What better way to spend Saturday night than enjoying the The Pines menu de la noche? It’s been a while since we ate at The Pines, and I have no idea why we haven’t been back sooner. We have always loved the food here, and I happened to be on Facebook the other day, when they published their Menu De La Noche for this weekend, and I said to Soph, “book us in please”, so she did.
One good thing about this menu is that there is a fish option and also what I call a ‘ proper veggie option’ for those who are vegetarian and also don’t eat fish.
What We Had
Well, we had the Menu De La Noche, I ordered a Coke Zero with my meal, Soph a still water, as there is a drink included. We both ordered an additional Coke Zero during the meal.
When our drinks were brought and our order taken, we were pleasantly surprised when a lovely entree was brought out, a small salad, meat and cheese, with bread sticks and a tasty hummus. A nice way to start the meal.
Starters
The Jerk Chicken was my choice. I love this, a traditional Jamaican dish with rice and peas that had a nice kick of heat, without being too hot. The chicken was lovely and tender.
Soph chose the Tomato And Cheese Ravioli, which was tasty, fresh, colourful and very enjoyable. I did laughing say to her, ” You just needed 1 piece of bread to mop up the sauce that was left”.
Mains
This was a little bit of a dilemma for me, as I was originally going to do with the Cajun Spiced Steak, but I was torn between that and the Pork Loin, because this came with a mushroom and Blue Cheese sauce. The Pork Loin won the day.
My pork was fantastic, proper thick cut steaks of pork, none of this a slither cut with a razor blade. It was tender, and there was ample sauce both over the top and also in a side jug too.
Soph chose the catch of the night, which was breaded Hake. A large portion, tasty fish, with the most devine shrimp sauce.
A selection of fresh veg was also brought to the table, with plenty for the both of us.
Dessert
As soon as I heard Sticky Toffee Pudding, I knew Soph would have that as her choice, and actually, I was going to go with that too, until the words ‘ Baileys Cheesecake ‘ reached my ears.
Soph had the sticky toffee and I stole a tiny bit to taste and it was the best I have tasted in a long time. Rich and moist, this was very tasty, even before I tasted the toffee sauce. This comes with either custard of ice cream; Sophie chose the ice cream. If you want an indulgent dessert, try this one!
My Cheesecake was very good, you got the faint aroma of Baileys before the spoon got to my mouth. Tasty, enjoyable and a lovely way to round off the meal.
What We Liked
The food was beautiful. there is no two ways to say this, really. I enjoyed every mouthful. Service is at a relaxed pace, which ensures you get each course nice and fresh, plus you don’t feel rushed. I know we have been to places for a menu del dia and been in and out in 35 minutes, for a 3 course lunch as the food is brought out at warp speed. This is the complete opposite, a nice, leisurely service.
Booking is easy, again another plus point.
Another huge positive is that there are no supplements on dishes. I love this, as nothing annoys me more when you get a menu with 5 mains and 2 carry an additional charge.
What Could Be Improved
Regarding the food, nothing at all. We had been charged for 3 additional soft drinks, despite only ordering an additional one each, but this was quickly resolved.
What It Cost For The Pines Menu De La Noche
The bill for our very enjoyable menu de la noche was 41,90€
The menu itself is priced at 18,95€ per person, including a drink.
Our additional soft drinks were 2€ each.
Would We Return To The Pines
Again, this is a huge yes. The food was fabulous. Their Sunday lunch menu looks very good too, so we’ll give that a try at some point, when the summer is over, and the temperatures drop. As I mentioned earlier, we have always enjoyed the food on our previous visits, either as a couple or when we have gone with friends.
Steve is a chef who produces great food, and if you have never been, you should give them a try.
How To Find The Pines In Benijofar
They’re on Facebook with their contact details and menus.
It’s very easy to find, even though it isn’t on the main road through Benijófar. Simply enter their name into your satnav, or use the address: Plaza de la Inmaculada Concepción, Benijófar.
If you’re coming from the AP-7 via the CV-920, continue until the roundabout near Oasis Bar. Follow it around to the right and up the hill along Avenida Federico García Lorca.
On your left, you’ll see Calle Doña Paz, which is signposted for the town hall. Turn left there and continue up the slight hill. Pines is just on the left, beside the small row of shops.
Please note they don’t accept credit or debit cards for payment, so ensure you have cash, although they do accept Revolut or Bizum.
We knew this in advance and they do advertise this on their menus.
