Our Story
We opened Finca49 in North Mallorca in 2017, and featured on Channel 4’s “A New Life In The Sun”.
Serving Steve’s eclectic Mexican inspired menu in Clare’s beautifully designed space, it soon became a destination for discerning diners from all over the Island, Europe and the Americas
Having survived the brutal pandemic years and after 5 seasons as Trip-Advisors #1 restaurant, we closed the doors in 2024 to pursue other projects, including Gastronomic Holidays, our Hot Sauce and Spices business, writing, travelling and playing with our Grandchildren.
history
Steve & Clare opened their first Mexican restaurant to critical acclaim, in Newcastle England back in 1987. “El-Dorado” was followed a few years later by the legendary “Cafe Sol” tapas bar and then “French’s Food & Gifts” with daughter Ellie running the pastry section.
Along the way, we developed a Mexican food import/wholesale business, a chile mail-order company and a range of Delicious Hot Sauces and Spice Mixes.
In 1991 Steve was delighted to receive an honorary Lifetime Membership of the International Chili Society (I.C.S.)
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Since closing the restaurant, Steve & Clare finished renovating their Andalucian village house which is now available for holiday rentals and is the base for a number of “Gastro-Holidays”. They are also collaborating on a new book detailing their adventures in Spain.
In the UK Steve launched Taco Club, a mail-order business to sell his hand-crafted Hot Sauces and Recipe Kits, whilst also working with son Louie on their Mallorcan Digital/Print Media business T.O.T.N.Mallorca.