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Going Out - Page 48
Female Focus
Say “hola!” to a restructure and revamp at Viva España, bringing a modern twist to a classic experience
By Fiona Jennison
Jacqueline Miralles, the daughter of the Miralles family who have run the Viva España restaurant in Olivia since 1977, has masterminded some new ideas to inject some fresh life into this well-established local institution, and introduced some modern recipes to combine with the typical home cooked Spanish cuisine already on offer.
Viva España is famous for their fabulous live Flamenco shows, and quite rightly, as the standards are leg kicking and arm twirlingly high. The highlight of the summer is the Andalucian Horse Show which really
is a ‘must see’ and again for the whole family to enjoy. Recently Jacqueline has added some new live entertainment ideas, including a Dine and Dance on Saturdays where a three course menu with wine is on offer for only 15€, with a live orchestra accompanying. Jacqueline has insisted on this menu changing every week to offer regulars something new each time and it really is proving to be a success with all who attend.
Modern dishes are now available for those who visit for the Stunning Flamenco show on Sunday lunchtimes, as well as the traditional dishes such as Paella, grilled meat and fish. A three course menu with wine and the show is a very reasonable 28€. Of course there is also an extenisve A la carte menu available to choose from.
Adversity in the family unfortunately brought on the positive changes. For years Jacqueline was one of the show’s star performers, while her parents ran the restaurant. Sadly her father became ill, and Jacqueline herself suffered a serious burn injury in the kitchen. It was time for a rethink. Jacqueline decided to take over as manager of the restaurant, update the menus, tackle problem areas and dream up new entertainment ideas.
“I have changed a lot of things recently, to modernise what we do, and I’m pleased to think that we have done so without losing the nostalgic feeling of the good old days” says Jacqueline. “I think when people come here they feel like they did when they first visited Spain years ago. We want that feeling to remain, but we don’t want to be seen to “stand still” either – we needed to introduce a modern touch. We are confident that people who might not have visited us for a while will be impressed”.
Looking through some of the recent rave reviews of Viva España on TripAdisor, we are pleased to see that Jacqueline clearly isn’t standing still, and now and then throws off the managerial hat and sticks her dancing shoes back
on.....perhaps you can take the girl out of the dance but not the dance out of the girl!
“Visited with friends desperate to see Flamenco!! Had been many years ago. WOW!!!! Everything from food, dancing and atmosphere was fantastic - especially when owner was encouraged to dance!!!! I remember her when she was a young dancer. Highly recommend.”
“We were taken here by our good friends as a treat. What a great experience. Wonderful family ambience coupled with a highly professional flamenco show. One not to be missed!”
Get thee to the dance, we say, and enjoy the modern touch and the classic, and good food and great entertainment, all at the same time.
Viva España is on the N332, km 216 on the outskirts of Oliva. There is easy access from the AP7. Bookings or more information from Jacqueline on 695 161 207 or 96 285 1931.
www.viva-espana.net.
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