My wife Bibi, who is a vegetarian, persuaded me to try L’indret, meaning ‘the place’ in Valencian, and I went along with an open mind. Entering the small restaurant, which seats about fifty, was like stepping back in time. Orange-painted walls were reminiscent of the 70s and marble-top tables were laid with blue and white gingham place mats. There was an eclectic mix of pictures with, amongst others, Frida Kahlo, Indian gurus and misty landscapes. Shadows formed from minimal wall-lighting, the air was buzzing with gentle, new-age chant music and lively chat, and casually dressed staff moved around briskly, looking keen to please.
We were greeted straight away and asked if we had made a reservation. We hadn’t, so waited whilst permutations were made with the bookings and we were then given the last available table. Next time we’ll know better as the restaurant is only open lunchtimes Monday to Saturday and is obviously a popular venue.
The menu was sensibly limited and just about everyone, including us, chose the menú del día at 11.50 euros for four courses including bread and a drink. I chose red wine and was surprised when half a bottle of Alicante wine appeared; Bibi chose water and generously agreed to drive home afterwards!
There was a choice of two dishes for each course and we could have asked for two half-portions for each course. To start, we were offered carrot and beetroot juice or a salad selected from a counter. We both opted for the latter and I was introduced to sprouted wheat and lentils to add to other freshly-prepared vegetables, with mayonnaise or kefir, a dressing made from goats’ milk – the resulting combination was pleasing and delicate in taste. I couldn’t resist two slices of the delicious, crusty, home-made, wholemeal bread to accompany it.
Bibi then enjoyed creamy courgette soup and I, thin noodles with red peppers and pulses. To follow, Bibi ordered potato croquettes with sauce and I, pea stew in a vegetable stock. When these arrived, the two seasoned croquettes were large enough to share, so we divided the pea stew and savoured the flavours. The service was good; in fact so good that I wondered if there was a camera in the ceiling as the exceptionally attentive staff always seemed to appear at the right time!
We were then shown a dessert menu and selected carob cake and coffee with cinnamon cake, both moist and full of flavour.
Our bill was 23 euros and my analytical mind wondered how the owners could afford to offer such good value in the centre of Alicante and only open for lunch. “There are two types of vegetarian restaurant,” observed Bibi pensively, “one is a commercial set-up, as a restaurant that opts not to serve meat; the other is a business driven by passion and that describes this place.” True; the restaurant is well-run and there is a sense of pride and satisfaction that pervades throughout. This was confirmed when we chatted with the two dedicated owners. They are Buddhists and this influences their raison d’être. Every dish, including bread, desserts and sauces has been freshly prepared on the premises. An interesting fact is that they don’t use cows' milk, garlic, onions, mushrooms or wheat flour as this would conflict with their beliefs, so use alternatives. I readily admit that the meal was different, but I hadn’t missed my meat and had enjoyed a wholesome, tasty meal that I would recommend to others.
L’indret is at C/ Garcia Morato,5, Alicante. Monday to Saturday 13.00 – 16.30, reservations are recommended. Telephone 965 216 614.