Once described as a paradise in the mountains

In the village of Valle San Lorenzo, about 10 minutes drive from the twin resorts of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos you will find the bar/cafe called Paraiso. Located in the main street this is another of my favourite eating places in Tenerife. Booking is often essential as indeed is transport and I usually visit the day before to book a table and sample the tapas on offer. Paraiso is very popular with native residents and the British ex pats who have made their home on Tenerife. The owner Antonio ensures that everything is first class and has spared no expense in providing good quality food at a realistic price. Having been shown to your table and ordered your drinks you can browse the extensive menu which of course is available in four different languages. Such is the international appeal of Paraiso. There are cheap and cheerful wines and numbered amongst my favourites are the very passable Torres Esmarelda and Don Darios both which are now available in some local supermarkets in the UK. But you may prefer something more expensive. A complimentary starter arrives which I think you will find most tasty. I will leave you to decide what exactly it is and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. As a main starter for two persons could I suggest you try the gambass pil pil. Prawns, mushrooms and garlic which is served pipping hot. Please be careful this is hot! On the last occasion I visited in May I opted for steak and pineapple as my main course, with coleslaw and canarian potatoes. My constant companion chose chicken breast with mushroom or pepper sauce, vegetables and potatoes. Word of advice if you like your meat rare say nothing but if you like it on the well done side please say so. Check your phrase book for well done! Again we did not make the sweet course but if you do and fancy something light try the Tarta Canada. Cafe leche leche tonight and a liquer finished off a splendid evening. As I said you need transport for this eating place and a taxi from Los Cristianos will cost about £12. Of course if you have hired a car you will have no problems. Any reader wishing to have car hire details can email me for some advice. Paraiso, in Valle San Lorenzo is very popular and you will have to book but it is worth it and the bill will come as a pleasant surprise and not a shock. Bon appetite.