Jordi Cardona

Jordi Cardona

Jordi Cardona en la foto

Who is Jordi Cardona?

I’m the son of Viki Baos and Pepín Cardona, who co-founded the family run business Sa Caleta Restaurant 36 years ago. I’m very grateful to my parents for gifting me this kind of lifestyle. I grew up here in Sa Caleta. I feel proud of following the family tradition and turning the restaurant into one of the reference spots on the island.

Why would you recommend our readers to visit Ibiza?

Ibiza island has a lot to offer to the tourists during the whole year. We know it is not the same to visit the island in winter than in summer, but I believe the climate is changing and temperatures in winter are much more pleasant. I invite people to get to know the other side of the island and come and enjoy its tranquillity, nature, landscapes, sports and specially its fabulous cuisine in winter. Sa Caleta restaurant is open every single day of the year.

Restaurante de playa

What is your favourite spot in Ibiza?

I am from Can Puvil, right next to Es Verge Torrent in Sant Josep. In this area there is a special irrigation system where the families share out the borders of the torrent in small orchards with irrigation pools or ‘safareixs’. The water flows from pool to pool. Walking through the irrigation channels, with your feet in the fresh water and listening to the croaking of frogs is exceptionally relaxing. And, of course, my little treasure: my boat that is always awaiting in the little bay of Sa Caleta, dry docked in our little fishing hut.

How has the island changed in the last years?

I believe it has changed a lot… However, I can’t really tell if it is for the best or the worst, time will tell. I’m only fearing the island is slowly losing its identity. At Sa Caleta restaurant we are working more than ever, and we welcome returning costumers and many new ones. I’m very satisfied with the team that we call Sa Caleta Big Family. It is real teamwork to offer our clients, usual punters and newcomers the best of the best.

Is Ibiza essence maintained or do you feel it has changed?

What has changed is the concept of luxury. A few years ago, luxury in Ibiza meant to enjoy the secluded spots on the island, having the freedom to go out and surround yourself by its cosmopolitan crowds. Now we offer globalized luxury. We must look after and cultivate the real essence of Ibiza. The island would not be so loved at its current state. We must not forget what we are. Ibiza and the Ibicencos have open the doors to the world bringing positivity, and thus creating a diverse, tolerant and cosmopolitan society that is the pilar to the original Ibiza.

Sa Caleta abierto todos los dias de 13

Could you unveil the secret of Sa Caleta restaurant to keep attracting its clients?

The magical recipe is to keep tradition and essence without changing too much and offering the best of each one of us to our clients who come to enjoy Ibiza cuisine, the landscape and good company. All of it together creates a unique experience at Sa Caleta.

Can you tell us about any interesting anecdotes with celebrities at the restaurant?

Anecdote not really. What it is true is that I can’t ever recognize any of the famous people that visit us, which are many. It is always another client that informs me of the visit of any celebrity. “Jordi, that man over there is so and so.” I’m totally unaware so we treat all our clients in the same way, without exception. I remember a few years ago, a world-renowned DJ used to come every week to eat and every year he would host his birthday there and ended up becoming part of the Sa Caleta Big Family. We really appreciate our great friend Carl Cox. En eso soy muy despistado…ja,ja,ja. Así que los tratamos tan bien como al resto de nuestros clientes, sin excepciones.Recuerdo que hace unos años, un DJ muy conocido a nivel mundial venía todas las semanas a comer y cada año celebraba su cumpleaños en el restaurante y acabó siendo parte de la gran familia de Sa Caleta. Y a día de hoy tenemos un gran aprecio, a nuestro amigo Carl Cox.

Es Jardi IBIZA

In these natural surroundings by the sea, you really fall in love… We can also enjoy delicious cuisine and spending a magical evening dining under the starry sky. What else could we ask for?

It sounds wonderful. But there is more, on Thursday evenings we host dance shows of tango, flamenco, salsa, bachata and much more. We also have Es Jardí de Sa Caleta, our chill out area to have a drink before or after dinner and where we host art exhibitions, cultural events, poetry nights. It is very interesting.

What is your favourite dish?

The fish stew no doubt. It is a brothy dish made with fish from the island and Ibicenco potatoes. It is not ordered as much as Bullit the Peix, which it is also a fish stew with a rice dish as a second.

And for dessert?

I always recommend Almond Biscuit, which is a home-made semifreddo with toasted almonds covered in hot chocolate fondant… Spectacular!

What is Café Caleta?

Café Caleta really runs through our family’s veins. My grandad started making this concoction in his fishing hut. Today, there are many Ibicenco families who make it, but we are proud that it now belongs to all the locals. However, it is rooted here in our restaurant, and we have been serving it since the day we opened 38 years ago.

Cafe Caleta

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