Mediterranean wizardry: one of the great chefs of La Manga Club properties reveals his secrets

Here at La Manga Club properties we celebrate the diversity of our residents and guests in many ways, and perhaps no way is more accessible than through cuisine. With 15 restaurants in the resort, and entertainment like Thursday flamenco nights in La Bodega or tributes to Elvis, U2 and Sinatra in the Piano Bar, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Still, we never forget where we are or where we come from, and Mediterranean food is a tremendously important part of the appeal of the Region of Murcia and La Manga Club. Often made from simple ingredients, the deliciousness of Mediterranean fare is almost magical, in that it is hard to imagine that the seemingly ordinary can be turned into something extraordinary. But the facts speak for themselves, as any diner at our beachfront restaurant will tell you. Chef Eusebio Varelo has been working his brand of magic at La Cala for years.

Here’s one of his recipes to try yourself at home (serves 4); the secret is in the fresh ingredients, and the love!

Wild Sea Bass with Fennel and Saffron Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 200g clean filets of Wild Sea Bass, skin still on
• 4 Baby fennel bulbs
• 30ml White wine
• 300ml Fish stock
• Soy lecithin
• Saffron
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Maldon salt
• Lemon

Method

For the Saffron Sauce

1. Reduce the white wine and the fish stock by 2/3
2. Add the soy lecithin and the saffron
3. Emulsify with a Barilla using olive oil
4. Add the juice of half a lemon

For the Wild Sea Bass

1. Grill the Sea Bass, skin side down, for 3 minutes
2. Turn over and grill for another 2 minutes
3. Bake for 5 minutes in the oven, at 180 degrees and 20% humidity

For the Baby Fennel

1. Cook the baby fennel for 3 minutes in hot salted water
2. Add ice to the water to stop the cooking
3. Drizzle with olive oil