If you follow me on Instagram, you may know that I have had the opportunity to return to Spain recently as a trip leader with Global Works Travel. You also may know that I absolutely love flamenco music and flamenco dancing.
Case in point…
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Whenever our travel itinerary includes Granada, I always get to take my GW group to Jardines de Zoraya for a special night out. Jardines de Zoraya is an excellent restaurant and “tablao” tucked into the Albayzín neighborhood. We choose this venue for our Global Works groups because we have the opportunity to take a private flamenco dance lesson before dinner and the show. The lesson is always good fun, and it’s the perfect primer for the rest of our evening.
Out of all the amazing things I do around Spain with Global Works Travel, this is the evening I look forward to the most!
Granada has a lot of great flamenco. Indeed, flamenco is very much a part of the soul of Granada and its citizens. On most days, you can catch a performance on the streets – for free (or a few coins). Many tourists flock to one of the famous caves of Sacromonte to see a show – me included on my first trip to Granada in 2009. Yet, since I started leading GW trips in 2015, I’ve been enchanted time and time again with the flamenco shows at Jardines de Zoraya. They have never disappointed me, and I’ve always left the room with a full and happy heart.
So, allow me to share 3 simple reasons why I love Jardines de Zoraya.
1) The talent is outstanding.
Y’all, by no means am I am flamenco expert. But I am fairly certain when I say that those who perform at Jardines de Zoraya are BIG DEALS in the flamenco world. Fran Vílchez once taught me and a bunch of teenage girls some basic pasos. But then he went on to direct his own tour company in Madrid. No biggie.
Also, I’ve seen José Cortés (aka “El Pirata”) play the guitar a couple of times… he is absolutely phenomenal.
And many other talented artists have brought their skills to this little stage in this intimate setting. Their passion is palpable and their skill is undeniable. I am in awe after every show.
2) The service is great.
I’ve had great experiences with the wait staff of Jardines de Zoraya. Considering I usually have about 20 people in tow, I’ve found the service to be kind, patient, and attentive. And you can’t always say that about table service in Spain…
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3) The food and drink are delicious!
“Jardines” means “gardens” in Spanish, and this restaurant has a lovely garden courtyard where you can enjoy a great meal al fresco before the show. I always forget to take photos because I’m so excited for my strawberry gazpacho and croquettas de jamon… but I have managed to snap a picture of a beautiful dessert plate!
In summary, Jardines de Zoraya is a great place to spend a special night out in Granada!
Here’s the thing: Jardines de Zoraya is not a cheap tapas bar, but it delivers on so many levels. From the food itself to the performances, you will not regret this night out in Granada! As for me, I’m leading another Global Works trip to Spain next month, and I can’t wait to take a front row seat at my favorite flamenco show in town!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO SHARE…
Have you been to Granada before? Have you ever seen a live flamenco show? Did you know there are more than 50 styles (or “palos”) of flamenco, each with their own variation?
Want to see more from Granada, Spain? Make sure to follow me on Instagram and catch my next visit to Jardines de Zoraya in June 2019!
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