Category: Zest

Zest's 2nd Anniversary!

14/2/2018

After a lovely afternoon in Masa Square, Darrell and I went to Zest's 2nd anniversary party in Sierra Mar. I don't often get up the top of the hill these days, so was looking forward to a good evening; I wasn't disappointed. Zest was our local bar, before we moved to Puerto Marino; we both support its endeavours when we can. Friendly and welcoming, we always enjoy an evening out at this popular Gran Alacant venue!

Zest pulled out all the stops once again; we had a fantastic evening. Cherry K performed live, there was baked potatoes and a Birthday cake; who could ask for more.

Six Bloody Mary's later I eventually made it home; how I don't know. It was a long walk down the hill, one I can't actually remember; the hangover this morning told me everything I needed to know!

Well done to all at Zest for a fantastic night, Happy 2nd anniversary, may you have many more!

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It's a quarter past six in the evening and I am finally able to sit down and do some blogging. For most of the day, I have literally been hanging, after popping out for a few drinks last night; a rare occurrence for me, since I am normally working every night.

Darrell dropped us off at Zest in Sierra Mar, on the way to work. He is currently working nights; apparently he enjoys the night shift more than the day. Personally, I couldn't think of anything worse. I have worked nights in the past myself and never enjoyed them. In fact my sleeping pattern is still out of sync now, just because of the job I had at the time!

I haven't been to my old local, Zest in a very long time; I just haven't had the time. Steve was behind the bar, a lovely guy, who comes from the same part of England as me. Gran Alacant has a lot of residents from Northern Britain, so it is great having a chat with someone whose southern credentials shine through. It was a quiet night at Sierra Mar Square; so we decided to have just a quick pint and move on to La Piedra, on Av Escandinavia; one of my favourite bars in Gran Alacant!

Even La Piedra was tranquil yesterday. The evening was colder than usual, as the warm winter nights have given way, to a more chilly hue; not as cold as it was in November, but certainly noticeably colder than it has been for a while.

Like Zest, I haven't been to La Piedra in a while either. Since moving to the bottom of the hill, near the GA Centre, venturing up, especially in the depths of winter can be a bit of a chore, so I do tend to avoid the difficult decent to the strip, at least for now.

I was lucky enough to find Stella on draft, my favourite lager. I haven't had a pint of this since leaving the UK, two years ago.

Funny enough, it actually didn't taste the same as I remember and was rather disappointing. I think to be honest, I have lost my taste for the stuff, oddly preferring Spanish Mahou these days.

Natalee was on shift, finishing at 10.30pm, so we stayed chatting with her and Eduardo late into the night. I actually had a thoroughly great time; relaxed and chilled; finally dropped off home at 2am.

I was rather drunk when I got home, which isn't surprising after a night on stella. Had I stopped there, I would have been perfectly fine this morning.

Sat in the lounge, chatting with Chris and Paul, I decided to open the Christmas bottle of whisky; bad mistake!

Finally I staggered upstairs to bed at 3.30am, where I spent the next two hours listening to cheesy pop songs, something I only tend to do, when I am in this state. I woke up at 10am, laptop still on my stomach, earphones on, Cher blaring away; which explains why I drempt about her, wearing a tight black leather mini skirt, walking down the red carpet with me at 'The Golden Globes;' go figure!

I felt rough alright, rougher than usual, not wanting to get out of bed. Darrell had just finished his night shift; bad tempered as usual; I thought it best to go down stairs instead!

After a morning of feeling sorry for myself, I finally left the house this afternoon; showing Chris around the Gran Alacant Centre, as well as getting some shopping. Chris certainly knows how to eat me out of house and home.

Initially I went to Mercadona; I wasn't in there too long; the prices were far too expensive for my liking. 3'49€ for 3kg of potatoes, was daylight robbery, when Lidl had the same ones for 1'69€. It really does pay to shop around in Spain; never pay over the odds for anything!

I've just cooked dinner; Hungarian Goulash, Darrell is just off to work and I am going to have an evening in front of the TV. Whatever you are doing, have a lovely night!

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Halloween!

1/11/2017

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Like everyone else, Gran Alacant celebrated Halloween yesterday. The Pub in Masa Square, Calle Holanda, situated in the same square as LoungeD looked fantastic, as did my local Zest, in Sierra Mar, where I popped in after work, to join in the festivities. There was live music and a fancy dress competition, everyone looked fabulous. Darrell and myself also popped up to La Piedra, having a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

I never really celebrated Halloween in the UK, preferring to hide away, usually to avoid the kids playing Trick or Treat, however this year, I did enjoy the night, having a few drinks with friends after work. They certainly know how to do things properly in GA; next year I will make more of an effort to dress up and get into the spirit of the occasion. Well done to all the bars and restaurants who celebrated, decked out in spectacular style!

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Seasons End!

31/10/2017

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It was a few drinks after work on Monday; I actually haven't had a pint or two in quite a while. Last night it was a few Bloody Mary's for me, my drink of choice as they say. It was nice to get out of my routine, even for just a few hours after work. It has been a long, busy summer season in Spain, which for many bars and restaurants ends today, the last day of October. As the winter begins to take hold and the long trousers are brought out, it's time to sit back and relax just a little, as we wait for the madness to start once again, at Easter next year!

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Nathan and Ash!

5/10/2017

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3 October 2017

Nathan and Ash spent day two of their visit to Gran Alacant, relaxed by our pool; in the evening they both went to the beach. They do seem to be enjoying themselves, impressed with this part of Spain and all it has to offer. After work it was nice sat chatting with Nathan after so many years, we had a lot to catch up on; Nathan hasn't changed a bit, although grown up a lot, which is great to see! In truth a week with friends is never long enough; however, I know Nathan will be a regular visitor!

While the boys relaxed, I was at work......

After a rather late night at LoungeD, we said farewell to two of our favourite Scots Pete and Joan, who are returning to the UK after their holiday. I will be sad to see these two go, they have been great customers, who we have got to know well over the last few weeks; see you soon guys!

4 October 2017

I had me first day off in over two months on Wednesday, so spent the day with Nathan and Ash, relaxing and drinking in the sun; I haven't done that in a while. Natalee met us at Zest, introducing her to these two guys for the first time. Nathan had left my life, before Natalee came along, so they never met, despite living in the same city. It felt great to be surrounded by people I have known for many years, from Southampton, a city I will always call home, living in Spain or not. Chatting about the things we used to get up to, times, long since past and memories, still fresh in the mind, if a little hazy, was a fantastic tonic for me. I still miss home from time to time, staying in contact with people helps me deal with the homesickness. When old friends and companions come to visit, my spirits are lifted in the best way possible. It's great to have Nathan here, just like it was yesterday!

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Sunday!

6/8/2017

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It was an early start this Sunday. Darrell and myself popped into Zest for a full breakfast and to see friends working there. We haven't had a chance to see many people, since starting work at LoungeD. Mike and TIm, owners of our local bar, had brought me a present, a Coronation mug. I used to be a huge collector of all things Royal; having sold everything in the UK, this will be a great start to a new collection and a lovely gift from two great friends!

Breakfast was lovely by the way, highly recommended!

It was good to see Chloe after breakfast. Both her and Darrell went to the beach and pool for most of the day, to give me the chance to catch up on some writing!

It was another hot evening at LoungeD yesterday as I continued the second week working in the bar. Everything is going well, better than expected, as we welcome friends and customers through the doors. Oh, and at least Darrell finally knows how to put up a parasol now, with a little help!

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Kiefer!

20/7/2017

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Out third visitor of the season has arrived in Gran Alacant, Kiefer Bunday. We have known Kiefer for a number of years, through his brother Chris, who lodged with us on and off for a few years. Both Kiefer and his brother Chris are great lads, who Darrell and I are very fond of; local boys from Hythe, near Southampton; we both have many happy memories, spending time with these guys.

I haven't seen Kiefer for about two and a half years; he has grown up considerably. Like all of us, still the same people, learning from life's experiences. Good friends; whether you live abroad or not, when you see each other after such a long period, you carry on from where you last left off; that is the mark of true friendship.

Darrell picked Kiefer up from Alicante Airport after dropping off Gemma. It is sad to see her go; I had grown used to having her around over the last week. The friends that come over and pay a visit are the ones that matter in my book; Gemma is welcome back anytime.

After a long day at LoungeD, myself and Darrell took Kiefer out for dinner at Zest and drinks at La Piedra, a gentle introduction to the delights of Gran Alacant. After a booze fuelled night, for Kiefer at least, he is currently down Carabassi Beach with Darrell and Natalee, giving me a chance to catch up on housework before work tomorrow!

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Zest!

15/7/2017

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After a rather late start to the day today, we all spent a lazy afternoon at Zest, where we had a few drinks, a Ploughmans Lunch and a long chat with friends.

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Justin's Visit!

23/6/2017

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Tuesday

Cleaning up after a few beers, Justin drinks a lot, a lot more than I remember; well he is on holiday!

Once cleaned up, we took Justin up to the Skybridge in Santa Pola, which gives fantastic views over the Mediterranean, towards the small island of Tabarca, as far as Benidorm! Afterwards Justin brought us all lunch at Dunbars, served by the lovely Ann Marie!

After dropping off Justin at home for a siesta, myself and Darrell popped to our local, Zest, for a spot of dinner and a couple of beers. Today has been hot, perfect for sitting in the V.I.P. area in the shade.

We met a lovely couple, Richard and Pat, who's son used to be the Manager of 'Martha's', the old, now closed, gay night club in Portsmouth. After popping back to their apartment, we all headed down to Masa Square; more drinks Karaoke and a very drunken night!

Thursday

Justin took myself, Darrell, Milan and Natalee out for dinner at Patagonia. Justin wasn't in the best of health, after drinking solidly since he arrived in Gran Alacant. On Thursday, no drink touched his lips; taking a day off was definitely the right thing to do.

This is the second time, I have eaten at Patagonia; I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, a mixed grill, which came out piping hot and cooked perfectly. The Spanish black pudding was delicious also; the service, at the restaurant in Masa Square, exceptional. If you are here on holiday, most certainly take a look at this popular Argentinian Steak House! Highly recommended.

Finally, after dropping Justin off, for a early night, we went on to La Piedra, where we had a great evening with friends; a great bunch of guys we have got to know in recent times; genuine, honest, a joy to be around!

Justin's final day today; he has just got back from the beach with Darrell and Natalee. This evening, I'm cooking a curry, then down to the beach for a night of bonfires, celebrating the coming of summer, with the festival of San Juan!

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Night Out!

20/6/2017

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A few drinks with friends last night. Thank you to Justin for taking us out for the evening. Still a 'broke ass bitch,' as we await the opening of the new bar, in Masa Square. Justin has been very generous, since he arrived in Spain; it has been a pleasure having him here; despite the fact I have been trying to finish this short entry today, for the last four hours. Writing while there are people in the house, is an impossibility for me. Luckily, Darrell has gone with him to the pool, leaving me free to finish my blogging!