Yes, you read that right, 17 courses at Les Magnolies. I was looking forward to it all week during my time in Montseny Natural Park. Every time I mentioned the name Les Magnolies to locals, their eyes would light up, then they would try and find a reason why they should join us for dinner. After my 17 course dinner, I understood why:
The actual menu from our 17 course meal
The pea soup was delicious
The gnocchi was one of my favorite dishes.
Everyone enjoyed the fish, but I only had the smallest bite not having much of a taste for fish.
The hamburger served in the McDonald's like box, sparked the predictable comments, but we shut up as soon as we tasted it. Definitely no McDonalds here.
This cappuccino with fish in it was my least favorite of the 17 courses, but definitely unusual.
I was skeptical about tomato ice cream but it was OK. Not my favorite, but not bad.
I was very skeptical about the asparagus ice cream, but it was delicious and turned out to be my favorite of all the 17 courses.
The apricot dessert was also tasty.
Nice assortment of cheese and jellies.
And finally, palate cleansers.
My 17 course dinner at Les Magnolies was easily the most courses I’ve ever eaten (a few courses are missing from the photos). The portions were small, but not overly so. I walked out completely stuffed but very satisfied. Not surprisingly a 17 course meal takes time to eat, we were there for a leisurely four hour plus meal. I have a gluten allergy which was accommodated with creative substutes instead of as an afterthought, which is often the case, which I sincerely appreciated. Besides the number of courses, I really admired the creativity of the dishes. Not all were to my liking (as to be expected with 17 courses) but they were all original, beautifully presented and the service was exceptional – friendly and not at all stuffy! I would definitely recommend Les Magnolies to foodies, gourmets or to those celebrating a special occasion.
More Information on Les Magnolies
Les Magnolies is located in Arbúcies, Spain, just over an hour drive from Barcelona and less than an hour drive from Girona. Reservations are required. A menu is available, but I would highly recommend the set 17 course meal, which changes seasonally. You can also check out their Facebook page for more beautiful food photos and for the latest news on the restaurant.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Les Magnolies as part of the Montseny Blog Trip, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
I can’t tell you how envious I am. I’d love to try the original Spanish version of molecular gastronomy, and this seems to come close. Respect!
Italian Notes recently posted..Chicken in Frascati wine
Oh I’m so jealous – it at seems a creative and rather unusual mix of flavors and textures. I think the “cappuccino” type of dish is now quite in fashion… I also had one (but of foie gras) in London last week!
Katherina recently posted..Stockholm Like A Local: A Roomorama Review
Wow! Thanks for the visual treat! What is the blue stuff? Caviar of some sort?
Mmmmmm.
Barbara recently posted..Hat Creek Radio Observatory
I’ve never come close to having a 17-course meal. Les Magnolies seems like the right place to have such a feast. Most everything looks delicious (I probably wouldn’t have much of the fish course either), but I’m really intrigued by the hamburger.
The closest I’ve ever come to something like this is a 9 course meal at the Palazzo Sasso on the Amalfi Coast. I was stuffed from that. I can’t imagine 17 courses!
The asparagus and tomato ice cream look so intriguing. Fish in a cappuccino doesn’t sound like my cup of tea either! Any reason for the fish in the cappuccino?
I have never before heard of a seventeen course meal, but both the pictorials and your reportage were superb…I could almost taste the food from the pictures
Such a festival of colours, textures and tastes! Lucky you. Love the portion size, you can truly taste and enjoy everything!
Zhu recently posted..Cash, Debit or Credit? Canada’s Three Payment Methods
Ha! What fun to see some of the gluten-free versions of the same meal (e.g. the MagBurger). It was such an amazing meal!
Erin recently posted..Nuts for chestnuts