Dec 26

Dec 26 Risotto in Toledo

TOLEDO, SPAIN. Going up and down for 3 hours in the streets of Toledo made my tummy crave for nourishment. That is why when we were introduced to this place that apparently offer a nice plate of Risotto, we immediately grabbed it without even considering the fact that we are about to eat an Italian dish in a Spanish city. Tucked at the end of Calle Alfonso VI, Restaurante Virgen de La Estrella can be reached by entering at the Puerta de Alfonso VI and traversing the said street. We were served first with a bottle of red wine which for me makes for a nice appetizer more than the bread and which surprisingly works at any given time of the day.

While still munching the hard bread that is so common in European cities, we were served with the Chicken Risotto. The first bite literally exploded in my mouth. Though the ones I had in Rome were already good on their own, this seriously took the dish in a different level. There were bits of carrots, peas and green beans in there mixed magnificently with the lovely, textured rice. It was so amazing that I am still dreaming about it while I am writing this post.

Though we were still pretty hung up with the Risotto, the waiters already took our plates and gave as a choice between an Ice Cream and Custard for dessert. I got the Custard because I can always get the Ice Cream anytime I like. It turned out to be another good decision I made that day as the slight sweetness of the Custard did it for me. The custard or Natillas, as the Spanish call it, is normally made with milk, sugar, vanilla, eggs and cinnamon powder. The difference it has with the English and French custard is mainly related to the consistency. Apart from the consistency, you will also be able to tell that this is the Spanish version if it is topped with some biscuit. I personally loved the idea as the biscuit added texture to the custard.

An intimate place to eat, this is a restaurant that I would gladly recommend to anyone who is looking for a lovely Risotto meal in Toledo. Having had that experience, I think I would associate now Risotto with Toledo. I have only been in the walled city twice for a day trip but I can proudly say that I had wonderful and memorable meals in there in both occasions.