La Utielana

La Utielana

Plaza del Picadero de Dos Aguas, 3, 46002 Valencia

This had to be my first entry in  the 'EAT out section: I've been coming hear for ages; it's almost like eating at home. La Utielana still manages to retain its timeless quality; even though it can now be found in many guide books.

This is where I come for comfort food: chicken escalope with chips and the lamb gravy; sausage, egg and chips with the lamb gravy... anything with the lamb gravy. There is so much that is great about this place that it is hard to know where to start:

• It has some original frescoes that were painted in 1952 that are fantastic; even though the figures have lost their heads to a lowered ceiling.
• La Utielana was the first place in Valencia to have an all female waiting staff.
• It has always had a strong Thespian following: so, normally has a few interesting characters in.
• I even love the fact that they serve rice dishes, to the guiris ( foreigners ), in the evening.

N.B. Paella is a lunch dish.