km 0: Andana by Maca de Castro

From waitress to Michelin star chef. What sounds like a fairy tale is the success story of one of the most influential female cooks in Spain and beyond. The Spanish noun estación means both station and season. One more reason for Maca de Castro to open her new restaurant Andana in Palma’s historic train station. The renowned chef has made a name for herself and her starred restaurant in Port d’Alcúdia. With passion and dedication for Mallorcan cuisine, for local and seasonal products from her own garden.

Andana’s menu is full of exceptional vegetable dishes. The amuse gueule, roasted cauliflower with chili pepper and cardamon sauce, put us on the right tracks. Yet, the first bite of my starter, grilled lettuce hearts with emulsified mustard and mint, was beyond expectation. And just as heavenly as the roasted aubergine with tahini sauce and loads of fresh herbs. I am addicted to mustard so I was delighted to discover that the solomillo comes with a sweet mustard sauce that perfectly accompanies the grilled meat. This time though, I only stole a few bites from the plate of my sweetheart and opted for the lentils with red prawns and shellfish coulis.

A dish that instantly brings back the memory of a day by the Mediterranean sea. You rarely get the opportunity to enjoy local food at this high level. The concept of km 0 holds true for the ingredients and the location. Because Maca de Castro chose exactly the km 0 point on Mallorca at Plaça d’Espanya for Andana. Where the lines from buses and trains meet all sorts of people come together. And enjoy the abundance of Mallorca. Traditional recipes in modern interpretation. I love the restaurant’s interior design but my favorite place is on the terrace near the former train tracks. Watching the passersby and the kids practicing street dance.