The family restaurant Can Ginesta, located in Vilobí d'Onyar, reaches an impressive milestone of one hundred years in operation. What began as a grain and wine shop run by Josep and Dolors, parents of the first owners, has evolved into a renowned gastronomic establishment, recognized both locally and beyond.
The establishment has overcome two significant fires. The first, prior to the Civil War, affected the original shop. The second, in 1984, destroyed the upper part of the business, already transformed into a restaurant, under the direction of the second generation. Thanks to the solidarity of the town, which helped in the reconstruction, Can Ginesta was able to reopen its doors the very next day.
Despite the loss of historical documentation due to the fires, the restaurant's memory remains alive through anecdotes and its daily menu. Dishes like pork cheeks and tripe are still prepared following the recipes of grandmother Pepita Mató, who, along with her husband, Narcís Bou, was key to the business's consolidation. The family's generosity was such that, according to accounts, they would give bread and allow people to scrape the pots if they couldn't afford to eat.
The fourth generation, represented by Arnau Mencio, son of Dolors Bou, has taken the helm with the intention of preserving the business's essence. Mencio, who started working at the restaurant in his early twenties, has introduced gastronomic and IT updates without abandoning traditional cuisine. New offerings such as a rice selection have been incorporated, and dishes have been adapted to current trends and seasonal produce, under the guidance of chef Vanessa Pijoan.
Among the new additions are marinated tuna tartare with avocado and sesame, or grilled artichokes with Iberian ham and romesco sauce. These new creations coexist with classics like turbot with seafood cream or grilled octopus leg with potato parmentier, creating a balance between traditional "slow-cooked" cuisine and more updated preparations.
The success of Can Ginesta is attributed not only to the quality and quantity of its dishes but also to the competitive price of its daily menu and its long history. The restaurant has served as a meeting point for various generations, from loyal patrons to personalities from the Catalan music and football scenes. It was even one of the first establishments in the area to have a television, attracting onlookers who watched matches through the windows.
"We have updated more than we have modernized," remarks Arnau Mencio, emphasizing that the essence of Can Ginesta as a gathering place remains intact after a century.
