Argentine Grill Classic Warms Arinsal Winters at Surf

### Argentine Grill Classic Warms Arinsal Winters at Surf

In Arinsal's chilly heights, where fresh snow calls for hearty refuge, Surf restaurant stands out as a longstanding favourite. Housed in a borda transformed into a dining spot since 1991, the venue blends its pub origins with modern appeal, drawing crowds for its renowned grill.

Manager Mar, from the second generation running the business, greets diners amid a striking interior: wooden beams overhead paired with glittering crystal chandeliers upstairs, or intimate spots by the open kitchen downstairs. The menu spans starters, salads, grilled meats, burgers, pizzas, Milanese veal cuts, and pastas. Diners often start with garlic bubble bread and cheese while scanning the QR code for the full list.

On a recent cold day, one group opted for onion soup to chase the chill, alongside a Caesar salad featuring spinach, lettuce, tomato, bacon crunch, croutons, vinaigrette, and grilled chicken breast. Mains focused on the grill: a rare T-bone with chimichurri and mixed vegetables, plus a juicy bife ancho from the upper loin—rich with marbled fat for tenderness and flavour—also served with chimichurri. House-cut fries rounded out the plates, a staple here as an appetizer or side.

Desserts like cheesecakes, dulce de leche cake, Tatin, or chocolate tempt, though heavy meals often lead to skipping them. Coffee often shifts to the terrace, buzzing even in winter and lively with après-ski crowds in summer.

**Surf Arinsal** **Cuisine:** Argentine **Address:** Camí de les Barques 4, base of Arinsal cable car **Phone:** +376 838 069 **Hours:** 1–3:30pm and 7–10:30pm; closed Tuesdays **Recommended:** Bife ancho **Average price (without wine):** €40–50 **Vibe:** Modern borda **Parking:** None

Pairings lean simple: fresh Alhambra beer (6.4% ABV, amber-hued from a 1925 Granada brewery) cuts through rich meats.

### Gastronomy Highlights Across Andorra

Canillo's parish wrapped up its Sant Antoni Vianda Week, showcasing the traditional winter stew at 11 restaurants. The event, deemed cultural heritage, highlighted classic and reinterpreted versions to boost local cuisine.

On Sunday, February 8, Escaldes-Engordany's Sant Pere Màrtir church square hosts the Sant Antoni Encants. Expect auctions of artisan sausages, pork products, honey, and jams, with proceeds to Càritas. Esbart Santa Anna folk dances and a communal aperitif close the day.

Meanwhile, Ordino's Cota 1.300 keeps the après-ski energy alive Saturdays through February. From 4:30pm to 9pm—after Arcalís slopes close—the open-air spot mixes DJ sets, live music, and diverse food and drink options for post-ski gatherings.