Lavall: from the sea to the plate

Miriam Triay – Fotos Lavall / S’Amarador - Last June 8 marked a year in which a new gastronomic space opened its doors in Ciutadella. Named after a cove much loved by Menorcans and Ciudadella residents, Lavall, it appeared to mark the difference between the town's streets. As its owner, Jaume Cateura, explains: "We wanted to do something special in the village. We wanted to bring the seafood that we have been serving for some time in S'Amarador, but in a tapas format, and to the streets of the center. And we wanted to do it in a cozy and tastefully decorated space."

Thus, for more than a year, both visitors and residents have had at their disposal, and closer than before, an establishment where the sea is the protagonist, and the tapas and sharing format, the star main Offering the possibility to taste oysters or ceviche, without leaving the center, and throughout the year.

SEA TAPAS
"Our star tapas, indisputably, are the oysters. Of which we offer five varieties. From the classic and subtle natural oysters, to the most exotic. It is a way of inviting the customer to discover new flavors and textures. We like to innovate and not settle down", explains Cateura.

Proof of this is the fact that, despite maintaining a defined menu of dishes for everyone, with its specialties present; they also have a list of suggestions that are constantly changing, to be able to offer maximum innovation and freshness. And even if, as we already said in the title, his specialty is the sea; they also present other dishes focused on meats and other products.

In this sense, and during its first year of life and stoves, Lavall has already become part, as a key point, of the neuralgic scheme of the municipality. A place of reference, and which people have welcomed with open arms and stomachs. "We had an incredible reception. Both by the people of Ciutadella and by visitors. In the winter we have many customers from here, who come to taste the sea in the off season. And it's very rewarding."

OF THE SEA AND BEACHES
And in the end the owners of Lavall are in love with the sea, as they have already shown in the last decade. Being also the promoters of S'Amarador. With the same team, and the same maritime base, but with a completely different desire for service and food. This is how both places, named after Menorcan coves, complement each other.

"S'Amarador is a plate restaurant, to sit down to eat a first course, second course and dessert. With dishes such as rice, calderas, lobster... which are our specialty. And Lavall is more of a space for sharing, smaller dishes and portions, a tapas place."

Also, their service hours are very different as well. While Lavall offers a space, from 8 am, to be able to have a snack, lunch and dinner; throughout the year. S'Amarador is summery, seasonal, and focuses on the two most important meals, lunch and dinner.

Now, they share their rest day, which is Wednesdays. And the clear intention that its customers enjoy more private spaces, since both S'Amarador and Lavall have terraces for adults only. Some unusual corners on the island, and which should be more present. For those looking for privacy and calm.

The difference is clear, and so is the intention behind it, but both spaces share an essence and will. Bringing the sea to the customer's plate. That everyone can taste it. Either with a plate of hot rice, or with a cap of oysters.

A classic that has been serving everyone, both outside and in town, for almost 15 years. And a novelty that, after a year of operation, has already won a key corner in the streets of Ciutadella, in the gastronomic routes of its residents and visitors. Two spaces, completely different, but at the same time twins, with the clear intention of bringing the sea to everyone's plates.