I will have always a special place in my heart for El Portal de Echaurren. It was one of my first fine dinning experience a few years ago and since them I always wanted to come back.
El Portal opened in 2002 and it was recently renovated in February 2011, trying to push it to the next level or the next Micheline star
This restaurant / hotel has 2 areas:
- Restaurante Echaurren tradición: this is the traditional Rioja cuisine restaurant managed by Marisa Sanchez. Her croquetas are one of the most famous in Spain.
- El Portal de Echaurren: this is the modern part of the restaurant managed by Marisa’s sons: Francis Paniego the chef and his Sommelier brother.

There is no better restaurant in Spain that represent the evolution of Spanish cuisine, where modern look meets traditional organic fresh flavors.
We went to the modern El Portal in February to see the renovated dinning area and it was an unforgettable experience, specially after an amazing day in Rioja wineries.

The menus are seasonal, and change every few weeks. There are 2 degustation menus, and you can order a la carte too.
No matter what you choose, Francis and family will take care of you.

In winter 2011 this was the long degustation menu:

snacks

Teja de pipas y Pan de aceitunas negras

Las croquetas que le quitamos a mi madre.

Corte de queso y miel

10 TAGLIATELE DE REMOLACHA  con mejillones de roca y sopa de cacahuetes

Tapas

11 CARPACIO DE GAMBA ROJA, tartar de tomate y ajo blanco

11 ANGULAS FRESCAS, bajo un velo traslucido, berros y vinagreta.

11 CARDO ROJO  con ceniza de sarmientos

11 BAJO UN MANTO DE HOJAS SECAS.

Platos

10 CHIPIRON LEVEMENTE CURADO EN SAL Y ASADO,
y su bombon liquido de tinta

This is what happens when the  ink explotes..

10 CIGALA DE GALICIA ,
acompañando a unos puerros asados y su caldo clarificado.

02 MERLUZA A LA ROMANA CONFITADA A 45 º
sobre  pimientos asados y sopa de arroz.

08 RABITO DE CORDERO GLASEADO
con un toque de jengibre y hortalizas frescas

Postres

11 MOJITO CON PLATANO Y MENTA

00 TOSTA TEMPLADA CON QUESO DE CAMEROS
manzana  y helado de miel

Petit Fours

Financiera, piruleta de chocolate, gominola de tempranillo y teja de almendra.

New El Portal Dinning area

Tis place is located in a small village in the middle of the mountains and it is a secret gem for people outside Spain. A great destination for anybody visiting Rioja region for their unique flavors, service and presentation.

I can see the 2nd Micheline star coming soon, thanks for the ride to happiness.