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February 26, 2007
Looking for information: Barcelona
I'm heading off to Barcelona with the sister for three days in a few weekend's time and I'd love some food suggestions! We've never been there before so this is completely new ground for us both. The Boyfriend has been recommending the "silky" coffee to me, the sister has lists of places to try out (she arrives several days before me) and, my appetite whetted by the Mediterranean Food Company's tapas class and several nights consumption at Dublin's Market Bar, I have every intention of eating my way through as much as possible of everything on offer in Barcelona.
After having very positive experiences with using the Lonely Planet World Food Guides in Thailand, Malaysia and Morocco - handy little books which incorporate information on food history, vocabulary, specialities and recipes in one pocket-sized package - I've ordered one on Spain to add to my collection. Fingers crossed that it arrives in time!
We're staying at a self-catering apartment in the Barceloneta area, which will give us the chance to ramble through the markets, buying fresh produce to prepare at home. What I would really like to do is a cooking class or walking tour of the markets with a local guide. Anyone know where I could find any information on something like this?
Posted by Caroline at February 26, 2007 7:58 AM
Comments
Caroline, you lucky thing! Barcelona is fantastic. My parents went last year and had such a good time they went back a few months later :)
There is good tapas everywhere (the Market Bar will never seem the same again) so I am going to recommend two other places - La Fianna and Milk.
They are both technically Irish bars but, in reality, they are far removed from the typical Irish bar. The décor in La Fianna could best be described as "Moroccan brothel" and you recline on a bed to eat (food is served on big silver platters). Food is good too.
Likewise, great food in Milk which manages to be achingly cool but not at all pretentious. One of top three bars in Barcelona, says Elle magazine. Enjoy!
Posted by: Kathy at February 26, 2007 4:43 PM
Thanks for the tips, Kathy. My sister was given some information about an Irish bar with Cork connections - it wouldn't be either of these, would it? I love the sound of an Irish bar decorated in the Moroccan brothel style! Will definitely try and check them out.
Posted by: Caroline at February 26, 2007 5:11 PM
Oh yes, that would be Milk, I'd say. At least one of the owners is from Cork. He's a pal of the husband's but his name escapes me and husband is out gallivanting so I can't check. Still, definitely worth popping in for a drink!
Posted by: Kathy at February 26, 2007 8:44 PM
That definitely sounds like the place that the sister was talking about - sounds well worth checking out for a drink, or two. In non-foodie related Barcelona tips, I've also been recommended to check out Park Güell - just hope the sister won't have everything covered by the time I get there!
Posted by: Caroline at February 27, 2007 5:09 PM
Hi Caroline
El Gran Cafe is just off the Ramblas and is a great, olde world style place where you can dress for dinner. Their black rice is worth trying. The best brunch in town is at the Hotel Arts on Sundays, it's also a special spot and lots of Barcelona families treat themselves to its sumptuous buffet. Enjoy.
Val
Posted by: Valerie O'Connor at February 28, 2007 11:18 AM
Tapa Tapa at Passeig de Gràcia, 44, is a nice place. It's reasonably priced with modern decor, and the table mat doubles as the menu.
But your best bet is to wander down to Barceloneta which is off the Ramblas down near the waterfront. Drop into any (or all) of the little tapas bard down there and just take what's given to you - they all have their specialities and it's mostly seafood as this is the old fishermen's village. A great way to spend an evening. Enjoy!
Posted by: Mairead at March 5, 2007 4:47 AM
Thanks ladies! This is great - it sounds like Barcelona is definitely the place to go to get some good food. The word document where I'm keeping all your recommendations is growing by the day...
Posted by: Caroline at March 5, 2007 5:03 PM
