What does Ibiza taste like? Let's take a a glance at it's pantry
The generous nature of Ibiza’s land and sea turns this island into an exquisite food destination that brings both tradition and innovation to the table. The success of its modern food proposal is based on creativity and expertise, but also on the extraordinary quality of the local ingredients. In this post we’ll talk about the products that give flavour to this island, especially those prominent in Villa Mercedes’ kitchens, but we’ll also recommend places to buy Ibiza’s typical products.
The sea and its edible gems
Beyond its coves with crystal-clear waters, Ibiza’s sea is home to an invaluable variety of fish and seafood, including the grouper, John Dory, monkfish, rotja (scorpion fish), dentex, sirvia (amberjack), skate, gerret, pearly razorfish, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, espardenyes (sea cucumbers), scarlet shrimp, crayfish and, of course, Ibiza’s delicious red lobster.
Villa Mercedes sits opposite San Antonio harbour, which is one of the main features of this restaurant. This is why the fish we grill comes from Ibiza’s own local suppliers and guilds and all our produce is minimally processed to prevent masking its taste and character. So don’t hesitate in asking us about the day's suggestions, as we’ll have picked out the day's catch specially.
Garlic prawns, at Villa Mercedes.
From Ibiza’s kitchen gardens and farms
Inland, the island is even more generous, with a fertility that fills the table with a vast variety of vegetables and fruit that’s made the island self-sufficient for centuries. From its fruit trees we pick citric fruit, figs, apricots, khakis, pomegranate, loquat fruit, peaches, almonds... While the soil gives us melons, watermelons and strawberries, as well as many vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbages, cauliflowers, broad beans, green beans, peppers, lettuce, artichokes, onions, pumpkins, cucumbers, Swiss chard, aubergine, asparagus, beetroot, sweet potatoes...
Our Aubergine carpaccio and the cherry tomato salad with watermelon and basil and pistachio dressing are a tribute to Ibiza’s kitchen garden produce, the same as Ibiza’s crayfish baked on the Josper grill and served with the traditional Ibizan frita (sauteed potatoes, peppers and herbs).
We’ve also got to thank the land for the porc negre, the local pig species, as well as chicken and lamb, which play a leading role in Ibiza’s traditional recipes. These three products also hog the spotlight at Villa Mercedes through its mouth-watering dishes, like the fried Empanadita de caviar (caviar patty) with porc negre pancetta, Broken eggs with Ibizan sobrasada and Ibizan honey, or our Suckling lamb chops with Ibizan frita.
Our Suckling lamb chops with Ibizan "frita". © Luana Failla / Villa Mercedes
More Ibizan products and where to buy them
The organic and farmers’ markets set up in the different municipalities on the island are a great chance to buy fruit and vegetable that comes directly from the farm. A good example is the Friday morning Farmers’ market of the Sant Antoni Cooperative set up by the cooperative that gives it its name. In most of these markets, besides fruit and vegetables, you can buy other products, like honey, spirits, fresh herbs and cheese, preserves and artisan bread.
La Cava Gourmet: typical products and delicatessen baskets
At Villa Mercedes we fill our pantry with Ibiza’s typical products, which stand out for their quality, including honey, sobrasada, olive oil, salt and, its wines, cavas and the island’s traditional liquor: Hierbas Ibicencas. All these products can also be part of your pantry at home or a friend’s pantry if you want to get them something. If this sounds good, don’t forget to stop at the deli La Cava Gourmet (Vara de Rey, 4) in the centre of Ibiza city.
On its shelves you’ll find a choice of typical Ibizan products and and other exclusive proposals to get together a gourmet hamper for a special gift or a choice of delicacies for a picnic on a fabulous boat trip: wines and cavas, sliced Iberian ham, cheese platters, cold meats, smoked meats and fish, artisan bread, premium canned food, chocolate... If you’d like to surprise someone or take back home a delicious souvenir of your holidays in Ibiza, visit La Cava Gourmet!
La Cava Gourmet. © Angel Camarena / GM
Taste Ibiza at Villa Mercedes: Book a table!
Relish the flavourful and creative character of the food at Villa Mercedes and enjoy a surprising evening through the food prepared by our chef, Iván Acquista. Book a table now from our website, by phone (+34) 971 348 543) or by WhatsApp.
See you soon!
Cover picture: © Angel Camarena / GM
