Es Guix

Gastronomic oasis in the Serra de Tramuntana

The crystalline water of the swimming pool invites to bathe in a relaxed atmosphere in which, in spite of the number of diners, calm reigns.

Author: Aina Coll

Photographer: Jaume Oliver

Some restaurants have the capacity to delight their diners with typical dishes, perhaps somewhat traditional, but executed with mastery. Others are surprising for their location and surroundings. Es Guix, in Escorca, has the gift of achieving both at the same time. We checked it one midday in September after a fun morning kayaking and snorkeling in Cala Tuent, thanks to the diving center Tuent Adventure.

As soon as we arrive in Lluc, we can park our car (electric, of course) in the restaurant's private parking lot and enter the magical courtyard of Es Guix, which is part of an old Mallorcan stone house. Divided into different heights, this wonderful terrace has lush vegetation - palms, pines and vines, above all - that makes it a unique and charming place.

On the upper level, under a large tent, families and groups of friends are already enjoying their meals on wooden tables and chairs placed in the shade as we take our seats. We do so at one of the few empty tables in the lower patio, which give off a distinctly summery air thanks to the white wrought iron and blue cushions with roba de llengües motifs decorating the chairs. Sitting at our table, the views are breathtaking: the patio, the mountain, lots of greenery and, the restaurant's great attraction, its spring water pool.

The crystal clear water of the pool is the main attraction of this restaurant, although now it can only be enjoyed by reservation, half an hour before lunch and half an hour after. We are not at all surprised by the influx of people who treat themselves to a refreshing dip, as the good temperature invites locals to bathe in a relaxed atmosphere in which, despite the number of diners, calm reigns.

After ordering a beer, we explore the menu. The gastronomic proposal of Es Guix consists of classic starters of Mallorcan cuisine (frit mallorquí - fried lamb -, botifarró croquettes - a typical sausage of the island - and snails with alioli), which coexist with proposals with excellent Spanish products, such as anchovies from the area of Santoña in vinegar, acorn-fed Iberian ham or anchovies from the Bay of Biscay. In addition, among these options, we find a cheese board with nuts, dates with bacon and Wagyu jerky, a breed of cattle from Japan that is becoming more and more frequent on the menus of the island's restaurants.

The main menu is dominated by meat dishes such as baked lamb, chops, Angus entrecôte, baked suckling pig, Irish Angus entrecôte or duck confit. The menu is complemented by grilled vegetables and confited codfish with garlic, peppers and tomato. In addition, as in any typical menu of the island, you can not miss the essential arròs brut, a delicious rice stew with meat and vegetables.

Faced with such succulent suggestions, choosing is not an easy task . After thinking it over, we opt for the duck confit with cranberry sauce and the fried lamb. The dishes arrive quickly at the table, something that excites us because, after a morning of sport activity, we are hungry. Abundant and delicious looking, we confirm at the first bite that our choice is a winner.

The duck confit of Es Guix melts in the mouth and surprises by the contrast on the palate, between the sweetness of the jam and the intense flavor of the meat, in a balanced mixture. The frit de mè, with a delicious garlic aroma -as it should be- and the spicy touch of liver, also more than meets our expectations.

Satiated and pleased with our dishes, we did not tackle the dessert menu, although it is a delightful one: almond sponge cake with ice cream, fig biscuit glacé with dark chocolate sauce, apricot biscuit ice cream and Mediterranean gelato made in Mallorca are some of the delicacies proposed by the culinary team to round off an incredible meal.

In the fabulous enclave of the Sierra de Tramuntana, sheltered by a grandiose holm oak forest, is the Can Guix estate, where a century ago the gypsum quarry that gives it its name was exploited. The restaurant, which opened its doors in 1970, is a dream place for its traditional architecture, its incomparable natural pool and, as we have been able to see now, a cuisine prepared with great taste and, of course, flavor. Another unmissable place to enjoy the best gastronomy in Mallorca.