Restaurant's decadent tapas and wine night took us on a Spanish voyage
A Spanish tapas and wine bar hosted an enlightening and delicious tasting evening full of thoughtful pairings and fascinating history.
Market in Western Road, Hove, is an intimate spot in the city centre, offering both traditional and contemporary Spanish-inspired tapas.
On Tuesday, June 2, the bar was full to the brim with guests eager to try a range of wines from Spanish producer Vallformosa.
The sold-out tasting event was hosted by Erica Marrone, a fountain of knowledge on all things wine, while each drink was accompanied by tapas from head chef Adrian Hawkins.
Erica guided us through the Spanish voyage of food and drink, prefacing each beverage with an explanation of what it was, where it came from and how it was made.
First up was an alcohol-free cava mixed in a Carmelita spritzer - a fresh and citrusy palate cleanser that was the perfect opening number.
The Carmelita spritzer and oysters (Image: The Argus) It was accompanied by oysters, pickled ginger, cucumber reseda and mint oil. The first pairing was just harmonious, with the complementary light and zingy notes making for a refreshing starter.
The next three courses were joined by a glass of cava, although each was distinctly different.
First was the organic brut cava, a classic glass of crisp dry sparkling wine, with prawn ceviche on prawn crisp with prawn head aioli - a satisfyingly fresh and tender entry.
The organic brut cava with prawn ceviche (Image: The Argus) Next up was the blue fin cava, crafted specifically to accompany blue fin tuna, and raw tuna on tostada. The softness of the tuna contrasted with the crunchy tostada was a great match.
The last of the cava was the cava rosada, one of our top choices of the night, with a gilda of boquerone.
Erica then moved us away from the sparkling numbers into still wines, with an introductory glass of Malvasia de Sitges - a gorgeous and smooth white wine and our favourite of the night.
Malvasia de Sitges with monkfish (Image: The Argus) This wine was made in Sitges, which Erica described as the Brighton of Catalonia.
The glass of grape heaven was joined by monkfish in bone sauce, which had a delicious meatiness while the flavoursome broth was nicely mopped up with bread.
The following course moved us into red wine territory with a cap de pera D.O.terra alta, which was described as an ideal summer tapas wine.
Ox tongue adobo with cap de pera D.O.terra alta (Image: The Argus)Erica explained that the name of the wine roughly translates to 'dreamer' - and wow was this course dreamy.
The wine washed down ox tongue adobo which was luxuriously rich and tender, making for a well-rounded deluxe experience.
For the final savoury course, we were treated to a smoked short rib empanada with cremoso salsa alongside a cap de pera D.O. monsant.
A smoked short rib empanada with cap de pera D.O. monsant (Image: The Argus) The dish was a complete melt-in-your-mouth dream, with the cheesy creaminess of the salsa elevating it to another level.
Last but certainly not least was a cheesecake-like treat - Monte Enebro on rosemary shortbread accompanied by a decadent line of honey.
This divine dessert removed the need for one of the most difficult choices at the end of a meal - cheese or pudding.
Monte Enebro on top of rosemary shortbread with Antich vermouth (Image: The Argus) To top it all off, we ended with a dash of Antich vermouth, formulated with caramel and orange tones and making for the ideal sweet finish.
Not only does Vallformosa produce fabulous wines but it is hot on sustainability.
The fully organic winery, which was founded in 1865, is the first in Spain with B Corp certification, meaning it meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
Erica Marrone who works for Vallformosa (Image: The Argus) Market was the perfect venue for the evening. The cosy and intimate bar made the event feel very exclusive, with a front row seat for Erica's fascinating tales.
We felt as though we were transported straight to Catalonia, aided by the fantastic food and drink.
We left the bar, or rather stumbled out, feeling completely enlightened by everything we had heard and tasted, eager to return for another heavenly but thoughtful experience at the Market.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
40 minutes ago
- USA Today
🍷 The 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience is back this fall: Buy tickets here
🍷 The 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience is back this fall: Buy tickets here Get your tickets for the fall festival in eight different cities. Enjoy local food and drink, demos and mixology classes. Foodies, wine lovers and cocktail connoisseurs, mark your calendars and prep your palates! The 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience is returning with a delicious fall tour across eight cities nationwide. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or just here for the snacks, this might just be the culinary road trip of the year. Kicking off on Saturday, September 20 in Denver, Colorado, and wrapping up in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, November 22, this year's Wine & Food Experience promises more flavor, flair and foodie fun than ever before. Check out the 2025 schedule below and get your tickets today! 'We're thrilled to bring the 2025 USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience to cities nationwide as we add San Antonio and West Palm Beach to this year's lineup,' said Nate Scott, Vice President of Sports Strategy & Events, Gannett I USA TODAY Network. 'This tour highlights local restaurants and businesses, celebrates regional flavors and creates a memorable experience for food and drink lovers in every community we visit.' Tickets to the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience are available at General Admission tickets cost $60 and include standard event entry at 1:00pm, a tasting cup, all food and beverage samples, access to mixology classes and more. Limited quantities of Early Admission tickets are available for $70, which includes early entry at 12:00pm to the full USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience. Buy tickets here Got your tickets? Shop popular summer essentials ahead of the festival More: 🥤 Stanley tumblers are as little as $15 at this crazy summer sale
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Beyond Rioja: 5 Underrated Spanish Wine Regions
Ronda, Spain at Puente Nuevo Bridge. Most travelers who come to Spain for wine often go to the same few places. Rioja. Jerez. Even Catalonia for cava. Spain remains one of the world's most influential wine-producing countries, with the largest vineyard area globally and the third-highest production in the European Union after France and Italy. As of 2024, domestic wine consumption reached 9.76 million hectoliters, a 1.3% increase from the previous year, driven in part by stable prices and a rebound in tourism that bolstered on-premise sales in restaurants and hotels. That same year, Spain's wine tourism industry was projected to generate $4.1 billion, representing 11% of the European market. Nearly 3 million people visited Spain for wine tourism in 2023, an 18.2% increase from the previous year. While much of this activity centers on established hubs like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the sector's expansion reflects broader interest in Spanish wine culture—including lesser-known regions now drawing attention for their distinct production methods and grape varieties. Beyond the major names, a quieter movement is reshaping the country's wine production and attracting a new kind of visitor as slow travel and quiet travel (and even silent travel) take greater hold over tourism. 'For discerning travelers or collectors, the Málaga wine region offers some incredibly unique finds,' says Nicky Lloyd, founder and CEO of Rootz Wine Tours, via email. 'In Axarquía and Manilva, look for aromatic muscat wines that showcase the purity and freshness of the Mediterranean landscape. Ronda's high-altitude wines have a distinct minerality and elegance that you won't find in many other places, offer a great ability to age and evolve over time. Antequera's wines, with a focus on local varieties and traditional winemaking methods, offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.' These five underappreciated regions are gaining attention among travelers seeking something unfamiliar. Lovers Rock in Antequera, Spain. Antequera sits at a crossroads in Andalucía. Its history stretches back millennia, but its wine production has largely remained outside the spotlight. Local producers work with grapes sourced nearby and focus on small-scale bottlings with distinct characteristics. The area's climate and elevation allow for flexibility in winemaking approaches, but production remains limited. What the region offers is accessibility and a quieter setting just outside the main tourist corridors. Between Seville and Málaga, Antequera is easily reached but often overlooked, offering a slower pace and a more personal experience with its wines. Lloyd notes there's also a real push here towards eco-conscious viticulture. 'Unlike some of Spain's larger, more industrial wine regions, Málaga's winemakers often work with small, family-run operations that prioritize sustainability as a way to preserve the land for future generations,' Lloyd says. 'Organic and biodynamic farming practices are becoming increasingly popular, especially in places like Ronda and Antequera, where the terrain and climate lend themselves to low-intervention farming. Producers here are dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint, using organic fertilizers, and embracing natural pest control methods." Frigiliana is a village in the province of Málaga, located within Axarquía, a comarca—or district—of Andalucía in southern Spain. To the east of Málaga, Axarquía clings to steep hillsides that resist mechanization. 'Axarquia remains a very traditional place for wine production in particular,' says Lloyd. 'Here, old-world techniques still shape the character of the wines. The only way to prune and pick the grapes is by hand. They still use mules to plough the hillside in between the vines." Lindsay Gregory, founder and director of the Luxury Villa Collection, suggests a lack of rain is the major factor as well. 'They have to use local autochthonous grape varieties and methods, which need less water because of this,' says Gregory. 'Also, many of the wineries are mostly bio-natural or organic, so they have to be totally in tune with the land." The region is known for sweet moscatel wines, though red romé grapes native to the area are also widely used. With more than 2,200 hectares under vine, Axarquía is part of the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga denominación and is home to numerous small wineries. Nearby Frigiliana is considered among the most scenic villages in Andalucía, and tastings are often paired with visits to whitewashed hill towns. Though not widely visited, Axarquía is the primary subzone for wine within the Málaga area, making it relatively easy to reach for those willing to move beyond the usual stops. El Puerto de Santa María in Andalucía, Spain. Part of the Cádiz-based Sherry Triangle, El Puerto de Santa Maria is frequently passed over in favor of Jerez de la Frontera. But this smaller town features historic bodegas and sherry houses producing high-quality wines with deep roots in the region's past. Producers focus on sherries including manzanilla, palo cortado and amontillado, often using methods passed down through generations. Family-run operations dot the town's narrow streets and offer access to tasting experiences in more intimate settings than those found in larger cities. El Puerto de Santa Maria is one of three key towns in the sherry-producing area, and though it receives less attention, it remains central to the region's identity. Traditional bodegas and aging facilities are still in use, and some are paired with on-site dining that features regional specialties. Ronda, Málaga, Spain. Perched above a deep gorge in southern Spain, Ronda has emerged as a serious wine destination with a focus on small, independent producers. "Malaga is a curious region. It has 49 wineries, 28 of which are in Ronda,' notes Lloyd. 'However, the area under vineyard is equally distributed between Axarquia, Antequera and Manilva. The majority of the wineries in Ronda are small boutique organic wineries with a production of less than 15,000 bottles per year. Whereas the coastal regions of Axarquia and Manilva mainly produce sweet wines and dry wines from muscat and Pedro Ximénez, Ronda has a greater focus on full-bodied, aged red wines.' Boutique operations work with varietals including petit verdot and malbec. Many tasting rooms are located just outside town, with views over the countryside and surrounding mountains. Some of the area's most noted wineries occupy restored historic buildings, including a 16th-century monastery. 'Ronda is definitely taking off as a wine destination in its own right,' says Gregory. 'The 'Sherry Triangle' is now firmly on the map thanks to local initiatives like International Sherry Week, which was founded by Chelsea Anthon 12 years ago, working with a growing list of English-speaking Sherry educators.' Lloyd echoes the growing tourism infrastructure in Ronda. 'The region has built up a solid following over the last 10 years for its consistently and well-made, high-quality, fruit-driven wines with good aging potential. The region offers an ideal climate for wine making with consistently warm springs and summers to encourage perfect ripening of the grapes.' Alquézar, Somontano de Barbastro, Huesca, an autonomous community of Aragón, Spain. Set at the base of the Pyrenees in Aragón, Somontano has become a center for experimentation and modernization. The region's name means 'beneath the mountain,' and its diverse topography supports both native and international grape varieties. Growers work with moristel, parraleta, syrah, gewürztraminer and merlot. Winemaking here gained momentum in the late 20th century, and many producers combine modern facilities with long-established techniques. Wineries such as Sommos and Viñas del Vero have helped shape the area's reputation for innovation. With fewer visitors and proximity to historic villages and national parks, Somontano appeals to travelers seeking a quieter destination. The wines are varied, with crisp whites and structured reds, and the setting offers a contrast to Spain's more heavily trafficked regions.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Laying the Foundation: How Catalonia Is Building a Global Animation Powerhouse
In 2023, Spanish animation stunned the world when 'Robot Dreams,' a melancholic tale of friendship and loss directed by Pablo Berger, earned an Oscar nomination. Though Berger hails from Madrid, the film was backed by the Barcelona-based Arcadia Motion Pictures, a detail that underscores a larger trend: Catalonia has quietly but steadily transformed into one of Europe's most exciting hubs for animation. Now, in 2025, the Catalan animation industry stands at a pivotal moment. With a wave of exciting new titles like 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake,' 'The Light of Aisha' and 'The Treasure of Barracuda,' and a robust ecosystem of institutions and talent behind them, this momentum no longer feels like a fluke; it feels like a movement. More from Variety Xilam and TF1 Team Up on Animated Series 'Turbo Twins' Ahead of Annecy, MIFA Dandelooo Cinéma Pre-Sells 'Born in the Jungle' to Several Key Territories (EXCLUSIVE) Australia's Pixel Zoo Animation Studios Launches L.A.-Based Original IP Unit Pixel Labs (EXCLUSIVE) Ahead of this year's Annecy Animation Festival, Variety spoke with the producers who are making waves in the region to better understand what's behind this creative boom and what challenges remain. Their insights reveal a sector rich in talent, grounded in community, and reaching for global influence. Public Support: The Cornerstone of Catalonia's Animation Boom Nearly everyone in the industry agrees: without consistent public investment, Catalan animation would not be where it is today. 'One of the key factors has been the strong public support for animated features from institutions like ICEC and ICAA,' says filmmaker and producer Alba Sotorra, referring to the Catalan government's film-TV agency and the Spanish film agency. She is currently developing the eco-fable 'Pink Punk Delta,' which will be presented at this year's MIFA Feature Pitches at Annecy. 'Their funding has made it possible for producers to take creative risks and develop ambitious projects'. Mikel Mas, producer of Annecy competition player 'Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake' – the first ever Catalan stop-motion feature – concurs. 'There's been a real push from the administration. ICEC, especially, has made a strong commitment to animation, both in series and feature films. That's what's made this moment possible.' This public investment isn't just symbolic. The creation of a dedicated animation funding line in 2017 allowed ICEC to finance hours of animated content each year, strengthening an industry that had once struggled to sustain itself. Education and Talent Development: A Pipeline of Excellence Talent has never been in short supply in Catalonia, but now, thanks to its educational infrastructure, it is more visible and employable than ever. Sotorra highlights the region's world-class institutions: 'Catalonia is home to some of the most respected schools in Spain and Europe, L'Idem, La Salle and master's programs at ESCAC and Pompeu Fabra. These schools are constantly training great professionals who feed directly into the local industry'. Marta Alonso, executive producer at Teidees and co-producer of the upcoming series 'Under the Sofa,' which the company will be sharing with distributors at this year's Annecy MIFA amrket, sees this as a core pillar of industry growth. 'There's always been talent, but now that talent is more visible because it's being nurtured. If we give people the opportunity to work and grow, the whole sector benefits'. Adding to this are grassroots institutions like Pepe School Land, which focuses on training with open-source software like Blender, lowering barriers to entry and encouraging diverse voices to join the field. International Co-Productions: A Strategic Imperative In today's global animation economy, few independent projects can be produced within a single territory. For Catalan producers, international co-productions are not only an advantage but a necessity. Peekaboo Animation's Iván Agenjo, who will be at this year's MIFA with his company's 2D series projects 'My Little Heroes,' 'WAW Resort' and 'BFFS!,' among other ambitious proposals, breaks it down: 'It's almost impossible to finance a project exclusively with funds from Catalonia or Spain. We always look for international partners, it's part of our DNA.' For Anna Shchur of Siesta Entertainment, whose current project 'Black Moth' is animated in Armenia with creative leadership in the U.S., this strategy is about quality and survival. 'Producing entirely in Catalonia is possible, but it's much more expensive. Co-producing gives us access to different markets, funding systems and talent pipelines.' Siesta will be showing off 'Black Moth' and its 2D kids' series 'Biggie and the Magic Bag' at this year's MIFA. However, co-production also comes with its own complexities. Alonso compares finding the right partner to 'finding the right person to marry… when it works, it's a miracle. When it doesn't, it's a nightmare.' Despite the challenges, these partnerships are crucial for accessing foreign markets. As Shchur notes, 'If you want to distribute in Canada or France, you often need to produce there. Co-production opens that door.' Grounded Storytelling with Global Appeal What truly sets Catalan films apart from the pack is not big-budget aesthetics or groundbreaking technological advances; it's a motivated base of talented and uniquely experienced artists using their craft to tell stories rooted in lived experience and featuring cultural authenticity. 'We have a creative mix that's very special here,' says Sotorra. 'Many animated films are made by directors who come from documentary or live-action backgrounds. They bring a different sensibility, grounded stories, emotional depth.' Mas sees this as a defining strength of 'Olivia,' which deals with childhood homelessness through stop-motion. 'The film speaks to a social issue, but in a way that's accessible to children. That balance, between the heavy and the hopeful, is what makes it powerful'. Agenjo notes that projects must walk a fine line: 'They can be rooted in local culture, but they have to resonate internationally. That's how we attract partners and distributors abroad.' Even commercial projects are incorporating more meaningful themes. Shchur's 'Black Moth' focuses on female empowerment and music as a means of identity-building. 'It's high-quality, and the narrative is strong,' she says. 'It's not just content, it's storytelling with purpose'. Distribution: The Lingering Weak Link For all its strengths, Catalan animation still faces significant hurdles in distribution, especially at home. 'It's actually harder to distribute in Spain than it is abroad,' Shchur admits. Alonso notes a discrepancy in support during and after production has wrapped: 'We need money not just to make the films, but to get them out into the world. Distribution is where we're lagging behind countries like France'. Mas adds that public broadcasters like RTVE and TV3 could be doing more: 'These are public institutions, they should be helping get culturally valuable films in front of more people. When a commercial film like 'Tadeo Jones' ('Tad the Lost Explorer') premieres, it's everywhere. Our films should get that kind of push, too.' There is hope, however. Initiatives like Eurimages and select E.U. distribution grants are beginning to make an impact. But as Mas argues, 'There's a double standard in animation. People expect us to get into Cannes and win awards, but also sell popcorn like Hollywood. We need to recognize both cultural and commercial success.' Looking Ahead With several major projects rolling out in 2025, including 'The Light of Aisha,' 'The Treasure of Barracuda,' and 'Hanna's Forgotten Christmas,' Catalan animation is poised to extend its winning streak. But sustaining this momentum will require more than creative excellence. It demands sustained public investment, better distribution strategies and a continued focus on international collaboration. 'If we maintain the key pillars: public funding, high-level education, international reach and authorial voice, Catalan animation can become a global reference for auteur animation,' says Sotorra. In short, Catalonia's animation industry isn't experiencing a bubble, but the laying of a foundation. And if nurtured properly, Catalonia may soon become one of the world's leading centers for animated storytelling. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Animated Program — Can Netflix Score Big With 'Arcane,' 'Devil May Cry' and the Final Season of 'Big Mouth?' What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025
