Challenge - best patatas bravas in Spain?

[SmithsInFrance]

We’ve been coming to Vilanova y la geltru for some years at Christmas time and have also done quite a bit of touring in Spain.

In our opinion (!) The best patatas bravas are at the bar la xirla on the front at Vilanova. Every year it is slightly different, this year we were shocked to see that it had aioli as well as the traditional bravas sauce (which we are pretty sure is homemade as it is) But it worked! And still our favourite.

Disclaimer #1 this is our opinion only of course
Disclaimer #2 we have given up trying them anywhere else as we are always disappointed

Here’s the photo, apologies but we did test them before taking the photo as you will see

 

[SmithsInFrance]

PS we just went to test them again for you, we are taking this very seriously

 

[nicholsong]

We’ve been coming to Vilanova y la geltru for some years at Christmas time and have also done quite a bit of touring in Spain.

In our opinion (!) The best patatas bravas are at the bar la xirla on the front at Vilanova. Every year it is slightly different, this year we were shocked to see that it had aioli as well as the traditional bravas sauce (which we are pretty sure is homemade as it is) But it worked! And still our favourite.

Disclaimer #1 this is our opinion only of course
Disclaimer #2 we have given up trying them anywhere else as we are always disappointed

Here’s the photo, apologies but we did test them before taking the photo as you will see
View attachment 994137

I am not sure exactly what I am seeing.

Please describe and give an idea about how it is all prepared. TIA

Geoff

 

[sonny]

Chips with skin on plus HP

 

[SmithsInFrance]

Patatas bravas is never a pretty, dainty dish, but these potatoes are thin slices with skins on, cooked to crispy edges but soft middles perfection, topped with equal amounts of aioli (garlic mayonnaise - i know, strictly speaking they should be disqualified for this, but it works!!) and homemade bravas sauce.

Potatoes are always cooked to perfection, never overdone, bravas sauce is just scrumptious. I rest my case

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[SmithsInFrance]

Chips with skin on plus HP

NO! NO! NO !! Oh dear, feeling upset

 

[Pugsy]

Never seen patata bravas like that before here in Spain! That's potato wedges to me . However they are as you say different from place to place,for me they are normally roast potato cubes with a spicy sauce but I love them and your plate looks ace .I bet you enjoyed them.
Cheers Cris

 

[Barriesimpson]

We’ve been coming to Vilanova y la geltru for some years at Christmas time and have also done quite a bit of touring in Spain.

In our opinion (!) The best patatas bravas are at the bar la xirla on the front at Vilanova. Every year it is slightly different, this year we were shocked to see that it had aioli as well as the traditional bravas sauce (which we are pretty sure is homemade as it is) But it worked! And still our favourite.

Disclaimer #1 this is our opinion only of course
Disclaimer #2 we have given up trying them anywhere else as we are always disappointed

Here’s the photo, apologies but we did test them before taking the photo as you will see
View attachment 994137

I would suggest that those are frozen chips bought in the local Mercadona, so I'm sorry to say they cannot possible be the best.

 

[SmithsInFrance]

No They aren’t chips, photo not good but I’m sure they aren’t ( but what do i know, only that they passed the dribble down the chin test)

 

[Barriesimpson]

No They aren’t chips, photo not good but I’m sure they aren’t ( but what do i know, only that they passed the dribble down the chin test)

I'm sure they were wonderful, the most important thing being that you enjoyed them. But let me tell you, as I have lived in Spain for more than 40 years, you still haven't found the greatest 'patatas bravas' ever, because they all do them differently (there is no hard rule) and I probably haven't either. So let's continue on the quest.

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[Riverbankannie]

I'm sure they were wonderful, the most important thing being that you enjoyed them. But let me tell you, as I have lived in Spain for more than 40 years, you still haven't found the greatest 'patatas bravas' ever, because they all do them differently (there is no hard rule) and I probably haven't either. So let's continue on the quest.

How would I ask for them without any sauce? I am allergic to allium They look nicer than just chips

 

[Barriesimpson]

How would I ask for them without any sauce? I am allergic to allium They look nicer than just chips

Patatas bravas, pero sin la salsa por favor. Gracias. By the way, what is allium?

 

[Riverbankannie]

Patatas bravas, pero sin la salsa por favor. Gracias. By the way, what is allium?

Onion, garlic, leeks and chives are the allium family

 

[Barriesimpson]

Onion, garlic, leeks and chives are the allium family

Well the sauce for patatas bravas would normally be a chili type so quite possibly onions are involved in the making of it, garlic too, so I can understand you not wanting it as you can never be sure. Korean Kimchi sauce has no garlic, onion or leeks in it - that is probably the sauce you need. But don't expect Spanish tapas bars to have that, sorry. Maybe buy some and take it with you in your handbag?

 

[Riverbankannie]

Well the sauce for patatas bravas would normally be a chili type so quite possibly onions are involved in the making of it, garlic too, so I can understand you not wanting it as you can never be sure. Korean Kimchi sauce has no garlic, onion or leeks in it - that is probably the sauce you need. But don't expect Spanish tapas bars to have that, sorry. Maybe buy some and take it with you in your handbag?

I am used to no sauce so now prefer it, vegetarian too !! Makes eating out a bit tricky.
Hopefully the hotel we are going to in Maspolonas will have an extensive buffet selection.

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[SmithsInFrance]

I'm sure they were wonderful, the most important thing being that you enjoyed them. But let me tell you, as I have lived in Spain for more than 40 years, you still haven't found the greatest 'patatas bravas' ever, because they all do them differently (there is no hard rule) and I probably haven't either. So let's continue on the quest.

Well you’ve got me thinking and i shall be stalking the mercadona frozen food aisles next week to check out the potatoes .

In the Meantime, not that we are obsessed or anything, but anyone else got any recommendations there we can try??

 

[Barriesimpson]

I am used to no sauce so now prefer it, vegetarian too !! Makes eating out a bit tricky.
Hopefully the hotel we are going to in Maspolonas will have an extensive buffet selection.

Maspalomas?

 

[Riverbankannie]

Maspalomas?

Sorry, yes, knew it was something like that ! Got to look up hotel name as cannot memorise it, Lopesan Costa Meloneras

 

[Barriesimpson]

Sorry, yes, knew it was something like that ! Got to look up hotel name as cannot memorise it, Lopesan Costa Meloneras

A very nice hotel. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Just smiffy]

Mc,cains spicy wedges….

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[Barriesimpson]

Mc,cains spicy wedges….

Best you leave the room Just smiffy.

 

[SmithsInFrance]

Well Barriesimpson I’ve just stalked Mercadona and you were right. I am devastated
Next thing you will be telling me there’s no Father Christmas
So i will take a few bags home with me, some consolation
Can you redeem yourself by making a suggestion for the best bravas sauce to buy? Pretty please

 

[andyman]

Well Barriesimpson I’ve just stalked Mercadona and you were right. I am devastated
Next thing you will be telling me there’s no Father Christmas
So i will take a few bags home with me, some consolation
Can you redeem yourself by making a suggestion for the best bravas sauce to buy? Pretty please
View attachment 995088

Got a bag for tea tonight. From the Mercdona opposite Bonterra.

 

[Barriesimpson]

Well Barriesimpson I’ve just stalked Mercadona and you were right. I am devastated
Next thing you will be telling me there’s no Father Christmas
So i will take a few bags home with me, some consolation
Can you redeem yourself by making a suggestion for the best bravas sauce to buy? Pretty please
View attachment 995088

I don't buy the braca sauce, but I do believe they sell one. Make sure it's their own one (Hacendado).

 

[Peavy]

Ok ok, me and my wife have 80+ years of experience altogether. Best patatas bravas of Spain (that means of the world) are the ones in Bar Juvera in Logroño. Case is rested

PS: ok, there are a lot of great places to eat them, but, the bravas there are not frozen but are homemade and they only serve patatas bravas, no other dish. There's not even place to seat. You eat bravas, you leave for the next stop.

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[SmithsInFrance]

Ok ok, me and my wife have 80+ years of experience altogether. Best patatas bravas of Spain (that means of the world) are the ones in Bar Juvera in Logroño. Case is rested
View attachment 995135
PS: ok, there are a lot of great places to eat them, but, the bravas there are not frozen but are homemade and they only serve patatas bravas, no other dish. There's not even place to seat. You eat bravas, you leave for the next stop.

Thank you Peavy I’ve looked it up on Google maps and will tie in very nicely with a Rioja tour in the planning for next year (don’t tell MrS as I’m not sure he is up to speed with all the plans yet ).
The reviews on trip advisors are really good too. Many thanks

If we can just get enough other suggestions, it could be a potatoes bravas tour of Spain (probably a winter job to accommodate elasticated waistbands )

 

[Peavy]

potatoes bravas tour of Spain

That sounds like a good plan
But, be aware, calle Laurel in Logroño is more than bravas, all kind of great tapas there, you're gonna love it.

 

[Mr porky]

We don't normally get patas bravas as it seems its done to death and always ordered by the English couple from Birkenhead for a true Spanish experience.
Sorry seriously we will try to find some good examples, I may even do some tomorrow with our sirloin steak we picked up today

 

[Lynne Roy]

My favourite are in Tereul, opposite the police station in a little row of shops, there is a bar and theirs are my favourite x