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Even More Ketchup than Salsa: The Final Dollop
Sequel to the award-winning More Ketchup than Salsa: Confessions of a Tenerife Barman.
If the first six months of running the Smugglers Tavern had been a baptism of fire, the subsequent years were about as much fun as bobbing for apples in a vat of acid.
Having swapped the tin roof of a cold British fish market for the sunny skies of a Spanish holiday island, Joe and Joy succeeded in thwarting the first wave of attacks from bungling bureaucrats, bewildered holidaymakers and their own spectacular ineptitude. What they didn’t realise was that their enemies were regrouping. Not only that, but those enemies had made camp a lot closer to home, enemies that would make their encounters with the exploding gas bottles, East European squatters and big-time Charlies featured in More Ketchup than Salsa seem like chapters from Enid Blyton.
The trials and tribulations of attempting to make a better life abroad continue... with disastrous consequences.
A must-read reality check for anybody who has ever pondered a move to sunnier climes.
If the first six months of running the Smugglers Tavern had been a baptism of fire, the subsequent years were about as much fun as bobbing for apples in a vat of acid.
Having swapped the tin roof of a cold British fish market for the sunny skies of a Spanish holiday island, Joe and Joy succeeded in thwarting the first wave of attacks from bungling bureaucrats, bewildered holidaymakers and their own spectacular ineptitude. What they didn’t realise was that their enemies were regrouping. Not only that, but those enemies had made camp a lot closer to home, enemies that would make their encounters with the exploding gas bottles, East European squatters and big-time Charlies featured in More Ketchup than Salsa seem like chapters from Enid Blyton.
The trials and tribulations of attempting to make a better life abroad continue... with disastrous consequences.
A must-read reality check for anybody who has ever pondered a move to sunnier climes.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2013
150 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Joe Cawley
9 books116 followersJoe Cawley is a travel writer and award-winning author published in many international newspapers and magazines such as The Times, New York Post and Taipei Times.
His first book, More Ketchup than Salsa was voted 'Best Travel Narrative' by the British Guild of Travel Writers and follows the disasters of a young couple seeking greener pastures abroad.
Joe currently lives in the hills of Tenerife with his family and an assortment of other wildlife. Although he loves his family dearly, he admits he gets most sense out of the guinea pigs.
His first book, More Ketchup than Salsa was voted 'Best Travel Narrative' by the British Guild of Travel Writers and follows the disasters of a young couple seeking greener pastures abroad.
Joe currently lives in the hills of Tenerife with his family and an assortment of other wildlife. Although he loves his family dearly, he admits he gets most sense out of the guinea pigs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 28, 2015
Brilliant!
Having read Joe Cawley’s first book and found it to be fantastic, I was eager to read the sequel but I hoped it would keep up that same standard. The second book starts where they have now been running the Smugglers Tavern in Tenerife for three years. It’s a good business, they’re working longer hours and feeding more customers-but this equals more tiredness. The area is becoming more developed, more commercialised. They now have a bit of competition in the way of a high class French restaurant on the same complex. They feel they need to up their game. As in book one, there are fun and very clever observations and characterisations; great descriptions so that the various looks and quirks of the people leap off the page. The book is very easy to get straight into and right from the outset it seems that everything’s getting too much for Joy. I am one of those people who have never moved from where I was born and am happy where I am but I love reading about people moving abroad and changing their lives. I often have to think as I read these types of memoirs: Why do people think it's going to be so easy moving abroad? And working-working is even harder in the intense heat, it must be exhausting. Sun doesn't make everything so rosy and brilliant. And so this is where the pressure is starting to get to Joe and Joy. Cracks are starting to appear and this leads to some unexpected and emotional scenes. This is it: people think sun and sea and what they think of as idyllic surroundings and they will be happy ever after. The stark reality is that problems, upsets etc. still occur in the sun. Such is life. This is a deeper tale than his book one: Things have started to go wrong, you're kept wondering if and how they will resolve. Emotions come through the writing really well. There are varied moods in this book: laughter, problems, and emotions running high, suspense as you're kept guessing if, how and when things will work out. Book one was SO good: I noticed that there weren't quite as many pages in this one and thought it might not be as good? Would it be a bit repetitive maybe?-NOT A BIT OF IT! This was EXCELLENT-certainly on a par or even better than the first instalment! There were so many ups and downs, some unexpected and some totally unexpected happenings. Such variety and certainly not your typical moving abroad memoir. Brilliant!
Having read Joe Cawley’s first book and found it to be fantastic, I was eager to read the sequel but I hoped it would keep up that same standard. The second book starts where they have now been running the Smugglers Tavern in Tenerife for three years. It’s a good business, they’re working longer hours and feeding more customers-but this equals more tiredness. The area is becoming more developed, more commercialised. They now have a bit of competition in the way of a high class French restaurant on the same complex. They feel they need to up their game. As in book one, there are fun and very clever observations and characterisations; great descriptions so that the various looks and quirks of the people leap off the page. The book is very easy to get straight into and right from the outset it seems that everything’s getting too much for Joy. I am one of those people who have never moved from where I was born and am happy where I am but I love reading about people moving abroad and changing their lives. I often have to think as I read these types of memoirs: Why do people think it's going to be so easy moving abroad? And working-working is even harder in the intense heat, it must be exhausting. Sun doesn't make everything so rosy and brilliant. And so this is where the pressure is starting to get to Joe and Joy. Cracks are starting to appear and this leads to some unexpected and emotional scenes. This is it: people think sun and sea and what they think of as idyllic surroundings and they will be happy ever after. The stark reality is that problems, upsets etc. still occur in the sun. Such is life. This is a deeper tale than his book one: Things have started to go wrong, you're kept wondering if and how they will resolve. Emotions come through the writing really well. There are varied moods in this book: laughter, problems, and emotions running high, suspense as you're kept guessing if, how and when things will work out. Book one was SO good: I noticed that there weren't quite as many pages in this one and thought it might not be as good? Would it be a bit repetitive maybe?-NOT A BIT OF IT! This was EXCELLENT-certainly on a par or even better than the first instalment! There were so many ups and downs, some unexpected and some totally unexpected happenings. Such variety and certainly not your typical moving abroad memoir. Brilliant!
May 22, 2017
It was interesting reading these two books (Read - More Ketchup Than Salsa First). Anybody thinking of packing up and going overseas to live and work would do well to read this. Working and living overseas is fine, especially if you are employed as an expat worker by a company. You probably get a better package than the locals, maybe a few free flights home every year, private medical, nice big apartment allowance etc etc. However, this is the other side of the expat world. The ones who set up a business of their own, with family members. To take on all the risks that go with that, such as financial, stress on relationships and the fact everybody you meet thinks you do nothing but sunbath all day long and drink all night long. Life is one big party isn't it. Well, no, no it's not. These books are warts and all. Full of honesty. Full of interesting, annoying and down right weird characters and of course everybody's favourite, the great British holiday maker. The ones who think a trip abroad involves, English TV, English food and if possible English beer. Don't want to spoil that foreign holiday by actually meeting foreigners. That said the whole situation does make for a couple of really interesting books.
November 25, 2022
This is a continuation of the first book by Joe Cawley and I have nothing to add to my review of its predecessor. It is an enjoyable read, but quite a lot more downbeat as the end of the adventure nears.
March 21, 2021
An enjoyable easy read
August 8, 2019
While the first book was both interesting and humorous, this second book is sad and somewhat depressing. The long hours in the bar and the constant battle to pay the bills put a real strain on the couples' relationships. David's wife is gone and Joy has an affair with David's former best friend.
They are still battling bureaucracy and the demographics of the island are changing and they are forced to change things in the bar. Fewer English are coming and far more Germans, Italians, etc are arriving. Competition is becoming fierce. Even their tough cat, Buster, is hit by a truck and killed.
When an Italian offers to buy the bar they jump at the opportunity to sell, but even though the man has paid a non-refundable 10% deposit, he backs out of the deal at the last minute.
While this book was not as enjoyable as the first, it was worth the read to find out what happened to the 4 young Brits who worked so hard to make a better life for themselves.
They are still battling bureaucracy and the demographics of the island are changing and they are forced to change things in the bar. Fewer English are coming and far more Germans, Italians, etc are arriving. Competition is becoming fierce. Even their tough cat, Buster, is hit by a truck and killed.
When an Italian offers to buy the bar they jump at the opportunity to sell, but even though the man has paid a non-refundable 10% deposit, he backs out of the deal at the last minute.
While this book was not as enjoyable as the first, it was worth the read to find out what happened to the 4 young Brits who worked so hard to make a better life for themselves.
November 27, 2013
I loved Joe Cawley's first book (More Ketchup than Salsa), so it was with great anticipation that I bought this long-awaited sequel. This book was not as good as the first one. It was even better! The people and places so brilliantly described and introduced in the first book give this book a lovely sense of familiarity, yet the new characters and adventures create plenty of fresh interest. This book is more dramatic than the first and, in many ways, a lot more personal as Joe provides a raw, honest and very amusing insight into the experiences of running a bar abroad. Very excited to see what happens in the next instalment of Joe Cawley's life.
August 28, 2018
although not as good as the first book it was very entertaining
there were some stories that were told again from the first book
still a good read
its the story of Joe and joy and their life running a bar in tennereife, every ones dream or a nightmare
there were some stories that were told again from the first book
still a good read
its the story of Joe and joy and their life running a bar in tennereife, every ones dream or a nightmare
September 28, 2014
This was a delightful end story to the first book in this series. Enjoyed that you brought Nan for a visit. Loved Buster and felt bad about him. Much better editing in this book. Very enjoyable.
May 24, 2025
Great read
Very true being an ex licensee the whole of Joe's experience rings true with me. As I have also spent many an hour proping bars up in Both Spain and Tenerife
Very true being an ex licensee the whole of Joe's experience rings true with me. As I have also spent many an hour proping bars up in Both Spain and Tenerife
November 1, 2024
Book #1: More ketchup than salsa: confessions of a Tenerifebarman
The first of the trilogy. Reminiscent of the sex lives of cannibals. Appeal is in the fantasy that we all have of running away and adapting a new life. Unfortunately, he has an obsession with making mean commentary and “jokes” about anyone who is not thin. This hateful banter is like land mines in an otherwise interesting book.
Book #2: Even more ketchup than salsa: the final dollop
Nasty. Talks about women and especially women who are not thin as less than human. This is repeated throughout his trilogy. Here’s one example:
“There were, however, some sights that even the most creative imagination couldn’t transfigure - the girls with the distorted mirrors. These size 20s had seemingly looked at their reflections and thought that by trussing themselves up tightly with bits of string and Lycra, they could fool themselves and others into thinking that a 20- pound turkey could disguise itself as a four-ounce quail.” Mean and prejudiced.
Book#3: Less ketchup then salsa: finding my mojo in travel writing
The appeal of his other books are, of course, all of our fantasy of becoming ex-pats and running a bar. The problem with this book is that he’s gained his audience but then now that he has failed at the bar he has absolutely nothing to say. I struggled to page 70 and then gave up. What a tremendously boring read!
The first of the trilogy. Reminiscent of the sex lives of cannibals. Appeal is in the fantasy that we all have of running away and adapting a new life. Unfortunately, he has an obsession with making mean commentary and “jokes” about anyone who is not thin. This hateful banter is like land mines in an otherwise interesting book.
Book #2: Even more ketchup than salsa: the final dollop
Nasty. Talks about women and especially women who are not thin as less than human. This is repeated throughout his trilogy. Here’s one example:
“There were, however, some sights that even the most creative imagination couldn’t transfigure - the girls with the distorted mirrors. These size 20s had seemingly looked at their reflections and thought that by trussing themselves up tightly with bits of string and Lycra, they could fool themselves and others into thinking that a 20- pound turkey could disguise itself as a four-ounce quail.” Mean and prejudiced.
Book#3: Less ketchup then salsa: finding my mojo in travel writing
The appeal of his other books are, of course, all of our fantasy of becoming ex-pats and running a bar. The problem with this book is that he’s gained his audience but then now that he has failed at the bar he has absolutely nothing to say. I struggled to page 70 and then gave up. What a tremendously boring read!
January 18, 2020
I totally enjoyed the first book, More Ketchup than Salsa which I read when we stayed in Gran Canaria. So, when I packed our suitcase for our winter break in Tenerife, I made sure to put this follow-up on my e-reader and to virtually stow it in the suitcase.
The second book turned out to be as good and hilarious as the first one and I utterly enjoyed reading it on my last day near the pool and on the plane back home. I guess that half the people on the plain must have been wondering what I was continually laughing about.
There were a couple of references to episodes from the first book and I kept thinking: "Oh Yes, I really enjoyed that part"
This book, like the first one, is well written and very funny.
It turned out that we even stayed quite near, well relatively, the spot where the Smugglers Inn used to be because we were 2,7 km walk from La Caleta, in Playa del Duque.
We already have plans for returning next year and the third book in this trilogy will definitely be on my e-reader then!
The second book turned out to be as good and hilarious as the first one and I utterly enjoyed reading it on my last day near the pool and on the plane back home. I guess that half the people on the plain must have been wondering what I was continually laughing about.
There were a couple of references to episodes from the first book and I kept thinking: "Oh Yes, I really enjoyed that part"
This book, like the first one, is well written and very funny.
It turned out that we even stayed quite near, well relatively, the spot where the Smugglers Inn used to be because we were 2,7 km walk from La Caleta, in Playa del Duque.
We already have plans for returning next year and the third book in this trilogy will definitely be on my e-reader then!
May 26, 2022
The follow up to Joe's first book is just as delightful and easy to read. We join Joe, Joy and David three years into their life in Tenerife.
New developments at El Beril along with competition restaurants opening up mean they need to up their game. The Smugglers Inn is booming, this means longer working hours and feeding more customers, the downside means shorter relaxation times leaving them exhausted. With very little personal time to spend much-needed relaxation, fissures appear in their relationship. Joe writes honestly and openly about his fractured relationship and the difficulties that he and Joy share.
There is always psychotic Buster to liven up the bar, especially whenever he spies one of the Spanish workmen, Roberto. Life is never dull but working long hours in the immense Canarian heat takes its toll, they are clearly all burnt out. Is it time to sell and move on?
Once again, Joe writes in his relaxed, conversational style. Thank you, Joe, for another riveting, page-turning read.
New developments at El Beril along with competition restaurants opening up mean they need to up their game. The Smugglers Inn is booming, this means longer working hours and feeding more customers, the downside means shorter relaxation times leaving them exhausted. With very little personal time to spend much-needed relaxation, fissures appear in their relationship. Joe writes honestly and openly about his fractured relationship and the difficulties that he and Joy share.
There is always psychotic Buster to liven up the bar, especially whenever he spies one of the Spanish workmen, Roberto. Life is never dull but working long hours in the immense Canarian heat takes its toll, they are clearly all burnt out. Is it time to sell and move on?
Once again, Joe writes in his relaxed, conversational style. Thank you, Joe, for another riveting, page-turning read.
May 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this follow up to Joe’s previous book. Again it’s easy to read and Joe has a friendly conversational style of writing with, once again, an accurate eye for detail. We discover that while The Smugglers is still a success the resort of El Beril has changed and there is now more development. It brings in extra business but puts a huge strain on their relationship. It takes up all of their time leaving them exhausted. Joe is very honest about the difficulties that he and Joy undergo and at times it is actually quite harrowing to read. Fortunately there is still the humorous stories to balance it out. I loved the tale of Buster their psychotic cat lying in wait for Roberto the Spanish workman and Roberto’s retaliation. It’s interesting to read about the Tenerife Carnival and by the end we learn that Joe and Joy reach a new understanding and that things need to change. It was also good to get a link to see photos. I hope there will be another book ...
August 9, 2018
An adequate sequel
I liked the first book better but then i also liked Hangover 1 more than the sequel but the bottom line is that both were good in their own way. Same with More ketchup than salsa. I was happy that Joy and Joy reunited and that they finally sold the anchor around their necks. I didnt get any belly laughs but i did get smiles and nods during the read which many books do not supply. Keep up the good work Joe and give Joy a big hug from Vancouver Canada. Although we have never met i have a spare room with views of the Fraser river and Mt. Baker in the USA if you ever come this way. Thanks for the humor at your expense. Cheers Dale, stuntschool.ca
I liked the first book better but then i also liked Hangover 1 more than the sequel but the bottom line is that both were good in their own way. Same with More ketchup than salsa. I was happy that Joy and Joy reunited and that they finally sold the anchor around their necks. I didnt get any belly laughs but i did get smiles and nods during the read which many books do not supply. Keep up the good work Joe and give Joy a big hug from Vancouver Canada. Although we have never met i have a spare room with views of the Fraser river and Mt. Baker in the USA if you ever come this way. Thanks for the humor at your expense. Cheers Dale, stuntschool.ca
December 14, 2014
2nd in the series from Joe. The first was so good and enjoyable to read I couldn't wait for Ketchup to come out. It was like going back to the same location on holiday and not much had changed, but everything had changed. This book was more personal, and kudos to his better half for not forcing an edit of the story line.
This book evolved from the first, and the writing style and tone evolved and matured too. Characters well developed and intriguing. Joe is adept at character studies. Thoroughly enjoyable.
This book evolved from the first, and the writing style and tone evolved and matured too. Characters well developed and intriguing. Joe is adept at character studies. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 3, 2017
Really good read
I liked the book because it is real life. The ups and Downs of running a business. Whether running a bar,in tenerife, and dealing with the great British public or farming in darkest north Yorkshire it always looks easier from your side of the bar or fence.
What keeps it a page Turner is the energy put into the writing by the author, Joe Cawley, as patently they all did into their business.
Why buy it? A must for anyone who has sat on a bar stool and thought 'I could do that'
I liked the book because it is real life. The ups and Downs of running a business. Whether running a bar,in tenerife, and dealing with the great British public or farming in darkest north Yorkshire it always looks easier from your side of the bar or fence.
What keeps it a page Turner is the energy put into the writing by the author, Joe Cawley, as patently they all did into their business.
Why buy it? A must for anyone who has sat on a bar stool and thought 'I could do that'
January 25, 2018
I wish I didn't leave it so long to read Joe's sequel. Even better than the More Ketchup than Salsa, the writing is more gritty and slightly more bitter than the first book, which in turn makes the humour even funnier. This book really does cross the line between a page turning account of Joe, Joy's and David's life for the years they owned the Smugglers, but also a lesson and essential reading for those considering buying a bar and living the expat life in sunnier climes.
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 11, 2019
Really, this should be 3.5 stars. As is often the case, the sequel is never as good as the original. The first part of the book got a bit bogged down in reminding readers what had happened in the previous book. Helpful if you haven't read it, but a bit boring for those who have. The exhaustion of the author shows through in the writing - which sometimes seems a bit disorganized and tired. All that aside - the ongoing saga of island bar ownership continues to be as entertaining as previously. The key takeaway: it's much better to vacation there than work there!
May 27, 2014
In this, Joe Crawley´s second book, chronicling the goings on at The Smuggler´s Tavern; Joe and Joy encounter even more problems, greater disasters and virtual emotional meltdown. The tension, drama and angst leaps off the page as crisis after crisis unfolds almost destroying The Smugglers Tavern and Joe and Joy with it. However, Joe Crawley still manages to inject plenty of humour into events and I must admit that I had more than one "Tenna Lady" moment from belly laughing too hard.
February 5, 2014
I just had to read this book immediately after finishing More Ketchup than Salsa. The Final Dollop was just as enjoyable as the first though it did have a darker tone. I don't want to include any spoilers in my review but I will say that I was rooting for a happy ending for the Smugglers' crew.
I will look forward to any future writing from Mr. Cawley.
I will look forward to any future writing from Mr. Cawley.
January 4, 2014
It was cheesy and chips, but I couldn't put it down.
The writing style was light, so there is a time & place for this sort of book - when you don't want to be challenged by something too heavy.
You do feel for business owners & all the challenges they face (including customers). Message was pretty clear - even through the humor & drama.
The writing style was light, so there is a time & place for this sort of book - when you don't want to be challenged by something too heavy.
You do feel for business owners & all the challenges they face (including customers). Message was pretty clear - even through the humor & drama.
November 5, 2014
I read and enjoyed the first book and looked forward to the sequel. I enjoyed this book also. If you've ever owned a business you know Joe's very honest in describing their experiences. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I felt sad as I read this book.
Again if goodreads had the decimal system I would have given this 3.5 stars.
Again if goodreads had the decimal system I would have given this 3.5 stars.
February 12, 2015
Entertaining, Touching
Well written with both laughter and tears. Anyone who has ever been involved in the "food" industry will find much of this to be familiar. The stress and work demands aren't exaggerated in the least. Well done. Looking forward to reading more of your life's adventures.
Well written with both laughter and tears. Anyone who has ever been involved in the "food" industry will find much of this to be familiar. The stress and work demands aren't exaggerated in the least. Well done. Looking forward to reading more of your life's adventures.
September 7, 2015
A sequel to More Ketchup than Salsa, it was good to find out what happened to the gang at Smuggler's bar, but it definitely had its dark moments. Cawley included some humorous incidents as well, but you can see how running the bar was wearing them all down. I personally have never had an urge to run a bar in Tenerife, but if I did, this would have disabused me of the notion!
April 28, 2018
I so enjoyed the first one that I immediately jumped into this. The writing is a bit more polished but the story isn't quite as lighthearted as the first volume. The Tenerife adventure continues but life, as it is wont to do, becomes a bit more complicated. Still really like the characters and would love to stroll the beaches of the Canary Islands.
August 7, 2018
That was an awesome read...
I’ve now read 2 of Jose’s books in the span of days. They’re that good and addictive. I felt the highs and lows. I seldom write a review but I did feel a connection with Joe and the characters he fleshed out in these stories. All I can say is you won’t be disappointed if you buy More Ketchup or this one, the follow up. Enjoy the reading. Cheers.
I’ve now read 2 of Jose’s books in the span of days. They’re that good and addictive. I felt the highs and lows. I seldom write a review but I did feel a connection with Joe and the characters he fleshed out in these stories. All I can say is you won’t be disappointed if you buy More Ketchup or this one, the follow up. Enjoy the reading. Cheers.
March 29, 2019
"Even More" was both bitter and sweet as both the business and personal lives go through deep turmoil. It was another great read as we learn more about Joe and Joy. It was also a terrific diversion from my normal literary fare. Joe has a rare gift for taking us on his life journey with a chuckle, groan. Book 3 coming right up.
June 7, 2020
An excellent read
The authors story of how he, his brother and their female partners left the cold, wet climate of England to take up residence, and very hard work running a restaurant in the warm , sunny Canary Islands.
Funny, sad and totally readable. This is the sequel, you need to read "More ketchup than Salsa" first.
The authors story of how he, his brother and their female partners left the cold, wet climate of England to take up residence, and very hard work running a restaurant in the warm , sunny Canary Islands.
Funny, sad and totally readable. This is the sequel, you need to read "More ketchup than Salsa" first.
January 5, 2014
I feel like I really know these people by now. I admire their perseverance to make their dream work. Turning fantasy into reality is difficult and all consuming -- and, as they show, doesn't always last forever.
January 18, 2014
If you liked this first book, you'll enjoy this one. Loses a little steam as this book isn't as focused or linear as the first, with long digressions about random family members, pets, etc. that merely serve to pad the page count, but the underlying story is fairly interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews