Carles Gaià: "It is not a bar concession, there is a very exciting project behind it"

PalmCarles Gaià Sunyer (Manacor, 1974) hasn't climbed, "I've done it again", he says jokingly as he recalls how his entry into the new project was: the Cafè t’Estim, in the new training center that l’Estel de Llevant has opened in the old raffia factory in the Sa Torre neighborhood of Manacor. A little over a year ago he handed over the responsibilities of the Vermut bar (after more than 20 years at the helm) to rest from life behind the bar. A longing that has brought him back to where he likes to be.

How has it been returning to manage a cafeteria after leaving Vermut a year ago. Don't you like a quiet life?

— It must have been around September that I received the call from Guillem Febrer, manager of L'Estel de Llevant, to propose the project. At first, I didn't know whether to run away or accept... [laughs]. Right from the start, it made me very excited. The fact that it has such a social component was and is an incentive. It's not a bar concession, nor does it have an afternoon schedule; rather, I am an employee of L'Estel de Llevant. Furthermore, the project has a training component for the users, who will later be able to do internships here at the cafe.

What will the opening hours be? I suppose it won't be a typical bar

— No nights or weekends. If it had been about running a regular bar, I would have said no. But as I was saying, this is another model. We will open around 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM, which is when the kitchen will close. Therefore, we will have snacks and lunches.

How would you define the cuisine they will make there?

— It will be a slightly more elaborate cuisine, with a small starter, a dish of the day, and a dessert. This to start. I suppose that after a few months we will incorporate a small menu.

With seasonal products?

— Evidently, and with the Sa Vall farm within reach, they will be seasonal dishes, taking advantage of products and infusions from l’Estel, the hydrolates… Seasonal and local. In any case, there will always be an option, an alternative if you don't like the dish of the day, some suggestion.

Will it have an outdoor area?

— We will also have a small terrace, yes, in the inner courtyard and outside.

When do they open?

— We open this coming Monday the 20th. We can't wait any longer!. We invite you all to come!.