Reveries

Close-up magic is a tricky act to sell. For every stadium-rocker magic act, sawing glamorous women in half, there is a magician who relies on sleight of hand and twists of fate. The close attention this demands of an audience is virtually impossible in a large room, as the subtleties of card and coin tricks get lost amongst the crowd. In Reveries, Jorge Luengo has found the answer: close-up magic over dinner.Café Andaluz offers the perfect setting for Luengo. Authentically Moorish without ever veering into kitsch, this is a spot which lends itself to an enjoyable evening of food and wine and the appreciation of Luengo’s art.Luengo is a charming presence, with an irresistible desire to impress. His skill is quite remarkable: gasps of appreciation and acclaim oscillate around the room throughout the evening, as he visits each table in turn to show off his routine. This is high-quality performance art, silkily executed. Signed cards appear at the top of the deck on a finger click, the sun and the moon are reunited in Luengo’s hands at will, and angels mount and dismount bicycles with magical ease.The accompanying meal is fine fare, too. Starters are somewhat pedestrian – an underseasoned tortilla and gambas without the necessary kick of chilli – but main courses are commendable, particularly the confit duck with red wine and thyme, and a dish of pan-fried beef with mushrooms, garlic and rosemary. Andy, our amiable host – and occasional ‘beautiful assistant’ to Luengo –, recommended the house red, an extremely drinkable Rioja which nicely complemented our meal.This is a highly enjoyable evening, displaying Luengo’s enviable expertise against a backdrop of superior food and wine: Reveries is a perfect opportunity to appreciate the intricacies of Luengo’s art at close quarters while enjoying an excellent meal.