Mysterious girl: La Juanita Cuina Fresca

In the summer months, La Juanita moves all tables to the sidewalk. A cool breeze blows through the alley to Plaça de Raimundo Clar. And in a way, Albert Medina’s restaurant has paved the way for the new gastronomic center of Sa Gerreria. Among young laurel trees, locals and travelers enjoy creative local cuisine. While the chef prepares the dishes in the open kitchen, his colleague Lorén attentively takes care of the guests.

Albert focusses on fresh local ingredients that he finds on Pere Garau, Palma’s nearby market. Accordingly, his menu is based on the seasonal offerings on Mallorca. Time and again he surprises his guests with unusual combinations. Like watermelon and chopped black olives as a starter, for example. Or wafer-thin coca with red peppers, sardines and horseradish, ¡estupendo! For the main course, fish, meat and seafood often make sophisticated combos as modern variations of traditional island cuisine. And for a sweet tooth like me the desserts at La Juanita Cuina Fresca are just the perfect finish.

Another highlight is the flatbread, freshly baked and still warm from the oven when it comes to your table. It reminds me of the ciabatta I always enjoyed on many trips to Italy. So I am looking forward to my next Mediterranean culinary excursion with La Juanita, wondering where it might take me.