Mónica

Churreria Española

I have been hearing about “The Churros Place” in Queensway and I have been wanting to go there for some time now. I went to Queensway last week looking for it, but couldn’t find it. I guess because I expected it to be right on the high street. Today however, I printed out a map just to make sure I would be able to find it.

When I got there it was not exactly what I expected. I thought it would be more upmarket and conformed to most restaurants type cafes. That didn’t put me off, as I wanted to see what it was all about and have my own judgement of the place.

As I walked in the place, I wasn’t sure where to sit, if I had to be seated or if I was going to have to order and then sit. The waitress told me eventually that she would bring me the menu. As I was about to sit down the camarero (waiter) wiped the table for me, with that I said “gracias”, he responded with great surprise saying “habla español!” he then turned the first waitress I met and told her in Spanish, “get her order, she speaks Spanish”. I tried clarify that I could barely speak it and kept saying “No, hablo muy poco”. Haha! That didn’t stop the waitress and carried out the whole conversation with me in Spanish. Telling me that these were the specials and then told me to follow her, “sígame”. I didn’t want to leave my bag unattended but then she caught on and told the waiter “iMire la bolsa de la chica!” (watch the bag of the lady) and he said “Como? arrebato la bolsa de la chica?” (what? take/snatch the bag of the lady?) hahahahahah!

She then took me to where the guy in blue is standing in the photo. Showing me all the specials, Estufado, and other yummy dishes. But then something caught my eye and something told me I wouldn’t just be having my Churros con Chocolate! hahaha! Yup, Paella. Any one who knows me that, that is my biggest weakness! But then she took me to the side which was near the kitchen and she said “Guapa, mire este estufado.” at the same time scooping up a ladle full to show me what was in it. She really knows how to tempt someone! In all that she was explaining to me the only word I kept managing to say was “Si… Si… Si…” Haha! I then sat down and looked at the menu to see if I had missed something. I was quite disappointed looking that most of the things on the menu had been British food! But it’s okay, they still had Spanish food on the menu. She started to take my order and I asked her how big the Paella was, hoping it would be small so that I would have space for my Churros! haahah! She replied by telling me that she could give me half portion if I wanted. I love this place already! I love good food but I can’t eat huge portions.

I sat there absorbing the vibe of the place. I loved it. It was simple almost feels like a canteen vibe but it isn’t. It wasn’t pretentious at all. It feels very cozy as if you are dinning in someones home. There were several Spanish people eating there and I loved watching them order the food and hearing them speak in Spanish. People speaking to each other in the other table but not being intrusive. Just a polite way of acknowledging your fellow diner and countrymen.

As I sat waiting for my paella, I thought that it would be great if this place sold some Sangria or wine. As if someone read my thoughts, the waiter brought these two elderly men a bottle of wine. He offered the wine to the hombres as if they were in a fancy restaurant. How civilized! I was loving every minute of what I was observing! This was soon destroyed when two British guys sat down and ordered “a plate of chips, sausage and eggs sandwich and a cuppa tea” — you are at the wrong place mate! This place is wasted on you! Hence why their menu had 2 types of food. Anyhoo…

My Paella arrived and although it wasn’t the best Paella I’ve had (my sister and I make the best Paella haha!) nevertheless, I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved watching the Spanish people dinning there and the owner and waiters making it such a homey atmosphere. It made me feel that indeed perhaps I do belong in that side of the world

I found it quite funny cause a group a Spanish gentlemen in their suits arrived and asked of a table. The waiter asked them in Spanish how many are there of them and this elderly gentleman said “viente ocho” hahahahhahaha! Obviously, 28 persons wouldn’t be able to fit in the restaurant let alone in a table! hahah!

After I had finished my lunch, the waiter took my plate away and I ordered my “un Churros con chocolate”. He responded by saying “You came aaalllll the way here JUST to have ONE Churro?!” Hahhahaha!

The churros was okay, nothing spectacular. The hot chocolate was divine. But like I said even if the food was not to my expectation, the place was fantastic. I will definitely be visiting them soon again.

Adios!