So it was just another Friday afternoon in Ibiza when I got the phone call, inviting me to dinner and a Flamenco show at the gorgeous beach restaurant La Escollera on Es Cavallet. A phone call that meant washing my hair was in order. A phone call that meant finding an appropriate outfit (one which could go from beach to bar within 10 minutes – literally) was necessary. A phone call that would irrevocably change my outlook on Flamenco forever…

You see, I’ve lived in Spain for quite a long time, but Flamenco and I have never really managed to strike up a friendship. It’s not that I was against it or anything, it’s just that we’ve never really crossed paths socially. Until now, I’ve been more of a dedicated four-to-the-floor type… frequenting the clubbing dance floors and listening to Ibiza Sonica rather than immersing myself in true Spanish culture (sorry!).

So on this particular Friday night, the mega-famous Andalusian Flamenco band Navajita Plateá took to the stage while the luxe restaurant put on an amazing Mediterranean buffet dinner, for a sophisticated evening of dinner, drinks and dancing. I have to admit, I felt as if I were on holidays on the mainland, so authentically Spanish was the entire experience…

Arriving just as the sun was setting, the pink and purple haze over the Mediterranean Sea took my breath away. Two professional jamon-slicers were on duty as we mingled by the sea – an ohmygod it was one of the most amazing jamons I have ever tried, and I’ll admit to taking a second, third and perhaps even a fourth helping to be sure!

A diverse mix of people slowly began to trickle down the red carpet, from families and young Spanish fans of the band, to ultra VIPs like Scandinavian MTV! All the staff (ultra-friendly and helpful) La Escollera were easily identifiable, by their special polka dot sashes, handy when you needed a drink or (I swear, not me) another plate of Jamon…

We took to our tables (which were bedecked with the traditional Flamenco-esque red carnations) after dark, as Navajita Plateá took to the stage. A cross between a rock band (with a very Antonio Banderas-esque frontman), buskers and gypsy musicians, they entertained with enchanting Flamenco guitar, emotive vocals and an infectious energy that had toes at every table tapping! Not being an expert on this style of music, I had to admit I was enthralled… the sound quality was pitch perfect – never an easy feat by the sea – and the view of the illuminated beach, with Dalt Vila in the background was second to none.

As the band took a break, we indulged in even more fine food, after which we couldn’t resist the ultimate digestive, a traditional shisha with apple tobacco. YUM! Normally, you’d never see smoke pass my lips, but in this case, I have to admit I enjoyed every minute, despite my inability to blow glamorous smoke rings and constant urge to giggle every time I inhaled.

The band returned to the stage just before midnight, as the crowd flocked to the front of the stage and really threw themselves into it!  The tempo was increased with more electric guitar to modernise the sound, something I hadn’t expected and yet a sound that was fresh to my ears. I’ll admit, many of the lyrics were lost on me (which totally didn’t matter – it’s all about the feeling!), there were a few that managed to make my ears prick up, including a Bob Marley melodic, ‘I wanna love ya…’ and a very specific, ‘La Isla Blanca’. Translated of course, that means White Ibiza – was he singing to me?

We’ll have to go back tonight to find out – Navajita Plateá are playing every Wednesday and Friday night at La Escollera throughout July and August!

THE LOWDOWN

THE GOOD: Knowing the words – IN SPANISH MIND YOU – to the band’s biggest hit, Noche de Bohemia… I don’t know how or where I have managed to learn it off by heart (in the Eroski checkout queue perhaps? Too much time on Kiss FM?) but I loved being able to join the crowd with gusto as they all sang it as though their lives depended on it…

THE BAD: Having to leave early (well, we’re talking 1am here), in time to catch a certain R&B superstar onstage at Pacha that very same evening… the things we do for work! I could have stayed for at least another hour… or two.. all the more reason to visit again next week!

THE GOSSIP: You snooze, you lose they say, and when it comes to a buffet, never was a truer word spoken. Certain White-ettes preferred to stay chatting at the table snacking on plate after plate of (admittedly amazing) jamon, while others were tucking into deluxe starters of mussels, prawns and more because they made the effort to visit the buffet… did I already say all the more reason to visit again next week?