If you´re in the mood for a great night out, the finest cocktails, live music, top ambience and tasty food to boot, then Mariposa is the place for you.
It´s hip owners Benji and Danni are adventure sports afficionados and house music connoisseurs. They decided to open Mariposa this summer after seeing a gap in the market for somewhere young, trendy and hip with a vibrant bar and live DJ´s to really get Sotogrande going. The group has just been allocated a late license so are able to keep the tunes pumping till 4am.
Sotogrande is often mistaken as a quiet destination. Yet with 30,000 inhabitants, many of whom are in the 18-40 age bracket, the dream is ideal. With its perfect open-air courtyard setting and huge dancefloor and lounge space, this is surely the ideal after dinner venue to attend. The newly renovated bar is a must see too, with neon lighting, kitch butterfly deco and abstract art.
THE DRINKS
The cocktail menu is vast and there are regular two for one happy hours every day of the week from 7.30-8.30pm, including all the classic cocktails you´d expect including Daiquiris, Mai Tais and Pina Coladas. Those with finer tastebuds or looking for something different there are Champagne Mojitos, Chili Moscow Mule (with a real floating chili and a kick – if you dare!) and The Hurricane (comes with a warning!).
THE FOOD
The food menu has a cool American twist with hearty portions of ribs, burgers and chicken dominating the menu. There is also a Spanish flavour, including typical dishes such as Calamari (the owners favorite, lightly battered for starter), Sea Bass and Tuna Steak.
Plus there are a few British favorites such as fillet steak and pork belly, and a lovely unique touch of a complimentary entrée of well presented carrots with their homemade crème fraiche and Thai flavoured dip.
For starters, our tasters went for sticky ribs which were succulent and had just the right amount of tangy, BBQ sauce and the fresh whole grilled shrimp, which to our surprise were extremely generous with 6 large, whole king prawns. Positioned in heart formation (!) on a bed of salad and lime and coriander…. they were cooked to perfection and on the list of the best prawns sampled in Marbella.
Our tasters then went for Sea Bream and the Piri Piri Chicken with steamed vegetables and dauphines potatoes for main. Both were hits. The wine match offered by the waitress was also superb. With fish and spicy chicken she recommended a South African Chenin Blanc called The Rustler. Perfect.
The side dishes were also a lovely addition to the menu especially their sweet potato fries which taste so good considering how healthy they are. The fruit platters they offer over breakfast and brunch as well as the salads and other healthy methods taken by the superb head chef means you can come away with a feeling of well- being despite eating foods typically associated with being calorie laden. Plus, everyday there is a new specials menu with at least 5 dishes offered. Plus there is a breakfast and brunch menu with a unique twist on classic dishes.
DESSERT
This is where sin sets in and what a nicer way to end your meal than with a white chocolate cappuccino. However, the most popular of their desserts has to be the smashed meringue with flambéed strawberries and vanilla ice cream.
Boxout
Contact Mariposabargrill@gmail.com or call +34 956 795 726 for reservations. Also available for private hire for any type of function including weddings.
