Laurence Dollimore
BRITISH diners have praised a restaurant in southern Spain after receiving a series of unexpected discounts.
Annabel and Andy Graham told the Olive Press they were ‘pleasantly surprised’ after seeing the heartwarming deductions from their bill.
The siblings had enjoyed a meal at Finca Alfoliz in Huelva, which has a coveted ‘green star’ from the Michelin Guide thanks to its sustainable methods.
The siblings said: “It was a really nice surprise, obviously it’s not loads of money off the bill but it was a very sweet gesture.
“It’s a nice way of saying thank you to customers who treat their staff well.”
Waiters have up to nine possible discounts they can give to clients, including for ‘smiling upon arrival’, ‘for being patient’, ‘for being polite’ and ‘for arriving on time for your reservation’.
The Grahams were given three discounts for 10 cents each, amounting to a 30 cents reduction.
According to the Michelin Guide, Finca Alfoliz, run by head chef Xanty Elias, has a ‘strong focus on sustainability’.
It explains: “Located on a family estate surrounded by fields of crops and protected areas, Finca Alfoliz enables its guests to enjoy its stunning natural surroundings to the full.
“The restaurant’s modern take on traditional cuisine includes a complete emphasis on seasonal organic products, although it also offers delicious rice dishes cooked in clay pots, grilled meats (including a choice of mature cuts) and fish from the local estuary.
“We particularly recommend the salted tuna and coriander ‘picadillo’ from the coastal town of Isla Cristina (a typical miners’ recipe from the province of Huelva).”
After winning his green star, Xanty said: “We have a permaculture farmer who is responsible for the sowing of our crops and also studies pollinating insects that help avoid plagues of pests.
“We are fully committed to nature and subscribe to the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the 2030 Agenda adopted by the United Nations.”
