Cravings, Nueva Andalucia.

On Barrie’s way to Barcelona he sat next to a woman who had a terrible fluey-type cold and he ended up in a bad way.

His request to me for this week’s column was for a quality bowl of chicken soup aka Jewish Penicillin to put him to rights.

There is no doubt of the popularity of Jewish style delicatessen but strangely they seem to close as soon as they open on this Coast.

The exception to this rule is Chris of Cravings fame who has stood the test of time in three different locations and has just opened seven days a week in his latest and most spectacular location in Nueva Andalucia, Puerto Banus.

Chris is no stranger to Jewish style Deli Food, having been involved in the Nosh Bar in London years ago. The Cravings menu has expanded since my last visit, and now incorporates Greek Moussaka, lasagne, curry, chili and of course the obligatory bagels, chopped liver, and the ususal array of Jewish style fare.

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this type of food, and as Zak pointed out enthusiastically Jewish Food comes from all over the World.

Gloria, a novice at this type of fare chose the courgette fritter to start with. Barrie immediately chirped in to give the order a Jewish twist. ´Bring us some chopped liver and chopped herring to share´- this duly arrived with matzo, pickled herring and egg. Terrific. Gloria raved about her courgette – cooked with onion, garlic and feta cheese, a fabulous combination.

I decided to try the house white. A 2010 Rueda Visigodo, a brilliant little number at €12. Great value for Banus. Barrie’s starter of chicken soup arrived with lockshen and kanaidelas. Did the trick – shut him up for a while, and made his cold disappear instantaneously. I chose the fish balls to start with – and they were divine too. Jay is their excellent waitress and took good care of us, and Zak is a terrific front of house girl.

The salt beef at Cravings is legendary. This time it was the best ever. I chose mine with a toasted bagel, and some strong horseradish. Plus pickled cucumber. Barrie went for his with chips, what a surprise. Gloria picked at everything. She was keeping some room for the chocolate cake!  The salt beef got the thumbs up in a big way. Gloria thought that the new green cucumber was picante – I think she was overwhelmed!

It’s amazing how often you will meet wealthy people at Cravings – those who frequent Polo House, and those who own it, to sample the excellent eggs Benedict! Indeed so popular now that we are getting to the point where Barclays Bank next door are telling their customers that they are located next to Cravings.

Our meal wasn’t over yet, though. Barrie ordered lockshen pudding with golden syrup, and Gloria went for her chocolate cake. Both home made and delicious. Gloria was so enthusiastic that she booked a table for Sunday lunch.

The Sunday lunches at Cravings are gaining momentum too. Quality roast beef, chicken and turkey, all served with roast potatoes, mash, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, cabbage and cauliflower cheese. Only €14 for 2 courses, or €15 with one of their excellent home made puddings.

Excellent value too. Cravings also keep themselves busy with takeaways – I saw many people come and go with their orders while I was there. All great stuff, and Chris deserves your support now that they are open 7 days a week from 8 till 6.

Remember, you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy their excellent cuisine, but if you are, Happy New Year!

Cravings, Centro Comercial Iberico. Local 3, Nueva Andalucia (next to Barclays Bank) Tel. 952 818 732 or 607 864 014

Allow €10 per head excluding wine