DINNER & DECOR: RANDEMAR, PORT DE SOLLER
Towards the end of the summer holidays, myself and my family spent a relaxing week in the charming village of Port de Soller, Mallorca. The village, situated within one of Mallorca's most beautiful horseshoe harbours on the west coast, holds both its beauty and charm in it's traditional and quaint appearance. However, do not be fooled - amongst the tradition is a growing collection of contemporary bars and restaurants including the trendy, Randemar Restaurant.
The Randemar had previously caught our attention upon our stroll's across the bay, the 20th century architecture that seemed fitting for a place in St Tropez mostly, but it was also down to the trendy exterior lighting and inviting ambience that eventually persuaded us to wonder on in. Upon our arrival, 'Instagram worthy' waiters - sporting crisp white shirts, stone coloured chino's, braces, dickie-bows and some rather handsome faces up top, welcomed us and directed the five of us to a rather relaxing lounging area whilst we waited for a table. It was whilst I waited in the lounging area, a narrow, yet cosy outdoor area situated after the entrance of the establishment that acted as both entry to the restaurant and comfortable lounging/waiting area for guests who sipped upon fancy cocktails whilst ( unknowingly to them ) surrounded by some pricey, yet ever so stylish DEDON lighting, that I firmly decided that the Randemar Restaurant would be the one and only eatery I would blog/review whilst away. Do I ever give myself a break?...Apparently not.
Our table for the night was situated within the rather large terrace to the front of the villa, a cool open-aired area filled with adequate seating. We were fortunately placed in front of a large living wall expanding from the front to the back of the terrace, offering a stretch of banquet seating and some rather sick lighting - a soft glow that formed behind the seating and up onto the living wall and not to forget a breath-taking view that was so close, you could almost touch it. Stupidly, I didn't exactly plan my time during our stay very well ( I'm blaming it on the prawns in panko breadcrumbs, sweet chilli dip and coconut shavings starter that obviously threw me off track ) therefor the few pictures I had taken whilst eating and exploring the villa were affected by the lack of natural light - we eat late ok? ...However, after speaking to Cristina, enthusiastic owner of the Randemar she kindly invited me back (during day-light) to capture the beautiful ambience and interior the Randemar offers...and also gave me a little in-sight into just how the Randemar began. Take a look below...
History & Style:
The Randemar began with a young Toni Oliver, a mere nine-teen year old - who after previously working for his parent's beachfront restaurant decided to venture out on his own, forming his family's French Chateau style home into Port de Soller's - Randemar Restaurant. Sixteen years later, Toni met Miami native Cristina he soon married, with Cristina's background in both fashion and design a new chapter for the Randemar was born...
The Randemar reflects both Cristina's creative energy and enthusiasm through its chic interior and welcoming atmosphere. Alterations to the property can be seen on both ground floor and first floor. The ground floor - a contemporary bar area, with silver/grey leather seating, animal prints and dramatic interior lighting is surprisingly, not far from it's original state ( minus the bar and furnishings ) - according to Cristina, the ground floor was pretty modern when purchased ( "ugly but modern" ). The first floor however is designed to stay close to it's original French Chateau origin, with Louis 14th style furnishings - some even dating to the properties previous owners. While the first floor provides a sense of warmth and comfort, contemporary gestures such as a large glazed screen to the back of the first floor allow the connection between the two styles.
Seating for diners ( & those who enjoy sipping on fancy cocktails - including myself ) can be found on both ground and first floor levels. A terrace, on ground floor provides a large area to dine whilst surrounded by a perfect seafront view and the chic and funky background music provided by their resident DJ - allowing you to easily believe you've relocated from the cosy port of Port de Soller to the thriving yet ever so calming town of Saint-Tropez. Lastly, the Randemar offers a beautiful selection of Mediterranean dishes, including Panko crumbed prawns with chilli dip and coconut shavings which I strongly recommend!
My overall experience at the Randemar was one of pure relaxation. A place where the food, atmosphere and staff are as fantastic as the views.
I would like to thank Cristina and the lovely staff at the Randemar for their co-operation.