WEEKLY POST .. 29 June 1997

RESTAURANTS TO REMEMBER by Gary Noone

"Gastronomic oasis" "Els Frares is a country Hotel which has been converted from a townhouse in the main street in a way in which much of its character has been preserved."

"Although there are only a few bedrooms, there is a cosy lounge, rustic bar and a charming "beamed" restaurant.

Behind is an equally attractive walled patio.

It really is a delightful place"

"In addition to la carte Els Frares offers 3 diverse menus.."

"more enterprising is the special house menu at 2000pts and for the discerning gastronome there is a ``menu de degustacin, with a titillating selection of delights for mere 3,000 pts"

"Els Frares has much to offer in terms of cuisine and that the Faggs have not just opted for simple mountain cooking or the ubiquitous chicken ,chops, and chips type fare is to their credit."

WEEKLY POST .. November 12-18 ,1995

A DREAM COME TRUE - "ELS FRARES" by Pam Weeks

"We had a dream - to create a small, but professionally run hotel ,a warm inviting place, in tranquil surroundings, with good food and wine, and pleasant company, where people would feel at home ,and want to return, time and again."

And after three years planning and hard work ,that's just what they have done!

Pat and Brian Fagg and their two sons, Ben and Tom, left their comfortable , modern . four - bed house in England and moved into a run down 100 year old house in the little village of Cuatretondeta. The village has a population of 180 ,most of whom are over 80 years old. It is 50 kilometres from the coast and 630 metres high in the mountains. They then started the daunting task of renovating, with the willing help of all the "agile" local inhabitants, who popped in regularly to see what these " crazy" English people were doing, and offering advice. So they set to work , the original solid stone walls were restored , along with beamed ceilings and fireplaces , floors were screeded after carefully removing the antique patterned tiles to be cleaned and re- laid. Walls were knocked down and rebuilt , staircases built to a further floor above , and a new high- tec roof to cap it all with special insulation to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Central heating to all rooms installed, but still log fires downstairs. A mammoth task!

And what a transformation - all the original charm with modern day comfort. Nine beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms with restful decor and drapes (also made by Pat).Three of the rooms have private verandas and breathtaking views of the valley and mountains, superb bath/ shower room, all spotlessly clean and spacious, with delicious fresh mountain water you can drink from the tap ! The most comfortable beds you could wish for , and cool clean air to ensure a sound nights sleep.

It is a perfect retreat for those searching for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist costas , which is how we found "Els Frares" one lovely sunny weekend. We took the route up through the mountains and villages through the Jalon valley to Parcent , Castell de Castells , Facheca and on to Cuatretondeta. A wander around this quiet ,sleepy old village soon brought us to the Inn ,at about 4 pm ,where they were still serving a busy lunch party (which finally left after 6pm) , but Pat and Brian still had time for a warm welcome and a chat ,with a lovely cup of fresh brewed coffee , before showing us up to our room , where we sat and watched the sun go down behind the mountains leaving the sky a blaze of colour - it was quite beautiful!.

Then time for dinner - and what a menu ! Over 20 starters or tapas to choose from and an extensive A la Carte selection with specialities of the house like "Conil amb vi" , rabbit in olive oil and garlic with Via Alcorta and mountain herbs, Quail with sultanas and pine nuts, Salmon Oriental with white wine and ginger sauce....After much debate we decided on Mushrooms "Els Frares"-fresh mushrooms cooked in olive oil with chopped onion ,garlic and ground almonds, and a savoury crepe stuffed with cheese , spinach, and tomato - both starters served with a tasty salad garnish and absolutely delicious.

This was followed by Roast Leg of Lamb in a red wine sauce, which melted in your mouth it was so tender, and " Mar i Muntanya" - chicken and fresh prawns cooked in a sauce of ground almonds and hazelnuts with spice and anis - again so tender, but tasting of the seafood flavour from the hugh prawns.

We had little room left for dessert , but managed a portion of the lightest lemon cheesecake you can imagine ,and pears in liqueur with cream , again from a mouth-watering selection.

Accompanied by a bottle of '90 Rioja red Via Alcorta, recommended by Mine Host ,to compliment the superb meal and rounded off with their always freshly ground coffee and Ponche brandy. As well as the extensive menu , there is a daily menu , and vegetarian meals if ordered in advance. Pat does all the cooking herself to such a high standard and with Brian a very attentive waiter - both thoroughly enjoying there dream come true at last.