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The Wild Asparagus Hunters are Out and About

It´s that time of year. Cars parked in odd places, the solitary person - usually a man, popping up above a bank or from behind an olive tree. The hunters of the wild aparagus are here. The plentiful rain scattered with a day or two of sunshine has brought them out in droves. Some have their route, others instinctively know where to go. They appear, walking back to their cars, with a huge bundle of foot long green spears of asparagus. And off they go, probably not to be seen for another year - or another week if the rain continues. No matter how hard the shoots try and hide the older men hunt them down with stick in hand, to fob off the spiky old growth, and uncover the tender new stems of wild asparagus. Everyone has their favourite way of cooking them but the most common seems to be in a Tortilla - the thick Spanish potato omelette to which you can add anything that comes to hand - or is hunted down. My one or two shorter stem finds don´t come close to the experienced hunters catch. I...
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Hotel Cortijo del Marques - A Return Journey

One of my favourite types of hotels is owner-run and historical. I´m a lover of ancient wooden doors, that have seen generations pass through their doors. On a recent one night escape I headed to the wonderful Hotel Cortijo del Marqués deep in the countyside of Granada province yet only twenty minutes drive to that incredibly fascinating provincial capital - Granada city.

The city was not my destination on this quick get away, it was peace and enforced relaxation that I sought, and got. After leaving the main Madrid - Granada road a decent 4km track winds through olive groves and farmland to the Cortijo an ancient manor house bestowed to a Marques when Granada fell from Moorish control. 


The walled manor house has a gorgeous wooden gateway into a cobbled courtyard where tinkling fountains sit between the restaurant and the hotel reception. Pass by the chapel and through an inner entranceway into another cobbled  courtyard surrrounded by the hotel rooms, one corner of which hides the swimming pool with stunning mountain views.


I´d visited years ago to have a look around for my then new project Only Spain Boutique Hotels, and have followed its success over time, this was my first stay and dine. It didn´t disappoint. 

A set three-course dinner is available, changing every day. Check out the evenings menu at breakfast time to request any changes or dietary requirements. Spanish wines, and local ones when possible, are paired with the menu. The red Tres Cepas from Bodegas Muñana, Europe´s highest vineyard, in Granada was excellent. 




My bedroom the Señorial suite above one of the entrances with the chapel to the side was a delight. With original floor tiles and many lovely old features.






A marvellous away night at a glorious location or should I say destination - see Cortijo del Marques on Only Spain, its website or my review of it on Be Seeing You.

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