La Mancha Review

Best for: paella dishes for two on a very hungry night.

Great: fried aubergines which look like crisps but taste like heaven.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza go around the world searching for adventures. Their starting point is “La Mancha”, a very picturesque region in central Spain. Before leaving home, our chevalier and his esquire want to have a colossal feast, since they know they won’t be able to eat like that again any time soon.

Don Quixote approaches his lady Dulcinea, asking her to prepare a fabulous dinner as a farewell gift; this is especially considered for Sancho – to be true - who is known for being constantly famished.

The lovely Dulcinea, tired to a sweat from working around the stove, suggests to her gentle chevalier to dine at the local Tavern, whose Spanish/Italian owner has the fame of leaving his guests “grasping for air” after the magnificently, abundant meals he is able to put in front of them.

Dulcinea’s sweatiness is irresistible and Don Quixote abides her request dragging along the epicurean Sancho, who is nothing but happy at the prospect of filling up his considerable belly.

The Tavern is painted with orange colours and embellished by various canvases, printed on paper; famous Spanish painters, yet to exist, but already vivid in the imagination of Don Quixote, such Picasso, Dali’, and Miro’; exciting names for an exciting dream.

The host, Salvatore, greets the two with a large smile and with a quick gesture that instructs the waiting staff to give the visitors their best.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sit at one of the big tables and order wine: they are thirsty and need energy to welcome the mighty meal that is about to be served. They look around. The Tavern is populated by many customers, both local and visitors. It is noisy but at the same time it is a place of rest for hungry travellers who have spent all day in the streets of La Mancha (aka Putney in south London).

The food arrives: it is plentiful and served in terracotta dishes. Vegetables, olives, bread, cheese, salted and preserved meat. Don Quixote whispers to Sancho that one day that meat will be called salami chorizo and will make Spain very loved by many across Europe. He has learnt it in one of his many dreams.

Salvatore the Host is really very friendly, he knows about Don Quixote’s pursuit of adventure and wants to make a good impression. Maybe he hopes to be mentioned in one of the many tales Don Quixote will speak to the numerous folk he will meet on the road.

More food arrives and this time it’s fish, meat and rice. Salvatore the Host calls it paella: another dish that will see Spain crowned Queen of the World.

Sancho is so at ease, eating and drinking and talking to the waiters, whilst Don Quixote doesn’t have room left in his stomach to host any more food. He is fantasising about Dulcinea and the following day, when they will start their journey at the crack of dawn.

Salvatore the Host orders a new type of sweet: it is called Tartufo and the mighty Sancho asks for it to be accompanied by some liquor. Salvatore the Host suggests limoncello!

Wait a minute, Don Quixote reflects, I am pretty sure that when we travelled last we had that type of food in another part of the world. I think that was Italy. This is not typical food from La Mancha. Perhaps Salvatore the Host gentleman is trying to present food from his birth place; he is from the beautiful island of Sicily, in Italy. Why does he have a Tavern in the middle of Spain, then?

“We have to depart Sancho,” Don Quixote announces, “we have celebrated enough, tomorrow is a new day in our lives.” Don Quixote and Sancho Panza will become true fantasy Spanish chevaliers and their adventures will be written and taught in Schools and Universities for the days to come!

Sancho is dragged outside, but before moving out he gulps a last spoon of Tartufo, really not interested where that delicious cake comes from.

The farewell is friendly: the host thanks and hugs our heroes and they walk away dreaming of tomorrow; Sancho Panza just a bit more hesitantly!
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Alessandra Frosoni 25 Jul 2012

La Mancha Description

A superb Spanish tapas bar and restaurant on Putney High Street, La Mancha is a popular restaurant with a first class reputation in South West London.

The popularity of La Mancha is based on its excellent service, good food and reasonable and inexpensive prices. This is the true taste of Spain with the attentive staff always looking out for your needs. You enter La Mancha via a large and bustling bar-brasserie area that has become a favourite with locals and visitors alike. From here, you can enjoy a variety of small hot and cold dishes in the traditional Spanish tapas style. The focus on sharing great food with good company is at the heart of the tapas dining concept. This is why so many families and friends choose La Mancha for social gatherings, special occasions and private parties.

La Mancha provides a welcoming atmosphere for all diners and is an ideal dining destination whether you live locally or just visiting....read more

Customer Reviews for La Mancha

Average (based on 1 votes): 1 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of La Mancha.

“Would like to be more like "real" Spanish food”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Elena, London (9 months 25 days ago)

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Spanish
• Dress Code: Not Specified
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)