It’s Thursday night and all roads lead to Atzaro Agroturismo for the launch of Sid Shanti’s much-anticipated book ‘Glorious Ibiza Food (& Music!)’. We don’t normally need any excuse to head into the countryside for the evening and Atzaro is without a doubt one of the finest destinations on the island but tonight it’s all about Sid Shanti and his stunning book and the island has turned out in force for what promises to be a slice of Balearica.
As we head into Atzaro Hotel, there are market stalls along the walkway, where local food and drink producers are offering tastings of their wares, from the super healthy juices of ipurify to strawberries in a little bag and some delicious wine, it’s a celebration of the island’s ability to deliver the finest produce and it’s something that Sid focuses on in the book, giving a comprehensive guide to the island’s finest suppliers. The first thing that catches our attention before we even make it into the venue is the beautiful, sleek vintage car in the drive, not to mention the classic Porsche as a centre piece in the music and sushi lounge, where the event is focused.
Ibiza legend Alfredo is in charge of the music when we arrive, dropping the kind of balearica, which has made him one of the most popular DJs on the island over the past three decades. Sid is planted at a table not far from the Porsche, making sure that everyone that has bought a book gets the chance to have it signed by the author. It’s a long line that doesn’t seem to diminish throughout the evening as everyone grabs a chance to have a quick word with the star of the show. Apart from the fact that it is a bonafide cookbook with some amazing tips throughout, not to mention exclusive playlists from some of Ibiza’s biggest DJs, the book looks amazing. The cover grabs your attention immediately and some of the images throughout are worth having on their own! The Ibiza Angels are on hand to make sure that anyone who needs a neck or shoulder rub after holding on to their book, which is quite heavy, is taken care of.
As we enjoy a tasty mojito from the bar a few Podencos wander past, clearly unaffected by the commotion going on around them, Ibizan dancers take centre stage now and then as the music is turned down and they dance around to the beat of their own drums, dressed in traditional costume. The while evening has a down to earth, island feel about it. Other DJs that make an appearance while we are there include Jon Sa Trinxa, Andy Wilson and E.A.S.E with the likes of Pippi, Daisy Heartbreaker, Graham Sahara, Antz, Andy Baxter and James Kameran also playing, adding to the Balearic spirit of the event. Sid is steeped in the island and its traditions, from his early days DJing to the present, where he is one of the most popular private chefs, regularly cooking for international clients, famous and otherwise. The launch is a huge success and we make sure we grab our own copy and get it signed before we leave.