Housekeeping note: Last year, Mikey used the word “fin” to preface all posts following his and Frank’s arrival in Santiago. It was intended to reference the Spanish/Latin word for end. T.S. Eliot aside (“…to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from”), there is still more to come.
Ergo, let’s borrow a word Mikey learned long ago as a student at the First School of Music where he studied piano for about 7 years. (You didn’t know that about Mikey, did you?!) Anyways, according to Merriman-Webster, a coda is:
“1a : a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure
b : a concluding part of a literary or dramatic work
2: something that serves to round out, conclude, or summarize and usually has its own interest.”
Welcome to this blog’s coda.
It was so wonderful not to set an alarm and be able to sleep in without consequences for the first time in a long while! Adding gluttony to sloth, Mikey went out for Chocolate con Churros before heading to the train station. (Did you know that the appropriate test for quality of Spanish hot chocolate involves resting a spoon on the surface of the chocolate? If it sinks, the drink is too thin and you should send it back. If the spoon rests on the surface, the chocolate is thick enough to enjoy.)
Speaking of “resting on the surface,” today was meant to be a lazy day of wandering around the former capital of A Coruña. So, we boarded a high-speed train and jetted through the countryside to the coastal city. (Off to a counterproductive start?)
Saint George’s church is a baroque example of Galicia’s early modern connection with the British isles. Apparently the priest was also resting because it was closed for the day.
Still, Mikey walked around the exterior ans took note of the Camino’s importance as seen throughout the city. While not a part of the French or Northern Ways, La Coruña is a main stop on the much shorter English Camino.
The town hall is stands prominently neaby in the middle of the city. It’s rather serious in its official role as the seat of local government.
Perhaps less serious are the local businesses. Mikey wanted to try a brewery that was supposed to open at noon. Nope. 2 hours later? Oh, well.
This tattoo shop had the perfect solution. As you can see on the “hours” part of the sign, it says, “best to contact the owner.” Love it.
Speaking of signs, Mikey spotted this one and we had to try it out. It’s basically an appetizer tasting menu with 5 items. Let’s go!
The first was a bit dull. Think of it as a Spanish version of a pig in a blanket – chroizo baked into bread. OK, but a bit meh.
The second course was a zucchini ravioli which clearly made up for anything lacking before. Mikey was glad for the bread as he proceeded to mop up all of the sauce.
Next up was tempura-like battered langoustines. There was a tangy dipping sauce that really went well.
A larger plate spotlighted three grilled squid with potatoes and a garlic and cream sauce made from the squid ink. Sounds a bit off, but Mikey was in love.
Finally, we had the most tinder beef medallions with mushrooms and potatoes. For some reason, they gave Mikey a knife that was totally unnecessary.
The final part of this tasting was a choice between coffee or a shot of liquor! As tempting as it was to end a meal with a bar shot, Mikey opted for the coffee.
This was mostly because he knew that there was a craft beer bar nearby where he wanted to try a few local brews. If ever in A Coruña, check out Malte Cervecería. With 20 micro taps in a country nearly absent of craft options, it’s well worth the trip.
Just don’t get caught by the Mormon missionaries! Wait a sec, the Mormans get to wear skinny khakis now?! Oh, dear.
Well, that’s about all to report from A Coruña. It was a relaxing day and intended more as a gastronomic reward for Mikey instead of accomplishing any cultural goals. You know, there is a Spanish proverb that goes something like, “A good day is to do nothing and to rest afterwards.” Today was a good day. Goodnight from the “Camino Coda.”
Mikey on The Way 