What is your definition of the perfect dining experience? Ours looks like the neighborhood of Las Salesas, specifically La Buena Vida. The restaurant’s interior boasts only a few tables and very sparse decorations, but the owners—and husband-wife team—Carlos Torres and Elisa Rodríguez know that nothing should distract guests from the beauty of the plates served in their restaurant.
At La Buena Vida, seasonal fare is always the name of the game. Autumn promises dishes that highlight the bounty of the countryside. Think hunting dishes featuring birds like grouse, ducks, turtle doves and woodcocks, or rich, mushroom-filled stews of chanterelles, sausage and potatoes. Winter brings delicacies like black truffles and sea urchin to the table, while springtime specialties include the freshest produce and nuanced dishes like artichokes with cod or delicate pastas. Finally, summer dishes are exactly what you want served with a side of warm weather: gazpacho, crispy fried fish and grilled calamari served in their own ink. No matter what the weather, though, each meal concludes with a sizable piece of homemade cheesecake.
In terms of wine pairings, place your trust in the more-than-capable Elisa. She knows the winery and its products like the back of her hand.