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Different, fun and with a Mallorcan soul. That's how Ana and Lluís define their cuisine at restaurant Can Ribera by Meel. A delicious and original option that is sure to surprise and delight you if you decide to visit this gastronomic space, where excellence is combined with creativity and a taste for local produce.
Their love story with food started way back. Since they were children, Ana and Lluís have put in the effort and dedication needed when working in the hospitality sector at a tourist destination such as Mallorca. As they grew older, they both learned to shape the passion that goes into the creation of every dish served: "We try to evolve and learn new techniques and traditional ways of doing things; this way we can offer an exciting food experience without losing the original quality of the local cuisine,” says Lluís.
They actually only decided to take the big leap a couple of years ago. Now they are a perfect team working side by side in the kitchen at Can Ribera by Meel, the restaurant at our hotel Can Ribera by Zafiro in Muro.
So young and embarking on a new project this size! Tell us a bit more about the story behind Restaurante Can Ribera by Meel?
Our first project as entrepreneurs was making cakes, pastries and bread for delivery. That's where the name comes from. In Mallorcan 'mel' means 'something very tasty' and in Dutch ‘meel’ means 'flour', and so it refers to our Mallorcan roots as well as Belgian roots in the case of Ana.
We have both worked for the Zafiro Hotels chain in the past, and earlier this year we were entrusted with this project. They have put their full trust in us and helped us ensure a successful outcome. We had training, experience, ideas and above all: a lot of will.
We know you share more than just a kitchen... What’s a day like, in the life of Ana and Lluís? What does each of you bring to achieve that perfect combination?
Our daily routine is filled with food service and everything it takes to run a company: orders, bills, cleaning and – of course – a lot of cooking.
There are obviously many hours of work, but we talk to each other and adapt to each other. We have our pre-defined tasks but are always willing to help each other out.
What will you find on the menu at Can Ribera by Meel?
On the menu at Can Rivera by Meel you'll find dishes that we like to cook and eat. We always try to give them a special touch, fine-tuning them to the place where they are savoured. Our inspiration comes from traditional cuisine combined with ideas we get when we're travelling, from experiences...
What do you wish to convey with your dishes?
We like taking all these ideas and experiences and put them on plates, with consistency and taste. We want others to enjoy them as much as we do.
Is there anything that must be present at all times in your kitchen?
Time. Many hours of slow fire. Product quality, a tasty, warm home-made bread and – crucially – a dessert at the end that will surprise you.
You love local produce: what’s your favourite?
Mallorcan pastries. We love their textures, aromas, and flavours, both sweet and savoury. There are many different ones to celebrate various occasions around the year, which makes them very versatile when it comes to cooking.
How do you support 0-km gastronomy at Restaurante Can Ribera by Meel?
Whenever we can, we choose products from here – both food and drink. Our suppliers are reliable and close, they always take our preferences into account.
What's your favourite dish at Restaurant Can Ribera by Meel? Or: what would be your favourite choice of starter, main course, and dessert?
We love all our dishes, so our recommendation would be to try to taste them all, of course. But we do have a weakness for some, such as the ceviche with fresh fish from Pollença, the Mallorcan lamb roll with gravy and for dessert our luscious home-made snickers with a delicious peanut ice-cream.
It's the perfect dessert, for sure. It’s a perfect way of finishing this interview as well, and to make everyone reading this feel their mouth start watering.
So now you know that if you're going to Mallorca, you have a gastronomic visit you don’t want to miss here at Can Ribera by Meel. The phone number for reservations is +34 623 287 480 and you can check out the menu online for the restaurant. We look forward to seeing you!
