JAGUARS – BIG CATS IN ALTEA GOLF CLUB – DON CAYO RESTAURANT
19.01.2016.- The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in Spain got together again on Sunday 17th January 2016, what a fabulous day in all respects. It’s mid winter, yet we had blue skies, beautiful sunshine and warm enough to sit outside on the terrace to admire the views and chat to friends old and new. Perfect weather for taking that cherished Big Cat out on the road. A return visit this time, up the motorway to the “dizzy heights” of Altea, the Don Cayo Restaurant in Altea Golf Club. Parking was a bit limited but we did manage to get all the cars in a row, 25 beautiful examples of Jaguars automotive engineering and 62 people for lunch. May I take this opportunity to thank all those that attended especially the people that have never been before. As always a big thank you to Ian McMenemy for all his hard work organising this event.
The superb selection of Jaguars at this meeting as always, enough to make the pulse of any “petrol head” race. We were graced with a stunning range of Jaguars as always, Ian McMenemys newly acquired XJ, looking like it just left the showroom. A fabulous XJS Convertible in white, and a seriously impressive new 5.0 ltr XK, X Types,XK8’s, XKR’s XJ’s, XF’s, fabulous examples of both new and old, and of course the guvnors XK8 DHC to complete the line up.
We could not have wished for a better day or location, out in the sun, a cava reception and pre dining drinks on the terrace looking over the golf course in the valley, sitting there in shirt sleeves in January. We are so so fortunate. A group photograph then into the restaurant just before 2 o’clock, stunning tables, starched white tablecloths, I knew from previous experience that this was going to be good. A white wine, and a smooth fruity Rioja were brought to the table. As tasters the table was already set with mini cold kebabs and prawn cocktail vol-eu-vents. The first courses were pieces of art, either brie in a puff pastry case or a shredded duck salad, I tried both, absolutely delicious. Second course, a beef steak on a bed of pureed potato. A beautiful pepper sauce dressing and seasonal vegetables. Another choice was a pork roulade, and another dish which I forgot to take note of, sorry. Dessert was apple strudel with vanilla ice cream. We finished the day with a few announcements and a presentation of a “Valued Member Cup” to our long time member Baard Lund, a well deserved recognition. We also presented a JEC cup to the Maitre D” and Chef’s for Don Cayo in recognition of an excellent lunch. Then a coffee or a last drink, then head for home, a fabulous afternoon.
Our next meeting is on Sunday the 28th February 2016, location to be confirmed. Watch our website for more details. Something special planned for early April, a two night Spa Break at the famous Archena Spa Resort. One other bit of news, The Big One 2017 is proving to be very popular, we already have 320 people registered and 167 cars, I only have space for 410 people so make sure you register for this one if you have not already done so. Last but not least we are in the final stages of planning the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls BBQ event for September this year, again make sure you register for this event.
The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the worlds Jaguar Clubs, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, full members also benefit from a glossy 140 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 or by phone on 609931647 or alternatively check out the JEC Spain website. Our Events Director, Ian McMenemy can be contacted by email. Come along and join us.
Text and photographs by: Eric Arnold
