In the heart of Astigarraga, next to the Petritegi cider house, Malum Rex opened its doors in May as the first Sagar Bar in Spain, offering the possibility of experiencing cider culture in an alternative and innovative way.
Ainara Otaño and Jon Torre, members of the fifth generation of the Petritegi family, found the inspiration to develop this project in their travels around the world over the last decade. Visiting regions and countries such as Germany, England, France, Asturias, Barcelona, Madrid and the USA, they got to know different forms of cider production and consumption, including concepts such as ‘cider bar’, ‘steak house’ and ‘tap-room’. Driven by these experiences, they developed the idea of diversifying the product at home and creating a new gastronomic concept, creating a space to showcase and enjoy a wide range of cider.
Cider lovers will find more than 40 references in the so-called “Great Altar of Ciders”
Multi-tap bar
At Malum Rex, cider is the main protagonist. At the multi-tap bar, customers can order twelve varieties of cider from both the Basque Country and abroad. In addition, in this new Sagar Bar you can find the so-called ‘Great Altar of Ciders’, where cider lovers have more than 40 references available: still ciders, natural ciders, sparkling ciders, pét-nats, organic ciders and vermouth with cider, giving them the opportunity to get to know the world of this drink in depth.
You can also find ciders made with other fruit juices, ice ciders, fire ciders and cider distillates. Those who wish can approach the altar that is a large fridge, choose the cider that most catches their eye and take it to the table to taste it in glasses designed to highlight the characteristics of each cider. Those who have any doubts can ask for advice from the staff, who are knowledgeable enough to know how to recommend the cider that best suits their tastes.
In addition to cider, there is the possibility of having an aperitif or vermouth at Malum Rex, as well as tasting beer and wine.
Local products, the protagonists of the gastronomic menu
Ainara and Argoitz Otaño, the family’s oenologists, have completed the gastronomic menu with the same care with which they have completed the cider offer. They combine traditional and modern dishes with local products and seasonal ingredients. Malum Rex’s cuisine has its origins in the vegetable and animal world, where they cook deliciously, whether carnivorous, vegetarian or vegan, so that customers can enjoy what they like best.
Meat and vegetarian options prepared on the grill stand out, giving customers the freedom to eat with their hands and discover new flavours. Salads, hummus, homemade croquettes, Indian pacoras, vegetable moussaka, steak, vegan or tuna burgers, as well as grilled chops, ribs, vegetables or sardines (the latter in summer). The experience is rounded off with homemade desserts such as torradas, apple crumble, ice cream or cheesecake.
As with the cider menu, the gastronomic menu is also subject to change and innovation. This establishment is committed to adapting to the products of each season, while embarking on continuous innovation.
A cultural space
Malum Rex combines culture and gastronomy, offering live music and other activities on weekends, enriching the experience of its customers. ‘On Fridays there are music sessions, we organise cider tastings and special tastings, such as cider and steak pairings, and we also hold an artisan fair’, explains Jon Torre. Looking to the future, the promoters of this new space have taken on the challenge of disseminating this agenda.
Family project
This new project has materialised thanks to the efforts of the Petritegi team, who have many years of experience. Together with Ainara and Jon, each of them has brought their own vision and ideas to the table. The manager of the premises is Ariadna Pereira, who has been working in the hotel and catering business in San Sebastian for years. In addition, Ioritz Otaño, the sixth generation of the family, has contributed his experience in the sector. Argoitz Otaño, on the other hand, Ioritz’s brother and the house oenologist, has brought his knowledge of ciders and his experience in product diversification to the project.
Malum Rex: the king of the apple
The name Malum Rex has a reason. According to legend, around 1526, in the same place where the Sagar Bar stands today, an old cider maker found a large egg next to an apple tree. That year’s harvest was extraordinary and the old cider maker made the Saurio egg to be responsible for the marvellous gift. He hid the precious treasure in the farmhouse, hoping that it would hatch as well as the animal, and named it Malum Rex, the King of the Apple.
The stories of the old cider maker were ignored by the family and over the years they forgot the joys and benefits brought by that egg. But frost reigned in the harsh winter and there were no blossoms or apples to be seen on the apple trees. They searched for the egg, but to no avail. For no one had any trace of the hiding place that the old cider maker had brought with him.
The egg was never found, but the clear proof that the egg was real lives on. Word of mouth, a naming that has come down to us from generation to generation: Malum Rex.
Excellent reception
Torre said that since opening its doors in May, Malum Rex has been very well received. ‘We are very happy to welcome people. In summer we worked very well with the seasonal offer, we offered grilled sardines, local tomato and new dishes. The new items on the menu in autumn, such as the monthly hamburger or the talos, were also very well received’.
At the same time, Torre emphasises that there is a calm and welcoming atmosphere. ‘Couples, groups or families come to our place with the intention of enjoying the food and the wide range of ciders. It is also a good place to have a coffee or a snack. In addition, we have ample parking and we are located in a natural environment’.
Thus, Malum Rex has become an essential destination for gastronomy and cider lovers. In addition, thanks to its innovative concept and its wide offer, it has been awarded the first ‘solete’ of the Repsol Guide.
For cider aficionados, as well as those who want to experiment with new flavours and delve into the realm of the apple, Malum Rex is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 24:00, and the kitchen is open from 13:30 to 15:00 and from 20:00 to 21:30. Reservations can be made on the website www.malumrex.eus or by calling 943 47 26 26 13.
Author: Sagardoaren Lurraldea
Source: Anuario Sagardoaren Lurraldea 2024