After reading that Jose Carlos Garcia was a Michelin starred restaurant on the waterfront in Malaga, I knew it was the perfect location for my anniversary dinner, celebrating a year in remission. I’d booked in advance thinking I’d enjoy a cozy, indulgent one as I do. Lucky, me it turns out I’d have a partner-in-crime, and I’m so glad I did! We both flagged this as the best restaurant meal we’ve ever had and for an 11 course tasting menu at 139 EUR (plus wine pairing)… really isn’t that a bargain? A unique experience I hope to one day have the privilege of repeating.

The tablescape was like something out of Jurassic Park, complete with plant-filled walls and dinosaur bone serving accessories.

We started with a mushroom cappuccino which this mushroom hater absolutely adored. It was basically a lukewarm soup, but the umami-ness paired with it’s artsy delivery, left us charmed.

The sourdough bread was served with a bit of lard rather than butter which was a bit strange, but I was here for the driftwood it floated in on… Maybe the best surprise of the meal was the sunflower seed polvoron which was a bit like eating a savory, nutty sable. Incredible and something I vow to recreate at home soon.

The potato millefeuille was another standout tapas. Did I mention we haven’t even gotten to the courses yet?

Then there was a bunuelo with payoyo cheese….

The puchero croquette was a fun, cheesy take on a tapas staple. Not pictured, the seemingly bottomless wine pairing that was refilled the minute you approached an empty glass. Oh la la.

For the first “real” course (weren’t we already full from six or so tapas?!) was the oyster with vodka and apple. Presentation and taste were unreal and we both adored this one.

There were then shrimp in roasted pepper juice… not my favorite, but I think because I was so pleasantly surprised by so many other things.

I was blown away by the herring with apple and white garlic. I don’t think I’ve ever had herring before and while it was a strong flavor, I just loved this dish from it’s delicate wreath-like arrangement to the melange of flavors.

Then we had the leek, eel, and yarrow.

Then we had shrimp, pig trotters (!!) and boletus. Not my favorite, but it did look interesting.

One of the “main” dishes was seabass with celery adobo foam. While it was nice and fresh, after so many strong and surprising flavors, it really wasn’t necessary to have a fish course.

Finally, we had the Iberian sirloin with white asparagus. Just delicious.

For dessert numero uno there was a pear, red wine, and ice cream creation… At this point the maitre’d and the chef stopped by to check in. While he didn’t speak English, he did allow a quick kitchen tour and signed our menu.

And nearly there for the main dessert we had a creation of chocolate, orange, and fig, with the local housemade olive oil drizzled on top. A symphony of savory and sweet perfection.

Then finally, finally, a trolley was rolled over to the table where we could select the petit fours to our liking. They were kept in cooking pots and made for a playful surprise when the lid was removed and a macaron or two jumped out onto the plate.

The dinner was absolutely incredible and the experience was a life changing one for so many reasons. Jose Carlos Garcia will always have a special place in my heart, stomach, and wallet. Thank you for a gorgeous evening that I will never forget.