Menú de La Vieja Bodega: A Culinary Journey in Casalarreina Spain
At La Vieja Bodega, located in the heart of Casalarreina, La Rioja, Spain, diners embark on a flavorful adventure that masterfully blends traditional Spanish cuisine with contemporary flair. This menu overview highlights the exquisite starters, mains, desserts, and drinks offered at this beloved restaurant, renowned for its commitment to fresh local ingredients and authentic preparation.
Starters That Spark the Palate
Begin your dining experience with an array of tantalizing starters that showcase the rich flavors of the region. The Cremoso de queso de Cameros offers a luscious blend of local Cameros cheese, drizzled with olive oil and accented by fresh herbs. For meat lovers, the Tataki de buey features tender solomillo de buey lightly seared and garnished with toasted sesame, soy sauce, and sesame oil, delivering a perfect balance of umami and texture.
Seafood enthusiasts will delight in the Ensalada de centollo y tartar de aguacate, a refreshing crab salad paired with creamy avocado tartar and cherry tomatoes dressed in extra virgin olive oil. The Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, a prized delicacy, offers thinly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth acorn-fed Iberian ham, perfect for sharing or savoring alone.
- Terrina de foie-gras hecha en casa: House-made duck liver terrine paired with caramelized onions and spiced bread.
- Caprichos del Toloño: Seasonal mushrooms sautéed with garlic, parsley, and olive oil for a rustic taste of La Rioja.
- Huevo cocinado a baja temperatura: Perfectly slow-cooked egg with truffled potato sauce, boletus mushrooms, and confit pork cheek.
- Croquetas caseras de Ibérico: Homemade croquettes filled with Iberian ham and creamy béchamel sauce.
Hearty Mains Bursting with Tradition
The mains at La Vieja Bodega are a celebration of robust flavors and time-honored cooking techniques. The Carrillera de ternera braseada is a standout, featuring braised beef cheeks served alongside a silky potato purée infused with garlic and parsley, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Another must-try is the Rabo estofado y desmigado, a tender oxtail stew complemented by foie gras cream and a seasonal mushroom ragout that offers deep, earthy richness. For lovers of grilled meats, the Chuletillas de cordero lechal — succulent grilled lamb chops seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic, and parsley — promise a traditional La Rioja delight.
The Solomillo de vaca vieja madurada de Galicia is a true gem for steak aficionados, showcasing mature Galician beef tenderloin prepared with olive oil, garlic, and parsley to highlight the meat's natural flavors.
Decadent Desserts to End on a Sweet Note
Complete your meal with one of La Vieja Bodega's delightful desserts, each crafted to offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The Tarta de queso casera is a homemade cheesecake made with fresh cheese, eggs, sugar, and a crumbly biscuit base, offering a creamy yet light finish.
For those who adore chocolate, the Sopa de chocolate blanco is an irresistible white chocolate soup enriched with cream and served with crunchy biscuits. Alternatively, the Tarta de manzana presents a classic apple tart with a buttery shortcrust pastry and a delicate sprinkle of sugar, embodying comforting rustic sweetness.
Drinks and Specials to Complement Your Meal
La Vieja Bodega is renowned not only for its food but also for its extraordinary wine cellar, boasting over 500 selections expertly curated by their in-house sommelier to perfectly accompany your meal. Guests can also enjoy a variety of cocktails, coffee, beer, and a fine selection of wines, all served with attentive and friendly service. While dessert offerings do not extend to a separate menu, the exquisite sweets are available to satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Exceptional wine selection: Over 500 wines curated with expert sommelier guidance.
- Cocktails and more: Craft cocktails, coffee, and beer to suit every taste.
