A year ago this afternoon, just before tapas time, we wandered out of the rain and into Restaurante Cocó, a small restaurant just off of Plaza del Mercado Chico. In one corner of the room was a man who appeared to be a local (good sign) and in the other a woman reading a guidebook of Spain. (I guess you could consider recommendation in the guidebook a good sign, as well.)
For us, it was an opportunity to get out of the rain and enjoy a quiet meal together. It was one of the better meals I had in Ávila. I did not write down what everyone has … I wish I had. I seem to recall a Ensalada César, Salmón al la plancha, Hamburguesa con queso, and Bastones de pollo crujientes con miel y mostaza, which actually was eaten by both young and old alike.
The highlight of the actual meal was the Coulant de chocolate con helado de galleta belga, pictured here. The presentation just added to the taste of the dessert—it would have been excellent served on a paper plate!
What really stood out, however, was just the opportunity to be in a small restaurant in Ávila, taking the time to enjoy the fellowship with one another and fully embrace the slower pace of life in Spain.
One year later, it is still the thing I miss most.