JAGUARS – A STUNNING COUNTRY CRUISE – CAVA, FLAMENCO AND AN OPERA SINGER
04.03.0214.- The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in Spain organised something special for their latest event held on the 2nd March 2014. A cruise through some stunning scenery to a fabulous restaurant in Rebate about 30 minutes from Torrevieja. Our Events Manager, Ian McMenemy excelled himself this time. The day started with most of the members congregating initially at a little restaurant in Los Montesinos called La Fortaleza at around 12:00 Hrs., just for some light refreshments and a chance to catch up with old friends. Just before 1:00pm the convoy of 23 fabulous Jaguars left the restaurant and snaked it’s way through orange and lemon groves then skirting the Embalsa De La Pedrera, a stunning turquoise lake, the scenery was just spectacular. The road followed the edges of the lake, across the dam and finally off again through beautiful country side to Rebate.
Arriving at Restaurant Rebate was quite a surprise to most of us, what an absolutely fantastic oasis of tranquillity. Beautiful gardens, ponds and terraces surround the restaurant. We were greeted with a table of deliciously crisp cava for all the members out in the garden – “that’s the way to do it”. The sun shining, a glass of cava in your hand and just stunning scenery, I can tell you, there are worst ways of spending your day. Just after 2:00pm we all got seated in the “Stone Room” and the feast began, and what a feast. A biscuit with goat’s cheese and red fruits made to look like a Ladybird, followed by Vegetable soup, then a small but delightful salad with pine nuts and mustard and honey dressing, and it just kept coming, salmon mousse, ham croquette, sautéed mushrooms and we still have the main course to come, chicken, fish, pork, lamb or steak. Bursting at the gills, then a selection of desserts. Wine and coffee were included in the package – wait for it – all for 24.00 Euros – I can assure you the JEC Spain will be returning to Restaurant Rebate in the not too distant future.
The surprises did not stop with the food, after our main course we were treated to a short aria from Ms Lydia Hernandez, a professional opera singer who was the companion of our good friend Chris Fox. This was followed by Flamenco dancers out on the terrace in the sunshine under the Mimosa trees.
May I take this opportunity to thank all the members that attended especially the new members and the members that bought guests, bringing the total to 63 people and 23 cars. Anyone who appreciates Jaguars would have been in seventh heaven, we attracted some fantastic examples of this prestigious marque. Chris Fox with his XK120 and David Shea with his outstanding XJS Covertible to mention just a couple, even the “Guvnors” XK8 looked superb in this fabulous country setting. S Types, XJ’s, Sovereigns, XKR’s and even a new XJ graced the ranks – a great turnout, thank you guys. We even had two members join us all the way from Girona. I must also mention Mike & Brenda Pike who brought along five of their friends. Another thank you to all the members who made donations to the club funds, we raised 139.00 Euros this time which helps Ian and I to keep things running smoothly.
Satisfied and satiated, some members started to depart just after 5:00pm however some of us were still there at 6:00pm – what a great day. Our next meeting is planned for Sunday the 27th April, venue yet to be decided. Come and join us.
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 www.jec-spain.es or the JEC main web site www.jec.org.uk. Our Events Manager, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com. Not forgetting David Shea who looks after our Facebook identity and John Parkin who manages our dedicated web site www.jec-spain.es
Text and photographs by: Eric Arnold
