THE JAGUAR ENTHUSIASTS CLUB IN SPAIN LATEST EVENT HAPPENED ON THE 14TH JULY WHERE MEMBERS JOINED IN WITH THE COUNTRY LUNCH CONVOY
15/07/2013.- Just a fantastic day in all respects. We were blessed with absolutely perfect weather. Lunch had been arranged at a little known, but excellent restaurant called La Torreta located half way between Sax and Elda. Most of the cars met at restaurant Los Almendros in Torrellano then travelled in convoy to Sax, stopping briefly at the Repsol gas station to wait for a few other members who were coming from different directions. As the convoy of Big Cats rolled into Sax, I have to say it did look impressive. 18 beautiful examples of Jaguars automotive engineering. After a 15 minute wait, the convoy left to drive the last few kilometres to the restaurant arriving at just before 14:00 Hrs. May I take this opportunity to thank all those that attended especially the new members and to thank Ian our Events Manager for putting together such a brilliant day.
The superb selection of Jaguars at this meeting was typical of most of our meetings, gleaming examples of pure automotive art. From 1950’s classics to a new XKR and a new XF, dare I say it we even had an Aston Martin DB7 join in – and more than welcome. The collection of cars actually filled the car park of the little country eating house.
We totalled 40 people which took over a large part of the restaurant. Restaurant La Torreta went to exceptional efforts to make this event a success and I must thank Simone and register our appreciation for such a terrific day. The food was fabulous and for a price that was excellent value for money. We started with a plate of sliced fried cheese on a bed of thinly sliced tomato drizzled in olive oil, followed by deep fried Boquerón’s (small fishes), then Sepia a la plancha, the tenderest griddled squid you have ever tasted. A choice of main course was offered, slow cooked shoulder of lamb, entrecote steak, sea bass with cava sauce, grilled hake, or for a small supplement either a fillet (solomillo) steak (the best you will get anywhere) or a Chuleton Steak (T Bone) a huge piece of prime beef. A selection of deserts were then offered as well as good strong coffee. Wines consisted of El Cotto 2008 for the red, Olite for the rose and a very pleasing little Riesling for the white or for those who wanted it endless beer.. All this for 23 Euros which offered our members exceptional value for money. Some members have already said we must repeat this event again in the not too distant future.
After the group photographs and a last chat, people started to depart just after 4:30pm however some of us were still there at 6:00pm – what a great day. Our next meeting is on Sunday the 25th August, again something special this time “We are dining with the Wolves”. We will be visiting Font de Llop golf club near Aspe for lunch. The management have agreed to let us park the cars on the terrace overlooking the golf course, the scenery here is stunning, a great opportunity for that special picture of you car so bring your cameras. Another date for your diaries, Saturday 21st September, JEC Spain has agreed to support the Royal British Legion in their Poppy Day Appeal, this will include a cruise out to The Manor at Pinoso – not an official JEC Meeting, just a run out to help support a great cause. I believe we will be joined by members from other car clubs as well.
The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, members also benefit from a glossy 132 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.
The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook.com or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC web site www.jec.org.uk Our Events Manager, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com.
Text and photographs by: Eric Arnold
