Silos 19 – setting a new standard in Tarifa
Those of us who know Tarifa love it for its fresh, laid-back surfer’s paradise ambience untainted by the kind of mass-tourism that has blighted large parts of the world’s coastal regions.
Tarifa is a seaside resort with a difference. Instead of blocks of high rise apartments and hotels dotted with snack bars and souvenir shops, expect to find instead a funky little town that basks in a classic hippy chic atmosphere as much as it basks in the Spanish sun.
The tastefully renovated apartments and boutique hotels, along with the ‘Tarifa cool’ restaurants, cafés and beach clubs that have evolved over the years perfectly capture the spirit of Tarifa and add to it – drawing visitors from across Europe and beyond.
Add to this little workshops making surfboards or designing the kind of surf and beachwear sold in the many hip boutiques of this kite-surfing paradise and you have a formula that is pretty unique.
Silos 19
People – many of them successful professionals – have been drawn to Tarifa to live, and while they love the ‘chilled’ atmosphere and active water sports, a large proportion have also gone on to found businesses built upon the classic hippy chic essence of the town.
The founder of Silos 19, Manolo, is such a person. Having built up a successful IT business, this modern entrepreneur used to ‘escape’ to Tarifa’s fresh Atlantic breezes and idyllic seaside vibe. Now he spends most of his time here, putting great energy and enthusiasm into projects that are obviously a labour of love for him and are taking Tarifa to another level in the process.
The flagship of these is Silos 19, a fantastic new restaurant set within a stunningly transformed old grain store in Tarifa’s quaint historic heart. This he has tastefully restored, creating in the process a sophisticated setting that would not be out of place in New York, London or Barcelona, yet somehow captures Tarifa too – albeit at its most elegant.
The idea is for people to gather here; meet, socialise and enjoy great company and even better food. For the latter he has recruited Mourad Jaouani, one of Spain’s rich crop of fantastic young chefs, and together they have concocted a highly creative menu that offers a gastronomic experience to rival the best.
Combined with a setting complete with evocative ambient projections that transform the atmosphere at the touch of a clever button, Silos 19 is one Tarifa experience you won’t want to you deprive yourself of.
