A restaurant with a long history
As soon as I enter the Motel, the restaurant of the historic Hotel Empordà in Figueres, I meet Jaume Subirós, who greets me kindly as he pushes the dessert cart towards the dining room. It is clear that he remains the soul of the place. Jaume is a key figure in Catalan gastronomy and restaurants, and he recently received a tribute at the Boqueria market. It is comforting to know that he has no intention of retiring, as he is a great professional and a well-liked person.
Quality Catalan cuisine
The Motel is a special place. After looking at the menu, I decide to try the Seasonal Flavors tasting menu. I accompany the meal with a white wine from Empordà, Cartesius, which is elegant and complex in aromas. I start with a brioche with piquillo as an appetizer, followed by a garlic tomato cream with cod, olives and chickpeas. This dish is tasty and refreshing. I continue with a nightingale and apricot omelette, a specialty of the region. Afterwards, I feast on the Mediterranean serviola, a little-known but excellently flavored fish. Next I am served a “croque-monsieur” pork royale with stale wine and tarragon perfume. This dish is exceptional and melts in your mouth. To burn off the fat, I’m served a rosé cava sorbet before enjoying a cream-filled puff pastry for dessert. All the dishes are spectacular and show the quality of the Motel’s cuisine.
A story of tradition and excellence
The Motel is an establishment with a long history. It was founded by Josep Mercader 65 years ago and Jaume Subirós, who was a grom at the time, ended up becoming his son-in-law and taking over the income from the business after Mercader’s death. Since then, Jaume has maintained the spirit of Catalan cuisine that Josep Pla liked so much and has brought the restaurant to excellence. The Motel Empordà is an essential place for lovers of good cuisine, whether they are visiting the Costa Brava or not.
conclusion
In short, the Motel is a restaurant with a long history and an excellent reputation. Jaume Subirós continues to be the soul of the place and offers quality Catalan cuisine. The Seasonal Flavors tasting menu is an excellent option to try the restaurant’s most outstanding dishes. If you are looking for a unique gastronomic experience on the Costa Brava, Motel Empordà is the perfect place for you.