Casa Ester Restaurant: La brasa de Torrefarrera

In Torrefarrera, a municipality in Segrià, there's a restaurant that has become a culinary landmark in the area for twenty-three years. And for Ester, the owner and soul of the project, this is much more than a source of pride, because hers is the story of a lifetime dedicated to making others happy through her dishes.

Ester has never left her hometown. She was born here more than fifty years ago, and her life has been spent between the streets of Torrefarrera and two kitchens: her parents' and her own. At just twelve years old, while still a student, she was already serving coffee in the family business. "In fact, when I was older, my father would come pick me up from the nightclub around ten at night because there was work and they needed a hand," she recalls, laughing, with that mix of nostalgia and pride that only those who know what it means to really work hard possess.

The second restaurant that has marked her career is hers, the one that bears her name and her seal. She opened it in 2003, with great effort and enthusiasm, and has built a loyal following who appreciate not only her dishes, but also her charisma and the warm, almost maternal way she treats people. "There are customers who have been coming for many years and never tire of our dishes. That means something," she says, her eyes shining.

Their menu revolves around grilled meats. "We make the same old dishes, but people also want new ones. We've adapted to changing times, modernizing some dishes, but not all. And the fork-style breakfasts have never failed us: we've made them since day one, and with pride!" he says. We start with anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, sautéed artichokes with prawns, and, as is expected in Lleida, snails a la llauna. "My father used to make them, but we flame them with whiskey," he explains. For the main course, the grill takes center stage with the essential pig's trotters, Milanese-style goat ribs, which are delicious, and perfectly toasted sausage. Finally, two delicious desserts: a cheesecake and quince cannelloni filled with cottage cheese, perfect for pairing with the last sip of Vilosell, a black DO Costers del Segre that accompanied the meal like an old friend.

Ester is happy. She's found balance within what it takes to run a demanding business. What she enjoys most is dealing with people, that bond that's created with those who come through the door looking for a good table and leave having had a small experience. And as long as her body holds up, she'll be there. She's not worried about taking over: she has a 27-year-old son who leads her life. "It's what she has to do. If one day she wants to continue the legacy, it will be hers. If not, she can do what makes her happy."

Ester knows this profession captivates you, because it's in her blood. But she also knows it can be a slave, a drain. That's why, since the pandemic, she's decided not to open at night. "You have to look for the good in things, and life has more incentives than work," she says, with a wisdom that only time and experience can bring.

She doesn't regret a thing. She would do it all again the same way. The reason is that her restaurant isn't just a place to eat well. It's a refuge, a meeting point, a space where stories are shared over grilled dishes and genuine smiles. That's why when you walk through the door of Ester's restaurant, you don't just fill your stomach, you feel at home. And that, these days, is better than any star.