The green corner

Perched under an enormous ancient olive tree and serving fabulous food, fresh juices and expertly crafted cocktails from morning till night plus bringing live music to the stage, Raco Verd’s 50-year reputation as the place to be in San Jose is very well deserved.

By day, it’s a juice bar and breakfast hotspot for switched on holidaymakers, accessing WiFi while recharging for the day ahead over a detoxifying juice of melon, lime, celery and mint, the hangover SOS (apple, carrot and lime) or ecological muesli with natural yoghurt and honey.

From midday into the evening, it’s all about tapas with a menu encompassing traditional Spanish bites and sharing plates with a mod-Mexican twist. Favourites include pimientos de padron, tortilla Español, Pollo Tinga (tacos for two with shredded chicken, homemade guacamole and sweet, spicy sauce), and the light, zesty Mexican salad with jalapenos, red onion and avocado.

As dusk settles, the artful cocktail menu and extensive wine list allures sun-soaked bodies coming home from the beach and pre-disco dancers warming up on their way into town. Staying true to its musical roots, from Tuesday to Saturday, there are live Bossa Nova, Flamenco, Brazilian and acoustic guitar performances.

Ultimately, Raco Verd is many things to many people. Open all year round, it also plays host to a variety of winter concepts including a supper club and Balearic nights… All the more reason to visit!

Published on September 4, 2011.