València, Spain 3
On Day 3 we had a lovely breakfast at Restaurante Pizcueta, located in the district of L'Eixample. The restaurant opens at 7am on weekdays, which is very helpful for early birds like us. The small local restaurant is famous for its tortilla, or Spanish potato omelet, a finalist in the 2022 national tortilla competition. We ordered a small basic tortilla (only potato), which was large enough to share. It must have just come out of the skillet. It was steamy hot and tasty! We also shared tostada con tomate (toasted bread with grated fresh tomato and olive oil), served two pieces per plate. For drink, we both had freshly squeezed orange juice in addition to cappuccino for J and chamomile tea for me. It was quite satisfying.
We reached the Turia Garden and then walked along the long garden towards the south for a while. Many people were jogging and cycling through the park in the morning, but I didn't feel the park was crowded because it was huge and those people were quickly passing by.
Gulliver was found lying in the park. He didn't look comfortable...
After a good long walk, we arrived at The City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of spectacular buildings surrounded by reflecting pools, including a science museum, a planetarium and 3D digital cinema, concert and exhibition halls, an aquarium, and etc.
Passing through L'Umbracle, a palm-lined promenade, we got close to the reflecting pools.
Our destination was Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanogràfic València. The site was huge and represents the world's main marine ecosystems. We began with Antarctic Zone to see penguins. They were cute but a little bit far from the observation deck and we had to see them through the protection net.
The pavilion was structured on two levels: the upper level for the surface views and the lower level for the underwater views. We went to the lower level, hoping a better view of penguins. Well, a few penguins were swimming on the water but they didn't dive into the water. We just watched their cute bellies and legs moving vigorously...
Beluga whales were found in the same pavilion. Oceanogràfic València houses the only beluga family in Europe. I don't think I had ever seen beluga whales before. They were quite large, swimming alone or with others gracefully. What enchanting creatures they are!
I went back to the upper level to see the beluga whales from above the water. Their body movement and facial expression looked somewhat human-like.
Some kinds of water birds were found at the open-air exhibitions.
There was a pool for seals, a part of the Temperate Zone. A seal came close to us, facing up and floating for a couple of minutes. So adorable!
At the lower level of the Temperate Zone, it was a surprise to find a huge water tank to show ecosystems of the Izu peninsula in Japan!
There were more big and small aquariums with various kinds of marine animals...
The Oceans building features Europe's largest shark aquarium with over 100 sharks from 21 species. Although the photos looked kinda dark, we were able to see the aquarium brighter and clearer.
A diver was feeding stingrays. I didn't know stingrays were huggable.
To go to the exit, we walked through the aquarium's famous 70m-long underwater tunnel. It was the highlight of the Oceans building.
At the end we watched a dolphin show at the Dolphinarium. Honestly, it wasn't the best dolphin show I have seen, but still enjoyable.
It was already time for lunch. We took a taxi to Casa Montaña, located in El Cabanyal, a historic, formerly independent fishing neighborhood, a part of Poblats Marítims, the eastern coastal district of Valencia. Narrow, parallel streets lined with colorful, ceramic-tiled, two-story "modernist" houses are key architectural features of El Cabanyal.
Founded in 1836, Casa Montaña is considered one of Valencia's most historic and respected, traditional, culinary spots. I liked the interior and atmosphere of the charming, rustic dining space, where we were seated.
Their menu features a very wide selection of tapas. "Artisan bread from the San Bartolomé bakery" was what our server recommended. Their 'house' olive oil was tasty!
Spanish muffins with smoked aubergine purée were interesting and wonderful. The soft muffin part reminded me of bao buns. It was my favorite tapa of the lunch.
Codfish croquettes were delicate and very nice, too.
Michirones (stewed broad beans) is an original tapa of Casa Montaña. The more-than-a-century old recipe has been handed down from owner to owner without any changes. It had a deep, complex flavor and tasted lovely.
Valencian “white sausage” longaniza was fine, but I would prefer mustard to the mayo-like sauce with the rich sausage.
Quail in pickle escabeche sauce was simply tasty.
"Cuttlefish with traditional variety onion" was a traditional Valencian dish featuring tender cuttlefish stewed with onions. It was nice but the cuttlefish flavor was strong. It would have been better to have it not alone but with some bread. My bread was already gone by then.
The last but not least was Selection of 3 cheeses. They were distinctive, and all were pretty good!
J enjoyed a glass of Mistela, sweet wine from Valencia. The restaurant was J's finding. Thank you J!
After the lovely tapas lunch, we strolled toward the beach, which was just a short walk from the restaurant.
Platja de Llevant is a 2km-long, golden sandy beach. Not only the length but also the width (the distance to the water) was pretty long.
Making footprints on the fine sand was fun. Eventually we reached the edge of the surf. With warm sunshine and a gently breeze, it was a pleasant moment.
We caught a tram at the closest station and hopped off near the historical center. Our first tram ride was easy and successful! Torres de Serranos welcomed us. While we have seen the gate several times and even we climbed to the top, we hadn't seen this side of the gate until then.
Before going back to our hotel, we visited Gelateria La Romana dal 1947, again. I chose blue berry and yogurt with honey and walnuts. Plus, whipped cream and a cookie for toppings, of course. Yum. I don't remember what flavors J got. Coffee?
To be continued...
