Fresh fish, seafood, shellfish and other Mediterranean food delights are some of the many reasons why the Mediterranean diet is considered healthy and full of nutritional benefits. The sheer variety of freshly caught fish and crustaceans in the island’s fish markets is both, staggering and mouth-watering. Gambas de Sóller are a particular source of bliss to my humble mind. They are pricey shrimps (25 – 60 €, depending on size and season) but, let that not deter you. Gambas de Sóller (Aristeus antennatus) are quite possibly the best tasting shrimps in the world, a delicacy that can be eaten raw, marinated, tartared or grilled. The Romans are said to have indulged in them when they were here in Mallorca, 2,000 years ago.

The best place to sample the Sóller gambas is, obviously, Sóller or Port de Sóller. The gambas season is in full swing right now. Sitting on a restaurant terrace overlooking the sea and eating red gambas de Sóller on a sunny afternoon with a cold glass of Quíbia is my idea of paradise. Sóller shrimps are also served as a succulent Carbaccio or a sublime Lasagna de gambas de Sóller (for instance at the Restaurant Béns d’Avall). If you can’t make it to Sóller, head over to the Mercat de l’Olivar fish hall in Palma and buy 10 or 12 large red Sóller gambas for a magnificent lunch for two. Enjoy your meal and be grateful for having found this great island offering such divine food.

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: October 14th, 2010. The time was 11:32:45.