The Playwright, Elviria

I like to give restaurants a chance to settle in. Iron out the creases and creaks. As it was just after their opening in March that I last went to the Playwright to conduct a review, and the previous one was at a lunch-time, I thought it appropriate to pop back and have a look in the evening.

Don’t figure me for not having re-visited The Playwright since my last review, though. It has featured as one of my regular and favourite spots. So time to make sure their excellent previous standards hadnt slipped, and to check out Chef’s latest creations.

As usual the place was buzzing – many people at the bar to enjoy the excellent selection of drinks on offer. Over the summer I have popped into the Playwright regularly to enjoy a drink and avail myself of their bar menu. Tonight, however, we were going the whole hog, and selecting a la carte.

We settled down outside. Swift service from the well trained staff. I chose fried brie to start with, and Barrie went for the asparagus and bacon. Both starters arrived quite quickly and were truly exceptional. Accompanied with warm bread, too. Barrie reackoned his asparagus one of the best starters he has ever enjoyed on the Coast. Top marks.

Now for the mains – Barrie chose the roast beef on a bed of mashed potato with vegetables. I went for pan fried turbot with pesto mash. Also with vegetables. Regular readers of this column will know that one of my pet gripes on this Coast is the lack of vegetables served with main courses. Amazing considering that the selection availble is enormous and great quality.

When I put this to Spanish restaurateurs from time to time they shrug their shoulders, and explain that the Spanish eat a salad as a starter instead. Spanish vegetables normally comprise a few tinned peas, so wonderful to see the Playwright deliver in the veg department. The roast beef and turbot were truly terrific, too.

For pudding we enjoyed apple crepes and sauce and warm apple pie with ice cream. Both delicious.

The standard at the Playwright, if anything, has gone up a notch or two since I last visited. All creases and creaks ironed out, not that there were that many in the first place. Great staff, too, and a wonderful ambience.

Photo time. As all the staff were very busy I took the photo. So you will have to put up without me gracing the column this week. What a pleasure, as they say in South Africa.

I owe Luigi’s excellent Mijas Playa an apology. The wrong price guide appeared in the ratings column. As you can see from their advert in this paper, you can enjoy a meal there from only €20. Sorry, Luigi.

A lot of readers are  writing in to ask how much to tip in Spain. Less than the UK, that is for sure. I allow 5-10%, depending on service. The Spanish tip much less, often just leaving the coppers.

I digress. Back to the Playwright. Probably Elviria’s best restaurant now. And that’s saying something. Well done to Lynn and all her excellent well trained staff. Keep it up, and you will continue to boom. Count us in as regulars. 

The Playwright
C/Manzana Local 8 – 11, pueblo Los Arcos km 191, Elveria, marbella, Spain  952 830 868

www.theplaywrightmarbella.com

Rating  Service 5, cleanliness 4, Food 4, overall