Even after the elation of the new year has subsided, January is still a great month in Menorca. The fabulous sunny winter weather endures thanks to the annual Ses Seques de Gener,  allowing everyone to get out and exploring the landscape of the island. Its also considered one of the best times of the year to fish, as the sea is at its calmest this month.

Fishing Serranos

Great weather, enough free time, a bit of patience and a good fishing rod is all you need to try your luck at fishing in Menorca. A bit of talent and some decent bait would help as well, but it’s safe to say that the Mediterranean is an excellent place to cast a line. Fishing is a fundamental way of life for a lot of Menorcans; some as a profession all year round and many others as favoured pastime.

One of the most popular type of fish fall into the category of ‘Peix de Roca’ meaning ‘ Rock Fish’ which as the name suggests are a type of fish found in and around the rocky seabed of the island. Most of the time they are not too far from the shore, which means you don’t necessarily need a boat for fishing in Menorca. The trick of course is to know where to find them and to be there at the right time of day when the fish are hungry!

‘Peix de Roca’ are usually between 20 – 40cm and weigh on average up to 500g depending on the breed. Most of the breeds are attractive looking fish in a variety of colours and full of flavour due to their diet of feeding on baby seafood such as crabs and prawns. For bait, small pieces of calamari do the trick, which can be easily bought fresh from the supermarket and excess frozen for future fishing trips.

Donzella

Some of the more commonly found fish in this category include

Donzella – Rainbow wrasse
Esparrall – Annular bream
Vaca – Painted comber and
Serrano – Comber

Donzella is a narrow fish characterized by the yellow and electric blue horizontal lines that run down either side of the fish. They are small fish once grown to full size approximately 28cm.

Esparall

Esparrall are flat predominately silver fish with yellow fins and a black line around the tail and can reach up to 30cm in length.

At first glance Vacas and Serranos are quite similar; both are reddish brown tones and are normally fished at approximately the same size before reaching full growth.  The difference is in the details of each fish and the Vaca is a rounder shape compared to the Serrano which is more elongated.

Vaca

Vacas are distinguished by swirling pattern on their head and the vertical reddish brown lines as well as their plump roundish shape. If you are lucky you will pull out a full size fish at 27cm like the photo below.

Serrano

Serranos are browner in colour with horizontal orange and brown lines on the face and thinner vertical brown lines on the body. Full size Serranos can grow up to 40cm with a maximum weight of 700g, but you are unlikely to find these fish at full size anywhere but a fair distance away from the shore.

And how best to eat ‘Peix de Roca’?
Add a bit of salt, toss them in flour and lightly fry them in sunflower oil in a fry pan.

Serranos are also famous for being the best fish to make ‘Arròs Caldós de Peix’ which is a delicacy of Fish and Rice Soup. Stews and Soups with rice are a specialty of the island and for seafood and fish lovers this dish is a favourite along with ‘Caldereta de Langosta’ Lobster Stew and ‘Paella de Marisco’ Seafood Paella.

Next up, how to make ‘Arròs Caldós de Peix’ with Serranos.

Most of us know the modern carol of the 12 days of Christmas, but most of us have never celebrated the 12 days, nor would even know when they officially start or finish!

12 Foods of Christmas

You can’t escape the 12 Days of Christmas in Spain for the simple fact that the traditions, both religious and cultural, are so strong in this country. The Christmas celebrations start on Christmas Day and until the 6^th of January there are a series of celebrations,  public holidays, saints days and a lot of traditional food in between.

These include…

Boxing Day 26^th (St Stephen’s Day),
The Feast of the Holy Innocents 28^th (Day of the Innocents),
New Year’s Eve 31^st (the unofficial feast of the not so innocents)
New Year’s Day 1^st (Saint Basil’s Day)

… then a few days of shopping frenzy between the 2^nd and 5^th January (equal to the last few days before Christmas in other countries). Finally the parades of Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings) on the night of the 5^th January as they pass through every town to deliver presents to every house by the 6^th January – the Feast of the Epiphany.

It’s a nice change for Christmas Day to be the start and not the end of the 12 Day celebration, and that New Year falls in the middle. Instead of ‘back to work and normal life’ on the 2^nd or 3^rd of January, there is the rest of the week to look forward to and the presents shared with family on the Epiphany.  Christmas Day is celebrated in the traditional way with church attendance and an enormous lunch with family. The absence of the commercial aspect is an adjustment to those of us who are used to it, but in the end a lovely reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.

It wouldn’t be Spain or Christmas if food was not a fundamental part of the F4 equation that makes up every big annual celebration Family + Friends + Food + Fiesta.

Just for fun, we’ve highlighted 12 of the traditional Christmas foods eaten here during the 12 days of Christmas. As seen above from left to right starting from the top…

1. Turron – sweet like chocolate made with egg nuts and sugar
2. Porçella – Suckling Pig cooked in the oven
3. Pinyons – Sugar coated pine nuts
4. Polverons – Biscuit like sweet made with flour, ground nuts, lard and cinnamon
5. Jamon de Pata Negre – The highest quality cured ham sliced from the bone
6. Es Galets de Nadal – The large shell shaped pasta served the meat & vegetable broth
7. Raïm – 12 Grapes eaten at midnight on New Years Eve
8. Dolçes – Mini cakes sets
9. Galdindi – Roast Turkey
10. Trufas de Chocolate – Home made Chocolate Truffles
11. Pastissets – The traditional Menorcan Biscuit
12. Roscon de Reys – Large sweet bread ring made for the arrival of the kings

Find out more about these foods in my article from last Christmas
Es Gust de Nadal – The Flavour of Christmas.

One final note of trivia…. Today is the 28th December, the Day of the Innocents. With a modern twist on an old Feast Day, in Spain it’s treated like April Fool’s Day and many humorous jokes are played in the media. As you would expect the innocents amongst us are the first to fall for them!

Sunday Driving is not a hobby I ever imagined for me, but like so many of the best things in life once discovered you immediately want more. After our first trip around the island with the Antic Motor Club de Menorca we jumped at the chance to join the club again for their second excursion on the 13^th November featuring predominately vintage cars.

Exhibition of Vintage Cars in Ciutadella

If I was delighted by the collection of impeccable classic motorcycles on our first trip, I was blown away by the quality and quantity of vintage cars that appeared to come out of nowhere on this particular Sunday. First they assembled en mass in the one street on the outskirts of Ferreries where even the Guardia Civil stopped especially to view each of the cars. Then the entire group of cars and motorbikes took to the road passing through the streets of Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran and Ferreries before arriving at Ciutadella.

Who knew that so many beautiful fully restored cars and motorbikes were such well kept secrets on this small island? I certainly didn’t, and whilst I hardly consider myself an automobile aficionado I instantly found myself in awe of these cars. There were over 50 in total of all makes, models and shiny bright colours. It really did look like a Disney movie in direct; CARS came to life in Menorca!

I take my helmet off to the owners of these vintage vehicles for their dedicated effort to care for their cars and bikes and for their enthusiasm. I love that in Menorca the people here take the time to enjoy the parts of their traditions and heritage that are important to them and that they are preserved intact. Occasionally time appears to stand still, or even rewind into the past. Pristine classic cars and motorcycles give someone like me and the generations younger a rare and fun glimpse into history. Most people will never see so many of them on the road and then parked together in one place.

Thank you to the Antic Motor Club de Menorca for organizing the exhibition, also to the members of the club and their friends for their participation; the result was a very special day which was many decades in the making!

I’ve put together another little slideshow to pay homage to the cars, motorcycles and the club, alternatively all the photos are on our Menorca Blue page on Facebook.

Menorca is a place where you have the time and space to indulge in your passions. In our family our passion is for the sea as beach and fishing excursions by boat are our preferred pass time. Even though we enjoy whizzing around town on our little red scooter, I would have never thought we would like anything quite as much as discovering Menorca by boat.

'Motos Antiguas'

Classic Ducati

So when we were invited by my father in law to join him and his friends from the ‘Associacío de Motos Antigues de Menorca’ for a two day excursion around the island, we thought it would be a great opportunity to try something new. He has two bright blue classic Ducati motors, a 125cc from 1961 and a 250cc from 1964. My mother in law also has her original 1980 cream coloured Vespa and my brother in law a 125cc blue Bultaco.  These treasures on wheels were brought out especially for the two day trip and we rode the 125cc Ducati.

We were accompanied on the excursion by mild autumn weather and a large group of friends with classic motors from a club in Marratxi Mallorca called ‘Es Siurell’. This crowd had come by boat with their bikes especially for the occasion. Two full days starting out from Ciutadella and heading towards Maó, whilst exploring some of the urbanizations, smaller roads and landscape of the interior of the island.

It was quite a spectacle for onlookers seeing such a gathering of classic motorbikes of all shape, brands and colours and hearing the roar of the engines on mass as they passed by. Many of the motors were over 40 years old yet as good as new, lovingly cared for by their owners for so many years. At each stop on the journey, the bikes were parked in a row creating an impressive mobile outdoor museum. Crowds gathered to inspect each motor whilst the riders took a break to enjoy the day and each other’s company.

Es Mercadal

On the first day the very large group made their way up to Monte Toro for lunch, each motorbike conquering the challenge of the very steep winding road to get to the top. On the second day the group once again started out in Ciutadella and made their way to Binibeca Vell, Es Castell and then Lunch in Maó.

For most of the group, their passion for their classic motors and the open road has been a lifelong one; where as we were discovering it for the first time.  It’s amazing how much more you see of your surroundings on the back of a motorbike travelling at a comfortable speed.  I was able to take everything in as we drove down smaller roads with ease, something we would never normally do when trying to get to our destination as quickly as possible.
On this day the journey was the road less travelled and the destination was taking the scenic route back to where we started and enjoying every minute of it. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all day.

The experience was wonderful and I look forward to the next excursion and visiting our new friends with their old motors back in their home of Mallorca.

More photos on our facebook page click here -  Menorca Blue

November is a time of change in Menorca. As the summer tourist season ends on the 31^st October,  the people of the island start to unwind and prepare for winter. The 1^st of November marks the national holiday of All Saints Day in Spain or Tot Sants as it is called here in Menorca.

Ciutadella Cemetery

Although internationally it is the eve of Tot Sants which is celebrated as Halloween, here on the island residents commemorate the day by visiting their loved ones in the local cemeteries.  On this day, the cemeteries which are normally well kept and attractive are bursting with colour as graves are adorned with elaborate flower arrangements, plants and candles.

This week’s peek is a glimpse inside the old cemetery in Ciutadella, which is particularly beautiful with its variety of headstones and statues that fill the gated enclosure’s three separate areas. The cemetery tells the stories of generations gone by and the history of the small town where most families and friends have been bonded together in some way. That is what is special about the community in a small town.

Bunyols

Another tradition celebrated on All Saints Day is the making of a sweet treat known as Bunyols in Menorca.  Also made throughout Spain, these resemble doughnuts made with Boniato which is a white sweet potato as an added ingredient to the flour, yeast, egg and sugar mix. Once the batter is made and left to rise, the Bunyols are formed by hand and cooked in hot vegetable oil then rolled in sugar the same as doughnuts, with a similar taste. Best eaten whilst still warm and dipped in local Menorcan honey known as Mel. 

A once a year treat that everyone looks forward to as the times with dear family and friends departed are remembered fondly.

Cala Macarella

Recently the residents of Menorca celebrated the Feast of Saint Pilar with a day of ‘Fiesta’ (Public Holiday). Any extra week day off is always a welcome break from the routine, especially with the summer like weather we continue to enjoy. The beaches are at their best as temperatures are in the high twenties, the sea a pleasant 24º and the tourist season is coming to an end. It’s these last lingering days of sunshine which are the finest of the year. 

We made the most of our extra day off by taking the boat out for what might be one of our final sea excursions before winter finally sets in.  On this particular day the south western coast ofMenorcawas nothing short of divine. Hosting some of Menorca’s most scenic and popular coves including Cala Turqueta, Macarella, Macarelleta and Cala Mitjana, these beaches are always full of life and activity during summer. It was quite a change to see them now, serene with just a handful of residents that had the same idea as us. All the buoys separating the swimming zones from the mooring areas at these coves have already been removed leaving the beaches in their original untouched natural state. This also allowed us access by boat directly to the shore which is normally restricted for swimmers only.

I caught a glimpse into what the island was like 30 years ago when Menorca was just for the Menorcans all year round every day of the year. This photo taken at Macarella says it all. Of all the picture perfect coves on Menorca it is Macarella and Macarelleta which are most used to promote the island. Naturally they are also the most visited with high occupancy most days as visitors flock to them by car and boat from May to September.  This month it’s quite a different scene and once again Menorcais just for Menorcans, and the few of us adopted locals that also live here. 

Reminiscent of long ago fond childhood memories for some with just half a dozen small Menorcan boats in the cove and a few Menorcan families on the shore. Nothing but the sound of laughter and distant chatter in Menorquin as groups of friends enjoyed the surroundings and each other’s company.

Es Nostre Paradís means ‘Our Paradise’ in Menorquin and its easy to see why Menorcans need not envy the beauty of anywhere else in the world, and why most would not change their island for any other place.

Sunrise over Ciutadella

What a way to start the day. The sun rises a deep orange colour which for the first few minutes turns both the sky and the sea into shades of gold. This photo I took yesterday at the entrance of the Port of Ciutadella, however every sunrise this week and last has been just as beautiful. At 7.30am the only people out on the sea are the dedicated fisherman, most in their traditional wooden Menorquin Yachts. Last week our boat was one of those early risers, both my dedicated fisherman and I savouring every moment of our first light fishing excursions. It’s quite a scene with the shadows of the boats backed by the morning sun, the fresh sea air and the water creating a mirror like reflection only broken by us passing through it.

Autumn is the best time of year for fishing in Menorca. The conditions are excellent as the sea is calm and clear, and the many species of fish are at the end of their growth cycle.

Life revolves around fishing in my house at the moment and I have no complaints.  I love being in the boat as well as discovering the joy of fishing, cleaning and cooking the catch of the day. With the many types of fish local to Menorca, techniques for catching them and ways to cook them, we are eaating some lovely meals at home. Viva la dieta mediterránea! It’s certainly one diet I could stick to easily.

Despite the fact I’ve only cast the fishing line a few times myself, I did catch a ‘Vaca’ on my first try. Mostly I just observe, marvel and occasionally applaud whilst lying in the sun, as my accomplished fisherman does what he does best. It’s most impressive when he pulls three out of the water in one go! Another admission is that I never thought I could bring myself to clean a fish… but when the catch of the day is around thirty, it seems only fair to help out with the dirty work when I expect to be enjoying the dinner later on. Still, I constantly surprise myself with all the weird and wonderful things I find myself doing in my second home.

Suffice to say that the next few articles will be all about the adventures of fishing in Menorca!

Introducing the ‘Weekly Peek’.
Take a peek inside the charmed life of Menorca, the Mediterranean island I call casa

‘Aço es Vidassa!’ said my beloved one day, as he stretched out on the boat to soak up some sunshine, whilst we enjoyed our mid afternoon siesta anchored at Cala Escorxada. Nothing but the sound of the turquoise sea, the occasional seagull and a few locals to remind us we were not on a deserted island.  ‘Vidassa… that’s a word I haven’t heard before. What does it mean?’ I asked.
‘Exactamente esto, vivir en un paraíso’ he replied, which means  ‘Exactly this, to live in paradise’.

Cala Escorxada

With the help of my trusty online dictionary, I later discovered that Vidassa translates to
charmed life  in English. To me no other word or expression could better sum up what it’s like to actually live day to day on Menorca.

Menorca is just one of over a hundred islands that sit in the middle of the Med, famed for its bright, inviting shades of blue and the excellent quality of life, regardless of the country to which the island belongs. Mediterranean culture is a worldwide recognized brand all of its own. Just mentioning it evokes endless clichéd images attached to dreams everyone would like to fulfill one day. The islands of the Med all share the riches of the sea, white washed villages, contrasting coloured towns, the deeply entrenched value of enjoying good food and wine daily, a relaxed inviting attitude amongst the people and living traditions that date back many centuries.

What sets each island apart is the mix of this Mediterranean lifestyle with the unique customs of each island and the culture of each country.

According to Wikipedia, Menorca is the 12th largest Mediterranean island. Yet most people have never heard of it, compared with the fame of its neighbours Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Even some of the tiny Greek Islands like Ithaca or Mykonos are more internationally known. This relative anonymity is what makes Menorca special, and the locals are quite content for it to remain this way. Their beaches are less crowded most of the year and being a recognized biosphere means that the landscape of Menorca remains vastly untouched. There is a notable harmonious existence here between the inhabitants and nature. Only during the height of summer and on certain dates of the year is this tranquility disturbed by the holidays in Europe and traditional fiestas of each town. Menorcans are the masters of ceremony and celebration with their infectious fiestas that feature their purebred horses. Just ask anyone who has experienced it!

Many people want to know what it’s like to live here. The one word answer is Vidassa, a charmed life.

Strangely enough, it’s not so different from my own home Australia, and in many ways I feel far more comfortable and ajusted here than I did living in London for years. Despite the languages I had to learn, both Castellano (Spanish) and Menorquin (Menorcan dialect of Catalan), there are many similarities in landscape and lifestyle between a small island with an old culture and a big island with a modern culture. I am spoilt to have the best of both worlds. The greatest difference is the distance between them; my two island homes could not be further apart with four flights and no less than a full 24 hour journey.

What exactly is so charming about every day life in Menorca? 
You’ll just have to keep in touch with me here at Menorca Blue to find out!

For a real peek inside paradise, click on this link below and enjoy a 5 minute daydream…
VIDEO – Menorca’s Mediterranean Treasures

It has been said that these little fish are known as the jewels of the Mediterranean.
However as we are fortunate to be spoilt with so many kinds of fish and seafood, the Mediterranean could be considered a treasure chest of  jewels!

Known as Raó in Menorquin, Raor in Spanish and Razorfish in English, these small bright pink fish are found in the Mediterranean Sea and also in parts of the Atlantic Ocean.

What makes this particular fish considered a jewel is because the season for fishing them is so limited and mastering the technique quite a challenge. To protect the spieces, allow the fish to reach maturity and procreate during the summer months, there is a ban on fishing Raó until the 1st September each year.

The vast majority are pink which is the female, the males are larger and a light blue colour. Raó are a hermaphroditic species; all fish are born female and change to male in adult life when they reach a length of 17cms. The blue toned males have a maximum length of 30 cms and can live up to 7 -8 years. If fortunate not to be caught by a skilled local fisherman!

These Pearly Razorfish live not too far off shore, in a sandy seabed free of rocks and plants with a maximum depth of 40 m. This is because when threatened they dive into the sand to protect themselves. You can see a clever video of them doing this at Fish Index (English).

As attractive as they are, they are an aggressive fish with a fine set of vampire style fangs. As most fishermen know, they will attempt to bite of your finger in defense as you remove the hook from their mouth!

Due to the scarcity of Raó and the limited fishing season the price of the fish can vary greatly depending on its availability and can be priced up to €100/kg.

Easy to clean, cook and eat, Raó are best enjoyed on their own lightly fried in sunflower oil.
Another delicious treat!
See the Raó cooked and ready to eat here at Natura Mundi (Spanish).