Yesterday I finished a piece on the Prince’s Garden and Casa del Labrador in Aranjuez, Spain. While I can’t share that with you right now, I can share a restaurant that I recommended called El Rana Verde. The Green Frog. We spotted this restaurant in 2015 as we meandered around the city. While in Aranjuez a few months ago, we had the opportunity to stop and eat. As we walked by on our way to the Prince’s Garden, the most delicious aromas assaulted my taste buds. We decided to stop at El Rana Verde on our way back from the park and my new “happy place.” I’m so glad we did. This photo is not the restaurant but is an original temple found in the Chinese Pond in the Prince’s Garden. I knew you would like it also.
Isn’t this just so beautiful? The columns were sent from La Granja by Philip V. I digress (that is a gift, although my husband would disagree). El Rana Verde is located on the Tagus River on Calle de el Raina. We sat on the terrace right on the banks of the river. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez was across the intersection. So much history in such a small area.
Speaking of history… Now, don’t hate on my scarf; it’s vintage from VSO Express. I have been a scarf lover for decades, as my little neck is always cold. I’ll be wearing them till the end of time. Just saying. I love the white linen tablecloths and napkins. The view of the river is glorious.
We looked at the menu and decided to go with the menu del Dia. This included a starter, entree, bread, dessert, and a beverage. 35.99E (with IVA included) was reasonable considering the amount of food we were about to consume. For a thin woman, I can pack it away with the best of them.
I had salmon mousse, and hubby had mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce for our starters. Notice the fork in his hand. He had already started to eat. My mousse was very light and not fishy. Of course, we tasted each other’s food. His was delicious also. I ate everything on my plate.
As we waited for our entree, we were entertained by people on the river. I entertained them as well.
This is a tourist boat that turned around in front of our seats on the terrace. I was able to wave to the passengers on both sides of the boat. I even got a “toot” from the captain. The other diners applauded.
We watched people in their kayaks. This was a colorful group. We saw many tip over. I wonder if they are wearing such bright colors so they are visible in the water. Not everyone wore a life vest; not smart (said the cautious woman). In the background is the Prince’s Garden.
Now for the entree. I had Muslo de pavo (turkey drumstick with potatoes). Hubby had Pollo with assorted vegetables. We ate everything. Seriously. While waiting for dessert, we chatted and watched the river.
This was the view across the river. Dessert arrives. I have mousse chocolat de mata (chocolate mousse) hubby has a strawberry tarte (Aranjuez is famous for its strawberries). Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pics of our dessert. I could blame it on the turkey, but I had a second glass of wine and totally forgot. It was a working vacation…don’t judge.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Aranjuez (and I hope you do), make sure to visit. It’s not necessary to have a meal; a soda with this view would be awesome as well.
Have a great week! Thank you for stopping by.
Hi dearest! Looks like such a special time!!! It’s just lovely sharing parts of your trip with you. And you look divine in that red scarf!
xoxoxo Andrea
Hi Dear Andrea,
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope all is well. A few hiccups here but that is LIFE. We had a great time. I am looking forward to returning. Not sure when that will be as other places are on the agenda (God willing). But I know part of my future is in Spain.
Thank you… I love that scarf.
Sending you lots of hugs, love, and prayers.
Barb
Again, what beautiful pictures. And you cause me to want to know Spain more intimately. What a great setting for a restaurant. You did such a nice job, it’s always a pleasure. Keep up the good work. Excellente’ !
Hi Mikala,
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I truly appreciate it. Many people stop by but not that many leave a comment. Too busy I guess.
You would absolutely LOVE Aranjuez and that restaurant. Stunning setting for sure. I will let you know when the piece on Prince’s Garden and Casa del Labrador is published. It looks like it will be in May.
Take good care.
Barb
Dearest Barb,
Hah, good to meet another lady with a little neck! My 14mm Majolica pearl necklace had to be special ordered by Neiman Marcus as the 16″ was way too wide for me. Happy with the special ordered 15″ and with my huge collection of Escada scarfs, one Hermès and a fine woven woolen YSL.
Okay, that’s about our ‘necks’ and scarfs!
Love your choice of restaurant and yes, I too have been able to finish my plate (taking my time though!) as compared to bigger male friends.
Fond memories for you to go back to soon!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette,
We have much in common…’a little ole chicken neck’. We are both thin so that makes sense. I bet your necklace is beautiful. Love pearls. I too have a serious scarf collection. When the kids were little, they used to give me a Hermes scarf for special occasions. Of course they didn’t pay but they picked it out. I adore those treasures. This one was from the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. A great memory. I would love to repeat that sometime with hubby. He would appreciate the beauty and history. He is a huge train fan.
We took our time eating (sometimes we eat too fast in the US…hurry, hurry, hurry)so we were able to enjoy the food and the surroundings.
I appreciate you stopping by. Thank you my dear.
Big hugs to you and Pieter.
Barb
Loved The story Miss Barb 🙂 You look very happy!!! and personally I love your beautiful scarf :):) ~ Keep the Joy and Light in your heart.. Much love. 🙂
Hi Robin,
Thank you for visiting! I appreciate it. Love, love, love Aranjuez and this was a wonderful place to grab a bite.
Thank you…I love that scarf too and the memories associated with it. Keeping the joy and light always.
Big hugs,
Barb
I shouldn’t have read this post with an empty stomach! The restaurant and the FOOD sound delightful!
Good morning Therie! Thank you for visiting. Hands down…the food and restaurant…AMAZING!