Having just arrived on the island for the summer and still playing catch up, it was with great speed and gratitude that we accepted the offer from Mint bar of a sunset dinner. The Ibiza sunset remains one of the most spiritual experiences on the island and in the Sunset Strip you have one of the finest vantage points from which to enjoy it. Mint is part of the Mambo Group, which means that before you even arrive at the venue you know that the level of service is going to be outstanding. The staff are al very friendly and not in a ‘we need to be friendly to you because it is our job’ kind of way but more in a’ we still can’t believe that we live in Ibiza’ kind of way. There is a level of sincerity that makes you feel instantly at home.
The outside terrace that overlooks the Med and faces the sunset is already packed as we are shown to our table at the waters edge. The promenade starts to get a lot busier as sunset approaches, all the while the music from Mambo, courtesy of Andy Baxter, is piped through and provides the perfect accompaniment to the slowly descending sun. As it’s summer solstice, the sunset is slightly later than usual, which suits us just fine as we are in no hurry. Mint is well known for the quality of its pizza but it is by no means a one trick pony, a full investigation of the menu reveals several tasty dishes on offer. We opt for salads t start with, of the Caesar, Caprese and Prawn and Mango variety, with the main courses ranging from good old fashioned burger, to sunset pizza to fillet steak and roasted vegetables. It’s Thursday night so while we wait for the starter to arrive we are entertained by the scantily clad ladies of the FMIF procession as they wander back and forward along the strip.
The wait for the food is not a long one, three different but equally appealing salads arrive, the produce is clearly fresh, the presentation is impressive and the taste trumps everything else. With a slight break in between courses, the sun has started making its way below the horizon, much to the delight of the huge crowd that has gathered on the strip, along the promenade and down on the rocks. As it finally disappears, leaving the last remnants of its orange glow behind the crowd breaks into cheering and applause. The sunset is a must have experience on the island and is clearly a popular today as it was three decades ago when the tourism really started to boom. No sooner had the sun gone than the m ain courses arrived. Again, with an emphasis on presentation, my steak was cooked to perfection and the roasted vegetables are perfect. Judging by the ease at which the rest of the Essentialibiza crew demolish their chosen mains I would hazard a guess that they were equally satisfied with their choice.
While Mint has earned a reputation for delivering sterling food it is also fair to point out that they are not too shabby when it comes to mixing a cocktail. Now, given that we are dedicated to making sure you have the best information possible, we took one for the team and ordered a round. Granted, the Strawberry Mojito and Daiquiri and the Mango Caipiroska are not the manliest of drinks but they are delicious and once again look the part. While the sun has gone, the sky is still surprisingly light and drinking drinks that taste like ice lollies is still permitted until it gets dark. All in all the first sunset f the summer turned out to be an amazing experience thanks to our friends at Mint, it won’t be a year until our next visit!
