Cercado Largo - Menu

"We were staying in the Parador Toledo and were not inspired by the menu that they had on offer. We were also fed up with the unhospitable nature of the proprietors of tourist trap Toledo. We decided to take a drive into the outer towns/villages to try and find a local restaurant. Not being successful on our drive, we entrusted the satnav to find us a restaurant nearby. Both times it sent us into a residential areas with no sign of a restaurant. We were beginning to loose hope and were trying to negotiate our way out of what we later discovered to be Arges, when we saw Restaurante Cercado Largo. A quick sharp turn and we made it into the smallish parking area. From the outside this place wasn't particularly inspiring, however we have travelled enough to know that some of the tastiest food can be found in the most unlikely places and you can get a pretty horrific meal in a place that is all pomp and ceremony. We approached the main restaurant over the outdoor seating area and kids play area. All was very quiet. The waiter came out and my husband asked if they were open (my husband speaks Spanish). We were shown into the restaurant, all wooden tables and chairs, very clean. There was a group of little girls with their parents in the throws of a birthday party having lots of fun. This is a typical Spanish restaurant nice and laid back. We had a lovely gin and tonic and were given the menu. There is no English menu but we understood enough. I ordered the Perdiz a la Toledana (Toledo style Partridge) and my husband ordered Chuleton (T bone steak). So we were going to find out soon enough what our food fate was. The food arrived and it looked great. A whole partridge in a bowl with a lovely broth and potato. Steak cooked as my husband ordered it with potato's (they cut the bone out of my husbands steak, which was fine by him). OH WOW!. The partridge was AMAZING, lovely and moist cooked in the most fantastic homemade broth (onion, bay leaves, peppercorns) I can honestly say that it was truly sublime. Well seasoned, good honest home cooked food. Delicious. My husband loved his steak and he sampled the partridge and broth too.....in fact he wanted mine!. We were given lovely fresh bread to mop up the delicious broth. We were both so pleased we had come across such a find!. The olive oil is local too from Arges it's called Marin, it was gorgeous. It tasted so mellow and fruity like strawberries!. I wanted to take some home but you must only be able to get it in that town as we couldn't find it in Valdepenas the next day. We had coffee and were given the offer of a drink on the house, which we had hierbas. Not expensive. We were chatting to the man that was serving us and it transpired that he was Alberto. It is a family business Alberto and his parents own the place. Both of h is parents are the chefs. So there we have it. Don't judge the book by looking at the cover, it may not have curb appeal but food appeal it has by the bucket load. This place is amazing and deserving of your business. Best meal I had in Spain. To help, this will give you an idea of the menu choice. Screen shot it and you will have it on your phone. Meat Solomillo Steak Chuleton T Bone steak Entrecote Rib Steak Escalope Thin Steak Tenera en su jugo Steak in own juice Cochinillo Asado Roasted suckling pig Pierna de Cordero Lechal Leg of suckling lamb Paletilla de Cordero Lechal Shoulder of suckling lamb Chuletitas de Cordero Lechal Suckling lamb chops Perdiz a la Toledana Partridge Toledo Style Conejo al Ajillo Rabit and garlic Rabo de Toro Oxtail Codillo Cercado Largo Pigs trotter Pollo Asado Medio Half a roasted chicken Seafood Langostinos Langoustines Gamba Plancha Grilled prawns Gambon Plancha ?? don't know what this is Mejillones al Vapor Steamed Mussels Mariscada y Parrillada (min 2 people) Grilled seafood platter Rices Arroz con Bogavante Rice with lobster Paella Mixta Mixed Paella Arroz abanda Fishermans rice (min 2 people) Fish Lubina Hojaldrada Sea bass in puff pastry Merluza al gusto Hake to your liking Bacalao a la Riojana Cod in garlic tomato sauce Emperador al Ajo Perejil Emperor fish with garlic and parsley Hope that this helps and you go and enjoy it as much as we did"