On entering the purple hotel in San Antonio you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a boutique hotel in the middle of Paris or New York. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into this gay-only hotel. There is a sweeping bar, lots of bright chi chi furniture, a great selection of drinks and outside a dreamy looking all-white pool area with its own bar. There's even a selection of swimwear on sale that shall we say would make even the less fortunate amongst us kings of the beach.
It wasn't so long back, that when a gay traveller came to San Antonio, they would be given twin beds because hoteliers refused to accept that same sex couples might want to share a double bed. With The Purple hotel, those days are over and now into its second year (it opened mid-season last year) it is now gaining in popularity and is at around two-thirds occupancy. They eschewed the idea of being gay-friendly, positioning the place instead as a uniquely gay venue. Dirk, whose brainchild this is has stuck to his guns on how the place should be presented: "guests are literally crying when they have to leave" he says, so evidently he's proved his point. You don't have to be gay to stay here and the daily calls they get from straight tourists wanting to stay here, because it looks so amazing, is testament to the work that has gone into this place. All they ask of everyone is that you respect that this is a gay venue first and of course enjoy yourself. You won't be turned away or compromised in this place.
Well priced food and adventurous specials
Dirk wants the place to be a meeting point for the local gay community. The bar and restaurant, 'A Pinch of Purple' are perfect places to do this. We went along to sample the food and check out what is the only gay venue in San Antonio. There are two chefs, one Spanish and one Italian, the latter of the two has worked in London and served the likes of Prince William and Madonna, a queen's dream guest list. The food here is very well priced and has a selection of quite traditional fare as well as some more adventurous specials on a blackboard, which changes with produce availability.
We had the degustation menu, which is available for groups if you ask nicely. It meant we got to sample a wide range of what were beautifully executed dishes. The menu has lots of old favourites on it, but the difference definitely is in the quality of preparation; you would be hard pressed to find this kind of quality and reasonable pricing elsewhere. An array of plates arrived, the finest of which was a home-cured duck ham; the fat a nice shade of pale yellow and deep of flavour. A selection of mini-burgers with Camembert and onions caramelised in Martini Rosso just fell down the throat and the mini aubergine parmigianas were a poem. Wraps can be an afterthought on some menus, but these were properly done, one with the local spicy sobrasada sausage and another with mushrooms and fresh white cheese, well beyond what you'd expect.
Attention to detail
It didn't end there, we were treated to freshly made chicken croquettes, salt cod fritters and deep fried chicken fillets with two dipping sauces. We washed this freshly prepared selection down with local Can Rich organic white and rosé wines, which were yummy by the way. A trio of mini desserts followed this and again the attention to detail shone through: an unctuous chocolate mousse; a berry cheesecake, made with mascarpone and lemon and a tiramisu you'd want to get a secret apartment for to have an affair with.
We finished off with chef Gian Luca's special 'Spermbank' shot, and I'd suggest you go and experience that yourself; let's say it was fun to watch being prepared. There's regular art displays from local artist and Bloop is doing its LGBT inspired installation, 'Fistival' right now, so there's plenty to amuse. The pool area is open to non-guests if dining and is a lovely place to eat al fresco in the evenings.
The Purple really is rather special, whether you are staying there, dropping in for a bite or a quick drink. It's high time San Antonio had a gay venue and this place shows you how to do it. It deserves your support.
Quick Facts
What? The Purple
Where? 23 Calle Antoni Riquer, San Antonio
When? Daily 9am to 12am
Why? The food and ambiance are great and it's the only gay place in San Antonio
Average spend per head? There's not really a starter list, so as a guide: a main will set you back around €14 for meat or fish; hamburgers are around €5; homemade pizzas €8
Veggie Options? Yes, salads, two of the homemade pizzas and the pasta dishes are veggie
Disabled Facilities? There are no disabled toilets, but access to the hotel is easy and the loos are quite big
Top tips? Ask for the degustation menu or pop by in the morning for what looks like an excellent breakfast selection
Room for Improvement? The main menu is quite traditional, though this is more than made up for by an excellent list of specials. They are working on evolving the main menu too, so next year, expect to see some changes.
WORDS | Julian Heathcote
