Salobrena Serves up Stylish Sunem on the Playa Peñon
In search of this month’s taste sensation, we turned our attention to the Costa Tropical. A mere 40 minute drive away from the western side of La Alpujarra is Salobrena’s Playa Peñon and a civilised eatery called Sunem, which takes its name from the Hebrew word for “place to relax”.
True to its name, Sunem has been helping a receptive international bar and restaurant
clientele to relax since it opened on June 22, 2010. Previously a copas bar, the
venue was taken over by proprietor Paco Carmona who saw the potential for it to be
much more than a standard beachfront cocktail hang-
Paco commissioned a Belgian designer living locally to turn Sunem into a contemporary
and chilled-
As well as providing a quality dining and cocktail experience, Sunem hosts live music acts every Wednesday and Friday night. Music styles encompass funk, blues, jazz and Cuban. Paco tells us that a particular aural highlight was the Willy James Band from Brighton.
Sunem employs 22 staff working as two teams. Its chef, the dedicated Ivana from Barcelona, is responsible for the international / Mediterranean fusion menu.
During our Wednesday night visit, we settled into our large plastic chairs and appreciated the beautiful sight of the sun setting over the Med and reflecting in the sea, throwing fishermen and beach installations into shadow. It was time to peruse the menu, which has some interesting and quirky touches. We started with Thai Meat and Vegetable Rolls (7.50 Euros), a satisfying entrée served with delicious grilled vegetables and salsa romesco. We also shared Fresh Spinach Salad (6.50 Euros), which contained onion, carrot, mushrooms, walnuts, bacon and goat’s cheese. The resulting blend was smooth and sweet tasting: a truly flavoursome dish. My companion was visibly enthused despite not usually enjoying goat’s cheese. We also tried Salmon Carpaccio with Capers, Onion and Boiled Egg Dressed with Dill Oil, which was light and refreshing, and Four Cheese Ravioli which was presented perfectly: not heavy, not greasy and it tasted heavenly.
Our starters were accompanied by two fine vino blancos: my companion savoured a glass of Calvente (18 Euros bottle), which is produced in Otivar near Granada and is especially light and refreshing on the palate. I sipped a Mar de Fradas (18 Euros bottle) from Albarino which was rather more fragrant but remained easy on the palate.
Moving on to the main course, I thoroughly enjoyed Malaysian Chicken (11.50 Euros), which is cooked in a red curry and coconut milk sauce of a lightly spicy but subtle nature. My companion enjoyed Pork Sirloin and Caramelised Onions Drizzled with Pedro Ximinez (12.50 Euros), which proved equally satisfying. Our mains were accompanied by Cepa Negra Rioja 2000 and Hachon Crianza Ribera de Duero 2006 (22 Euros bottle), which were equally rewarding choices of vino tinto.
We concluded our excellent meal with After Eight Parfait (4 Euros), an interesting blend of chocolate mousse and mint liqueur. We also enjoyed Pina Coladas (5.50 Euros), which were made with care. We eventually departed after enjoying a great evening of food, beverage, music and hospitality.
Essential Info:
Drinks:
The establishment serves a comprehensive range of decent wines, spirits, beers and cocktails. A drink for every taste, inclination and mood can be found on the menu.
Food:
An interesting menu strong on salads, carpaccios, pastas and meat and vegetarian dishes, all with a Mediterranean or international feel.
Ingredients are sourced locally, are organic whenever possible, and the fish comes from Motril.
Service:
The proprietor, Paco, is friendly and affable and the staff proved helpful.
Surroundings:
Sunem lives up to its name for providing an ideal place to relax. We loved the contemporary décor and lighting.
Opening hours for summer season:
Noon until 10.30pm
Bar is open until 4am
Sunem
Playa El Peñon
Salobrena
Tel: 958 82 88 07
Paco Carmona, proprietor, Sunem