Filming with the BBC for Escape to the Continent

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the producer of a BBC programme called Escape to the Continent who asked if I would like to participate in their episode featuring Alicante.  I am always happy to talk about my adopted city and the idea was to meet with a couple who are planning a move over to Alicante and give them some advice and information.

We were filmed going around the indoor market (mercado central) buying ingredients to make a rice dish (known as paella) that my friend Federico would cook for us in his restaurant 'La Piazza' in the cathedral square.  I had fun with the couple teaching them how to ask for what we needed to buy in Spanish.  I hope the producer has a good editor as we had to do a few takes for the various set-ups, especially with the noisy Spanish background.

We met up with the programme's presenter, Alistair Appleton, who was very nice, and we sat down to chat whilst the rice was being served up.

Setting up the cameras and sound equipment.

The show's producer, Michael, giving me necessary directions

Federico bringing out the tasty rice dish

"Smile for the camera!"

It was a nice experience for me and hopefully my shop will also feature in the episode, although maybe they will edit out a little too much!  The episode will be on screens in February so keep your eyes peeled as you might blink and miss it! 

Check the 'cheque'

People go out to eat quite a lot in Alicante. Considering that Alicante city itself is not predominantly a tourist destination (many people have holiday homes in the towns up and down the coast either side of the city) there is a huge quantity of restaurants and bars. By 'bars' I mean the Spanish version, which is a place where you can order a beer, a bocadillo or some tapas, a coffee or even a stiff drink. They are a little different then the 'bars' in the UK.
I am sure that if you look at the proportion of catering/hospitality businesses to other types of businesses in Alicante it would be higher than most towns and cities around the world.

The mild climate of Alicante has undoubtedly contributed to this, especially when it's hot. People want to be out on the streets, not stuck at home (which is also why the local people, and generally in the south of Spain, don't bother so much with the decoration of their homes).

So as we go out more often, it is more likely that we will encounter an error in our bill.
I would recommend always checking the bill before you pay as mistakes or misunderstandings frequently occur.  You don't have to feel uncomfortable about it and certainly don't be afraid to query it if you see an error. It is most likely a genuine mistake.

I will advise you that if a restaurant puts down a plate of olives (aceitunas) or bread (pan) or anything you didn't ask for as you arrive or whilst looking at the menu (la carta), you will in 99% of the cases, be charged for it on the final bill (la cuenta). Most places that do this charge you about 1€ per person for the bread and maybe 1,50 - 2€ for the olives.

Receipt from a recent casual dinner out in Alicante.
(Try the cazón en adobo when you can find it in a
restaurant over here... it's delicious!)

The prices on the menus in almost all places are with the VAT (IVA) included and tips are not automatically added to the bill. Incidentally, you are not pressured to leave tips over here and they don't think bad of you either if you don't leave anything. But if you've had good service or just want to show your appreciation you can leave something and the waiters will be very grateful... sometimes ring a bell from behind the counter to tell everyone you've been generous!

That's all I wanted to say for this post... Oh, just to inform you that over here you can order beer in McDonalds to have with your burger instead of the normal soft drinks if you want it.