Allegar: Chef Juan Cuesta is behind the menu at the exclusive Santa María Briones hotel
Allegar: Chef Juan Cuesta is behind the menu at the exclusive Santa María Briones hotel
In Briones, they use the word “allegar” to refer to eating every last morsel on their plate, making the most of delicacies and drinks. The word also means “to accumulate” – in this case, to accumulate good memories and experiences around a table with friends, family, and one’s partner. And that is what the culinary proposal of the Allegar Restaurant at the Santa María Briones Hotel consists of: enjoying food, meeting together, celebrating, and disconnecting with local, honest flavors and with top-quality ingredients from Riojan orchards and local producers. It’s a question of treating the ingredients with techniques that lift them up; of savoring them in an idyllic environment where the different gastronomic spaces take on their own personality, forming a true, complete culinary experience.
In charge of the kitchen is Juan Cuesta, a native from Logroño who has a career chocked full of experience in some of our country’s best restaurants. He spent some time at El Portal de Echaurren in Ezcaray and, from there, he went on to work with the Echapestro brothers. Later, he went to Marqués de Riscal and to Las Rejas in Las Pedroñeras with the great Manuel de la Osa. He subsequently went to MB by Martín Berasategui in Tenerife, being part of the team that led the establishment to reach its second Michelin Star. A career that encompasses passionate, signature cuisine and the most refined technique. A professional journey of almost a decade that he is now bringing to what he considers a complete, immersive experience at Santa María Briones – a project conceived to lay bare the demanding palate, social instinct, and sense of enjoyment of La Rioja’s people.
The soft and delicate light of the inner courtyard comes in through the large windows and lights up a room that seems spacious yet intimate at the same time; a perfect, quiet atmosphere in which to experience a symphony of flavors and textures. The sea bass ceviche, the creamy and crispy lamb atop sweet potato cream and panko breadcrumbs, and the cod in slices atop Reinette apple, tomato, and honey-mustard vinaigrette are some of the dishes that parade through Allegar’s dining room. The restaurant also has a private dining area located in what was once the old winepress and which offers that extra bit of privacy that is perfect for group meals.
The recovery project for this stately house was undertaken by architect Ignacio Quemada and the Isabel López Vilalta & Asociados interior design studio. Respect for the building’s original elements and a good use and combination of light with fine materials of natural origin such as stone and wood have brought about spaces with an intimate feel that invite one to peacefully enjoy the creations of Juan Cuesta. Good food, good wine, and the best of company.
Allegar
Calle Concepción 37, Briones.
Tel.: +34 941 991 599
