Gran Canaria: From Sioux City’s Old West Thrills to Allende 22º’s Global Cuisine

Sun, beach, mountain, and culture have been the key words in our travels through the island of Gran Canaria so far. As we mentioned in our previous post, apart from its natural beauty, this island is not short of countless man-made entertainment opportunities such as amusement parks, golf and tennis clubs etc. Normally, when visiting an island, amusement parks are not high on our agenda. However, Sioux City Park San AUGUSTIN in Gran Canaria, a western-themed amusement park, has unexpectedly become one of the highlights of our trip.

Nestled in the arid landscape of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Sioux City Park blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings – the rugged, sun-baked terrain and dessert climate – a perfect backdrop for this Western oasis.

The moment we walked through the gates, we felt as if we had landed right in the heart of the Old West, a world straight out of a western film, characterized by the expansion of the American frontier, the gold rush, and the presence of cowboys and outlaws.

The various settings – the Native American village showcasing tribal life and culture, the Mexican villages, old Western hotels, bustling saloons, schools, churches, sheriff’s office, a bank and even a Chinese inn – create a dynamic social fabric that brings the cultural melting pot of the Old West to life.

But these aren’t just static displays – this is a living, breathing town. You can step inside and experience how people lived and worked in these historic spaces. The great attention to detail makes you easily forget that you’re on a Spanish island rather than in a late 19^th – century Western town.

Your explorations are also intertwined with well-thought-out live shows. Order a tequila at the saloon, and the waiter, dressed in period costume, will serve you in true Western style. One moment you’re sipping your drink, the next moment the room erupts into chaos as part of a show. Suddenly, the waiter who just served you is “shot” in a thrilling reenactment.

And then the show unfolds right in the middle of the audience, bringing the action right up close.

The live shows – such as the bank robbery, the saloon show with its dancing, music, and bar fights, and the dramatic gunfights between the sheriff and outlaws – vividly recreate the romanticized Old West. They evoke larger-than-life figures like Billy the Kid and Wild Bill Hickok, who embody bravery, rugged individualism, and resilience.

These performances revive an era when civilization and savagery coexisted, a lawless land where people could reinvent themselves and leave their pasts behind.

Amid the rise and fall of the horses’ hooves seems to lie the struggle between justice, morality, and survival. In the end, who is to decide the blurred lines between good and evil? This complexity, however, is expressed through actors’ raw dialogue and interactions, reflecting simplicity and straightforwardness of that time, which aligns perfectly with the spirit – of a time when hard work and perseverance could lead to success and prosperity.

Compared to today’s complex society, it’s easy to see why many still idealize this period of opportunity and transformation, and see it as one of the most fascinating parts of US history, shaping the nation’s character and values.

The Sioux City Park rekindles this bygone age, offering a journey back in time that’s fun, nostalgic, and educational. 

In sync with our visit to the cultural melting pot of the Old West, we chose a dining experience that mirrors this diversity – Restaurante Allende 22º. This spot is a fusion hub, blending Asian, American, Mexican, and traditional Canary Island flavors into an intriguing menu. The mix of global influences on various dishes sparked our curiosity right away.

Portions are on the smaller side here, but they’re perfectly priced for exploring various tastes and styles. We dove in with three appetizers and two mains, which suited our adventurous appetites just right.

22º Nachos: Corn Crisps with “Chili Bean” Made with Shiitake Mushrooms, Guacamole, Sour Cream, and Mango – a dish that clearly echoes global inspirations.  

Crispy corn crisps and the purple sweet potato chips form a satisfying base. The purple sweet potatoes add a visually striking touch with their darker color. Their slightly sweeter taste with earthy, nutty notes makes them a unique addition to nachos. The chili beans, enriched with savory shiitake mushrooms, deliver a meaty umami punch without any actual meat.

Fresh guacamole offers a creamy, citrusy, and earthy blend. Along with the cool, tangy sour cream, it provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the “chili bean”. Scoop them up with the potato chips, for crunch and sweetness, accompanied by juicy cherry tomatoes and peppery microgreens. Together, they create the perfect balance to the dish’s savoriness.

And let’s not forget the mango – the occasional bust of fruity taste dazzles with its tropical sweetness, adding an exotic touch of indulgence to this nacho magic.

Fried Eggplant with Cane Honey can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a dessert.

These eggplant fries are coated in a light egg batter, making them crisp on the outside while tender and soft inside, with a delightful savory touch. The natural sweetness of the eggplant pairs well with the drizzled cane honey, which has a robust, complex flavor with hints of caramel and smokiness. Despite its intensity, the dish isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, thanks to the mild eggplant that balances the deep taste of the cane honey. It’s a uniquely satisfying dish, with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Croquettes with Iberian Ham, Cod and Shrimps, Beet and Goat Cheese offered us a great tasting experience. Typically, you’d choose one filling, but we asked to try them all, and our waiter graciously arranged it with the kitchen. Served as a set of six, these homemade treats include 2 each of Iberian ham, cod and shrimp, and beet and goat cheese.

These croquettes are made with mashed potatoes and flavorful fillings, expertly breaded and deep-fried to an appetizing golden crunch. Their freshness really stands out. The fillings are well-seasoned and moist, encased in a thin, crispy exterior that’s at all not greasy. Enveloped in the velvety interior, you’ll relish the rich savoriness of the Iberian ham, the delicate oceanic flavor of the cod and shrimp and their tender, flaky textures. The earthy, sweet beetroot and the tangy goat cheese offer a tantalizing contrast, wonderfully balanced within the creaminess of the croquettes.

Black Rice with Baby Squid, Prawns, and Aioli didn’t pass up on our order, although we’ve enjoyed it several times on this trip. Its hearty, satisfying nature made it an ideal reward after a day of travel.

Unlike traditional paella dishes, which typically serve two or more people, this black rice dish can be enjoyed in a single serving.

The rice is modestly portioned, allowing each grain to be generously infused with the deep, savory, umami flavor of the squid ink. The tender baby squid and plump shrimps brighten up with their freshness and a hint of brininess. Mixing aioli with the black rice enriches its already luxurious flavor with a creamy, garlicky taste, and a tangy twist that harmonizes with the savory squid ink. It’s a coastal indulgence not to be missed.

Previously, we indulged in the melt-in-your-mouth sensation of Iberian ham, renowned for its excellent marbling. Back then, we couldn’t help but wonder how incredible it would taste when grilled. Today, we’re excited to unveil the Grilled Iberian Pork.

The premium cut boasts a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, with a hint of pepper and a subtle fruity undertone, likely from a wine glaze during cooking. As the fat renders and melts on the grill, it enhances the meat’s richness without making it greasy. The result is tender, plump meat that bursts with juicy savoriness in every bite. Contrasting with the succulent interior is a lightly charred and caramelized exterior, adding depth of flavor.

Served with concentrated pan sauces and a simple drizzle of olive oil, the natural umami goodness of the pork is superbly accentuated. 

Yogurt with Candied Pumpkin and Vanilla is a sweet treat that soothes the senses.

After an exhilarating day at Sioux City amusement park, our next trip will take us to secluded beaches, where untouched coastlines await, far from the bustle of crowds, with endless horizons and the gentle rhythm of the sea as our only company. Stay tuned!