Calçotada at Alquimia

I used to live in Putney for many years. Just two minutes from East Putney station. We used to walk everywhere and explore the very  few places in the area. The high street has always been busy with some fashion, department stores, a few cafes and pubs. Just before I moved out of this area in 2005; the white derelict buildings by the river and surrounding areas were developed into smart residencies, trendy bars and restaurants. It was the start of a vibrant,  youthful professionals and families living in Putney.  I’ve been back since and have noticed the ever-changing landscape.

Alquimia is a spruced up establishment by the river in Putney, serving vibrant, distinct  and current tapas, cured meats, fish and classic Iberian dishes. The only negative is the lack of curb appeal. Apert from that,  Alquimia is a very nice dining room. Last week they hosted  a very entertaining Calçotada. We start the proceedings with a delicious  Cava Vilarnau that came in  the most beautiful bottle I’ve ever seen.

Calçotada is an annual event in Tarragona, Catalonia. It  celebrates  the harvest of Calçot, a long spring onion with a sweeter taste during the winter months. The calçots are grilled until charred, wrapped up in foil or newspapers, served on terracotta tiles and eaten after being peeled by hands by dipping one by one in romesco sauce. The drinks of choice to go with it is usually cava or red wine.  It is followed by roasted vegetables, grilled meat platter, sausage and  white beans stew.  It is a fun feast!

Pa amb tomaquet – bread tomato, olive oil, garlic and ailoli

Calçots and grilled meat platter – Butifarra catalana (sausage), Txistorra (thin chorizo) and  Cansalada (Catalan bacon)

mongetes del ganxet – Catalan style white beans – very tasty – love it!

porrón

Accompany the calçotada ritual usually with Spanish Cava, which the Spanish sip from a traditional glass pitcher, known as porrón, featuring a spout stemming upwards from the bottom that gradually tapers off to a small opening.

Crema Catalana and Coca de forner

Dessert was a rich, creamy custard and hard caramel topping; Crema Catalana served with Coca de forner (Catalan style biscuits)

Alquimia hosted a truly delicious Calçotada.  The service was very friendly and relaxed. The atmosphere was vibrant. We tasted a delectable and refreshing  Cava Vilarnau,  a very nice red wine Habla del Silencio 2011 V.D.T Extremadura Tempranillo/Shiraz/C.Sauvignon and we tried some sweet José Pariente “Apasionado” and  NOE Pedro Ximenez.

Carajillo

We finish our feast with a Carajillo, an espresso with a dash of brandy and lemon peel.
WOW what a feast!  Calçotada  season is almost over, I can’t wait for my next adventure in food at Alquimia.  For more on this lovely lunch head over to Andrew’s blog

Alquimian  (closed)
Brewhouse Lane,
London SW15 2JX