world gay community; there is however a very real online one.

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Atelier Pan & Cook: a Review

 

[Image description: the external façade.]

For our final meal in Barcelona, we had wanted to return to our favourite taparía cum restaurant; however, despite the place being almost empty, they were fully booked up. We were disappointed but knew there are many other eateries within my hobbling ability. The previous night we had passed Atelier Pan & Cook as the waitress was closing down. She appeared tired, but gave us a beautiful smile, so we decided to try there next. This time we were not disappointed, we turned out to be the only diners and so were able to choose any spot in the restaurant. We opted for the table where the cool air from the air-conditioning could be most felt.

[Image description: Camilo, the chef & owner working hard in his galley.]

We literally had no idea what type of food we were to be served. We quickly ordered two beers. Refreshing, slightly citrussy, slightly sweet Estrella Damm was delivered to table in goblet glasses (copas ballon). The light beer hit the spot and after a few minutes chit-chat between each other and checking out the restaurant décor - soft industrial - and observing the chef in his wee cell, the ebullient waitress, Mariana, came back and explained the menu.

The speciality of Pan & Cook is a sort of fondue which is served in a small cauldron topped with fresh bread in the form of a mini loaf. The same fillings can also be served atop a crêpe. Neither option appealed to me as I wanted a light meal; but my companion opted for one of the crêpe dishes.

There are three options for selecting from the menu: à la carte and two table d'hôte options, one at €21 or the second at €14. We opted for the cheaper of the latter, simply because we were not that hungry. Included were a drink, the appetiser of the day, a seasonal salad, any main and either a dessert or a coffee.

Aperitivo del dia (image above):
The appetiser was a small pot of delicious mushrooms, simply cooked in a little oil and sprinkled with sea-salt. Delish!

Ensalada de temporada (image above):
Lettuce, radish, cherry tomatoes & avocado with a mustard dressing. Also delicious!

Colin's main course - El ceviche de Atelier (image above):
Cebiche is a Peruvian dish. The white fish used on this occasion was hake - or colin in French!

Rico's main course - Lomo de ternera con salsa de 4 quesos (image above):
This was a crêpe with four cheese & veal/beef.

Postre/Dessert (image above):
We both opted for the pear cheesecake. It was a combination of an American-style and a traditional baked cheesecake. Delish AND moreish!

We ordered a glass of rosé apiece to go with our mains and desserts. At under €40 for the two of us an extremely reasonably-priced meal.

Atelier Pan & Cook, has a great, modern ambience. Its clientèle was made up of mainly locals of a range of ages, but two other tourists (from US) also dined whilst we were there. The place was spotless. The toilet is accessible, however there is one quite high step to initially enter the building, which might make it difficult to enter by wheelchair. The WC is not suitable for wheelchairs in any case. Above all, the food is delicious, of very good quality and well presented. Service was spot on.

Highly recommended.

 

The Kitchen Brasserie, Inverness: a Review

On this occasion, we flew up from Manchester to Inverness. The airline that flies the route is Flybe in conjunction with their partner airline Loganair. The in-flight magazine recommended just one restaurant in the city centre, The Mustard Seed. Chatting to fellow passengers, they too recommended it. Alas, even though we attempted to book during the afternoon, it was already booked up until 21.30. Not to be deterred, our Scottish chum apprised us that there is a sister restaurant called The Kitchen Brasserie (the link is to their facebook page as I have been unable to open their website).

The restaurant has been constructed in a modern architecture style, but is cleverly snuggled into the gap between traditional buildings by the River Ness (top image). Oddly, it does not look out of place. There are three storeys, but the ground floor is wheelchair-accessible with an immaculately clean disabled w.c. We were very fortunate to have been allocated the floor-to-ceiling window-bay table, so we had open views of the riverfront and passers-by. Additionally, we were snook round the corner form the main entrance, so were not blasted by any of the chilly winds. The décor is a cross between Scandic & industrial utilitarian: a great ambience for friends &/or family; probably not somewhere to dine for a romantic dinner for two.

There was no doubt about what we would be drinking as no-one needed to drive so we were all at liberty to consume: Prosecco it was then. The 2015 vintage produced by Cavit was delightful: not too dry nor sweet; plenty of bubbles without over-spuming; and, quite quite palatable. We collectively quaffed two bottles between the three of us prior to and during our meal.

Nary a scrap was left of our three starters (images above) on the plates/platters: always a good sign and an indication that the diner is very likely going to find something to their taste.

Our main courses (images above) were: rump steak & pepper sauce with chips; duck with parsnip purée (mine); and, pan-fried chicken on creamy mash. Again, nothing was returned to the kitchen save for dirty dishes.

Only my assistant & I opted for dessert. We decided to share a cranachan served with an 18 y.o. Tomatin malt whisky. Chef was even kind enough to share his recipe with me, which probably everyone who dines with us over the next few months will get to sample!

The bill came to a very reasonable £130, of which £50 was in relation to the wine. The cuisine is excellent. The service occasionally let itself down, probably due to it being a very busy evening; however, our main waitress, Drina, did her very best to keep us happy and every time she passed had a smile &/or a cheery word for us. Even the manager exchanged pleasantries and jokes whenever he passed by. A really affable ambience. We shall definitely be returning when next in Inverness. Recommended.

"El Classico" Tapas Restaurant, Tickhill: a Review

[Image descriptions: mural of the windmills of La Mancha, Spain, in the main dining area]

I reside in Cheshire and have some friends in Grimsby, Doncaster and Scunthorpe, none of which are places that might be termed trendy or even touristy. Normally my carer takes the motorways and we get there as quickly as possible. For my last visit across the Pennines on a lovely autumnal Saturday, we decided to take the scenic route to Sheffield and then onwards to Grimsby for a long weekend. The chosen route was expected to add an extra one to two hours, but we enjoyed the bucolic countryside between towns.

[Image descriptions: "El Classico" signage above the bar]

Hunger meant that we glanced at the atlas and decided to break for luncheon in Maltby. The latter was so dishevelled we did not even stop the car and continued on to the next town, Tickhill. And so glad we did so. Seeing a pub-sign ahead I advised my driver to pull in. There is ample parking to the rear of the pub cum tapas restaurant, El Classico. The name is Spanglish for the classic/el clásico.

[Image descriptions: left, drinks menu; right, tapas menu]

Inside are nooks & crannies, as in most traditional English pubs, but here filled with assorted dining furniture. However, after walking past the grand mock-Tudor bar, one enters a wide dining-hall prepared for large to intimate dining parties (see top image).

Our young waiter was immaculately attired in black shirt & slacks, Spanish waiter style, but soon gave the game away with his broad brogue that he was a local Yorkshireman. At all times throughout our meal, he was attentive, professional and personable. A genuine credit to the restaurant. The youngster explained how the eat-as-much-as-you-want system worked all for a fixed price. Drinks cost extra.

[Image descriptions: our first selection of tapas with beers]

Many of the tapas were comparatively small, more like the portion size of those served gratis in Spanish bars with one's drinks. However, the advantage is that one has space to sample other dishes - or more of the same if one so wishes.

Here I should note that the chef was more than happy to prepare dishes without garlic - to which I am seriously allergic. This is exactly what I find in Spain, where in some fourteen/fifteen years of visits, I have not once had an allergic reaction in eateries. Being a huge fish fan, I was absolutely delighted that chef was able to cook several fish dishes for me. All the delicious food served to my companion and myself was totally authentic, despite no actual Hispanics toiling in the kitchen. The tapas served are not haute cuisine - as found in many a Barcelona tapería, but the kind of healthy & tasty tapas found throughout Iberia.

I cannot say whether there is a disabled-accessible w.c., as on this occasion I was mobile and able to use the ordinary gents toilet. This was scrupulously clean and very spacious.

We intend to revisit El Classico, as it is in a good location, a sort of half-way house between chums, so friends can meet us there. Oh yummy!

Nacalú Restaurant, Málaga: a Review

During my recent visit to the city of Málaga, after dining elsewhere I was fortunate to be stopped by Toni outside Nacalú restaurant. His welcoming smile & gentle manner encouraged my carer & myself to return on another occasion to the eatery at which he works. We were not in the least disappointed. The food, service & ambience were so satisfying, we returned for a second repast!

 [Image description: the writer seated on the terrace in front of the front façade]

 [Image description: my carer seated on the terrace with a Nacalú fan]

On our first visit, after watching the Pasarela Larios, we arrived at eleven-twenty in the evening. Dining at that time on a Friday - no problem. We were served by the delightfully ebullient, helpful & professional Catana. The dry white wine she recommended to accompany our respective meals was just spot-on.

I chose a ración - a full dish (image below) - of rosado (kingklip) with gambas (shrimp), peas and a creamy cheese sauce. So light & tasty and yet at the same time it had the quality of comfort food. Yummy!

My companion decided upon a trio of tapas (image below): morcillo (black pudding/blood sausage); baked potato bravas; and, tortilla española (potato omelette). He wolfed the lot.

We did try a dessert apiece, but were a tad disappointed. The 'buckets' of digestifs (image below) followed by gratis shots, however, ensured we left fully contented.

We visited again on a Sunday. After an afternoon of sunbathing on the beach, we were delighted to be the sole diners inside, as opposed to the terrace, cooling under zephyrs from the air-conditioning.

On this occasion I again selected a full fish dish (upper image below), swordfish this time. Carer opted for tuna tartare (lower image below). I sampled - it was superb!

We again tried two different desserts, and once again were disappointed. From the images below one can perceive that presentation is not the issue; but texture and excessive sweetness let down the dishes.

The w.c. is disabled-accessible and was spotless when I paid a visit.

Service on both occasions we visited was perfect: neither distant nor prying.

I would heartily recommend this restaurant; but should suggest that one takes dessert elsewhere unless once has a particularly sweet-tooth. We shall be returning when next we are in Málaga.

La Despensa Del Mar Restaurant, Benalmádena: a Review

 

Meeting up with Spanish chums in the commercial district of Benalmádena, called Arroyo de la Miel, we needed a restaurant that could cater for a large electric wheelchair. Despensa was perfect. A waiter willingly re-arranged furniture so that the wheelchair could fit at table.

 

La Despensa del Mar literally translates as the pantry of the sea, an appropriate nomenclature for an eatery specialising in fish and seafood, but as it is attached to a sister restaurant meat-eaters are permitted to select from its menu too.

Between six of us we shared: two house salads; mixed, deep-fried fish & seafood (top image below); lamb meatballs (bottom image); stewed lamb; cheese; and jamón. Almost everything was consumed, but what was not eaten was left only due to each & everyone of us feeling totally stuffed.

 

 

 

Various drinks were consumed, but I personally heartily recommend the draft beer, una caña, which was malt-flavoured and refreshing, served ice-cold.

We did not have dessert as one of the party was celebrating a birthday. We took along our own cake which the staff were happy to bring out after our repast.

Staff were friendly, polite and efficient; well, until it came to paying the bill - apparently, a common issue across Spain!

We all shall be returning.

Okami, a Japanese's Japanese Restaurant: a Review

Anyone who has eaten Japanese cuisine in the UK knows how expensive it can be. Okami, situated very close to the cathedral in Málaga city, serves up excellent value for money dishes. As we were not paying such high prices, we felt comfortable trying dishes unknown to ourselves.

 [Image descriptions: top, the external façade; bottom left, from our table looking towards the restaurant window; bottom right, our table looking towards the prep area]

This restaurant was established and is owned by a genuine Japanese. The dishes are completely authentic, other than where they specifically state in the menu that they are fusion - such as hamburgers Japanese style.

 

[Image description: our waitress & chef in the prep area]

Anyone who has followed my reviews over the years probably knows that I love my fish. (The only fish I refuse to eat - having tried it once - is pike!) Having sampled quite a lot of deep-fried fish and fish cooked a la plancha (grilled or braised) over the past week in Málaga, I was ready to experience raw fish. I selected chirashi [big bowl - for those who like large portions] (sashimi [thin-sliced, raw meat or fish] e ikura [salmon roe] con arroz sushi [rice]) - see the image below. I had not realised, but due to lunching on a weekday, I was given a bowl of miso soup and a bowl of edaname beans as a surprise. I shared the latter amongst my dining companions. The soup contained small pieces of tofu and seaweed and was the best Miso I personally have ever consumed. The beans were perfectly cooked and sweet to taste. My main came with wasabi, sweet-pickled ginger slices and soy-sauce. I demolished the lot as it was absolutely delicious. At €16 for two courses I am not complaining one iota: real value for money for such high-quality cuisine.

Other dishes selected by my chums included: fideos yakisoba con ibérico - slightly spicy noodles with Iberian ham & vegetables; and a mixed sushi platter (bottom image below). My carer found his large noodle-dish to be very satisfying and filling. My other two companions took their time, but did manage to finish off their shared platter after a starter of tuna tartare with avocado (top image below).

A mixed plate of desserts were not to my taste as they were too sweet, but for those with a sweet-tooth (i.e. the other three) something different to sample.

The total bill for four adults with drinks came to €81.70. Shared out that works out at a very reasonable price to pay for a substantial luncheon. 

Okami is wheelchair accessible and one of my companions was able to use the WC without difficulties.

I can hardly wait to return! %PPP
 

Hofbräuhaus on a Friday evening in Munich

Whilst in München I had the pleasure of experiencing the famous Hofbräuhaus hospitality. Our group of four only had set ourselves a minimum of to-do's during our extended city-break. This visit was a unanimous decision. And we were not disappointed.

According to our research the beer-hall opened its doors at six of an evening. Our taxi dropped us outside the building a full twenty minutes early. We quickly realised the info we had read was wrong. The place was jammed to the rafters, inside the hall itself and outside in the beer-garden.

[Image description: inside one of the many rooms of the Hofbräuhaus]

On a very hot and humid day in Munich, remaining indoors for we lily-livered Brits was just not an option. So, we headed for the, accessible, courtyard. With my well-trained eyes I quickly espied a couple of "empty" tables: that is, several vacant places and only a few folk already sitting at table. We opted for the one with a young couple on an apparently unsuccessful date.

The amiable Viennese waiter was very quick to dash over with menus and immediately realised my companions required the English-language versions (available at most touristy eateries in the city and its environs).

[Image description: a chum & the author with menu]

When our various beverages arrived, we discovered how difficult it is to raise one litre (liter) of ale in a sturdy glass Stein. How the heck the waiters and waitresses held multiple glasses in their hands, dishing them to customers without spilling one drop of beer let alone dropping the whole lot, we have absolutely no idea. Although, I suggested they might not be humans, but rather German-engineered automatons!

[Image description: another chum attempting to imbibe from her massive glass]

Our food was definitely not haute cuisine or anything resembling gastro-pub offerings. It was plain and simple, filling and tasty. Whilst sausage can be fattening, Sauerkraut is apparently extremely good for one. And young maidens and a solitary young lad, all in traditional Tracht (refer to previous posts on Munich), constantly patrol the gaps between folk vending the traditional Breze or Pretzeln, a delicious and light salted bread formed in the widely recognised pretzel shape.

[Image description: Bratwurst on bed of Sauerkraut with traditional Breze aka Pretzel]

Whilst dining we had the privilege of listening to spontaneous group singing (just as we had imagined and hoped for) as well as a traditional oom-pah-pah band performing traditional Blasmusik.

A visit to the Hofbräuhaus (or similar) is heartily recommended: for filling the stomach; slaking one's thirst; and, for a ripping evening's entertainment.

El Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena

A couple of years back I wrote the following on my visits to Parque de la Paloma: 

"The park can be very noisy to those not used to fauna as it has a veritable ménagerie of free-roaming wildlife including rabbits, wildfowl, terrapins, peacocks, chickens and a profusion of cacophonous cockerels (roosters) in addition to cooped emus, goats and llamas. Many of the pathways are suitable for wheelies and the mobility-impaired; others require mountaineering skills and/or assistance. Electronic chairs, unless specially adapted/designed, will need to keep to the main paths as the older routes are only gravelled.

There are several cafés within the park environs, some better suited to the needs of the disabled than others. Do not be surprised to see children playing late - it is cooler, Spain is family-friendly and the kiddies will have had a siesta in the afternoon. My photo[s] below [are] of a café that has ramped access at the back and an accessible toilet."

During this winter/spring season the park has been and is still undergoing radical tidying, with pruning, thinning and whatever the verb is in relation to topiary! Additionally, there appears to have been a cull of the cockerels (roosters) as the park is much more tranquil than it used to be. Although, do not be surprised if it is busy at weekends, as the Spanish are family-orientated and you will probably observe large picnic gatherings throughout the spacious park. Assuming a quite day, you may spot a brood of pea-hens in the undergrowth or a bunny-rabbit might cross your path. As I type, the park is actually filled with blossoms: however, the parakeets are busy stripping the blooms from the branches and discarding them on the pathways.

The park was originally established in 1995, but it has the appearance of having been in Benalmádena for ever. Since my last visit, the two café-bars that had not been updated have now been so. Drinks (non-/alcoholic), snacks, light meals, desserts, milk-shakes and ice-creams can be purchased at all of them and no-one ever rushes one from one's table.

For the physically active, one can hire cycles to use in the park or one can utilise the exercise stations scattered throughout the gardens. If you just want to feed the ducks and swans - and a few pigeons & seagulls to boot - and you have forgotten to bring along some food, small bags can also be purchased.

Everyone can go home happy after a session in the park!