World's Top Restaurant Closes For Two Years
Ferran Adria, the chef at El Bulli restaurant in Spain, has announced at Madrid Fusion (an internationally culinary conference) that El Bulli will close for two years in 2012 and 2013 giving him a chance to take a sabbatical.
El Bulli has been repeatedly voted the world's best restaurant (measuring the quality of restaurants is a somewhat inexact science, I would say). It serves up "experimental" cuisines such as, turtle dove with blackberry caviar and duck foie gras candies.
Tables for its six month annual season sell out in just one day.
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Bodega D Tapa
Restaurant
Bodega D Tapa
111 Church Street
Brighton
Phone 01273 674 116
Overview
Eva, myself and a friend dined at Bodega D Tapa last night, a regular haunt of ours when we have a hankering for some good quality Tapas.
Bodega D Tapa is a small wine-cum-grocery store and Tapas bar, which seats (at a guess) about 15 people inside and another 15 or so outside in the courtyard.
Ambience
Bodega D Tapa is intimate and rustic, small wooden tables and wobbly wooden benches add to its charm.
Given the size of the place you will be hard pressed to find a table on a busy Friday or Saturday. However, an option that we use is to pop in and ask for one to be kept for us in say 30 minutes, whilst we have a drink in the Waggon and Horses next door.
Menu
The menu offers a variety of Tapas including; pate, Spanish omelette, anchovies on bread, chorizo, chorizo casserole, a selection of Iberian meats (served on a wooden paddle) and fabada.
Service
The service is always enthusiastic and friendly. One person looks after the entire operation wrt service of food and drink, in a relaxed yet professional manner.
Food
We took a large number of dishes to share, which were all delightful. My particular favourites being the omelette and the fabada.
The meal, which included two bottles of wine and brandy coffees came in at well under £40.
Overall Opinion
A splendid establishment, which we are happy to frequent on a regular basis.
Bodega D Tapa
111 Church Street
Brighton
Phone 01273 674 116
Overview
Eva, myself and a friend dined at Bodega D Tapa last night, a regular haunt of ours when we have a hankering for some good quality Tapas.
Bodega D Tapa is a small wine-cum-grocery store and Tapas bar, which seats (at a guess) about 15 people inside and another 15 or so outside in the courtyard.
Ambience
Bodega D Tapa is intimate and rustic, small wooden tables and wobbly wooden benches add to its charm.
Given the size of the place you will be hard pressed to find a table on a busy Friday or Saturday. However, an option that we use is to pop in and ask for one to be kept for us in say 30 minutes, whilst we have a drink in the Waggon and Horses next door.
Menu
The menu offers a variety of Tapas including; pate, Spanish omelette, anchovies on bread, chorizo, chorizo casserole, a selection of Iberian meats (served on a wooden paddle) and fabada.
Service
The service is always enthusiastic and friendly. One person looks after the entire operation wrt service of food and drink, in a relaxed yet professional manner.
Food
We took a large number of dishes to share, which were all delightful. My particular favourites being the omelette and the fabada.
The meal, which included two bottles of wine and brandy coffees came in at well under £40.
Overall Opinion
A splendid establishment, which we are happy to frequent on a regular basis.
Monday, October 01, 2007
The World's Largest Salad
The World's Largest Salad
Pulpi, in the Almeria province of Spain has entered the record books for having tossed the world's largest salad.
It contained 6,700kg of vegetables, and took 20 chefs over three hours to prepare it.
The salad was prepared in a container 18m (59ft) long and 4.8m (15.7ft) wide.
The salad was distributed to restaurants in Pulpi, to provide free to their clients, Mr Navarro told reporters.
Pulpi, in the Almeria province of Spain has entered the record books for having tossed the world's largest salad.
It contained 6,700kg of vegetables, and took 20 chefs over three hours to prepare it.
The salad was prepared in a container 18m (59ft) long and 4.8m (15.7ft) wide.
The salad was distributed to restaurants in Pulpi, to provide free to their clients, Mr Navarro told reporters.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Restaurant 7 Portes
Restaurant 7 Portes
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sedna
Sedna
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Trobador
Trobador
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
El Cafe D'en Victor
Restaurant El Cafe D'en Victor
Tapineria 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 310 2872
Overview
One particularly fine and warm evening in Barcelona Eva and I decided to dine alfresco, and descended upon El Cafe D'en Victor.
El Cafe D'en Victor is a restaurant with outside terrace, near the old town.
El Cafe D'en Victor serves a mixture of traditional Spanish dishes and Tapas, using local ingredients.
Ambience
El Cafe D'en Victor is a pleasant lively restaurant near the old town. The outside area, where we sat, was busy but we were able to find a table that afforded us a decent view without being "plonked" in the middle of the passing tourists or wandering musicians.
Menu
The menu provided a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very friendly, good humoured, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup. This was a most excellent dish, chilled to perfection, it was generous in portion and in body. The taste of tomatoes was stimulating but not overbearing.
Eva started with a tortilla potatas (potato omelet), which was firm and well stuffed with potato. The taste and texture was just right.
We accompanied our starters with bread rubbed with tomatoes, garlic and drizzled in olive oil.
We both chose paella for our main courses. I had the chicken paella and Eva the fish.
My paella was absolutely first class, a very generous portion served in an iron paella pan. There was a more than ample portion of tender chicken pieces in the rice, which itself was cooked in chicken stock and was unctuous and delightfully claggy.
I was thoroughly delighted with my choice.
Eva's seafood paella was equally good, again served in an iron paella pan. The rice had been cooked in a seafood stock that was flavoursome, but not overpowering. The paella itself contained a variety of fish; prawns, squid, mussels etc.
An excellent meal!
The meal, which included a bottle of local wine, came to 68Euros.
Overall Opinion
A very pleasant meal and restaurant, it is ideal for lunch or dinner alfresco.
Tapineria 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 310 2872
Overview
One particularly fine and warm evening in Barcelona Eva and I decided to dine alfresco, and descended upon El Cafe D'en Victor.
El Cafe D'en Victor is a restaurant with outside terrace, near the old town.
El Cafe D'en Victor serves a mixture of traditional Spanish dishes and Tapas, using local ingredients.
Ambience
El Cafe D'en Victor is a pleasant lively restaurant near the old town. The outside area, where we sat, was busy but we were able to find a table that afforded us a decent view without being "plonked" in the middle of the passing tourists or wandering musicians.
Menu
The menu provided a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very friendly, good humoured, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup. This was a most excellent dish, chilled to perfection, it was generous in portion and in body. The taste of tomatoes was stimulating but not overbearing.
Eva started with a tortilla potatas (potato omelet), which was firm and well stuffed with potato. The taste and texture was just right.
We accompanied our starters with bread rubbed with tomatoes, garlic and drizzled in olive oil.
We both chose paella for our main courses. I had the chicken paella and Eva the fish.
My paella was absolutely first class, a very generous portion served in an iron paella pan. There was a more than ample portion of tender chicken pieces in the rice, which itself was cooked in chicken stock and was unctuous and delightfully claggy.
I was thoroughly delighted with my choice.
Eva's seafood paella was equally good, again served in an iron paella pan. The rice had been cooked in a seafood stock that was flavoursome, but not overpowering. The paella itself contained a variety of fish; prawns, squid, mussels etc.
An excellent meal!
The meal, which included a bottle of local wine, came to 68Euros.
Overall Opinion
A very pleasant meal and restaurant, it is ideal for lunch or dinner alfresco.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Restaurant Ria De Vigo
Restaurant Ria De Vigo
Sevilla 84
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 932 215 131
Overview
Eva and I were recently in Barcelona on a well deserved holiday. We decided to pop into Rio De Vigo, one of the numerous restaurants/cafes that are by the sea at Platja de Sant Miquel, for lunch.
It was a glorious sunny day, and we decided to sit at a table outside under one of the sun umbrellas.
Rio De Vigo serves a mixture of seafood and meat dishes, using local ingredients.
Ambience
Rio de Vigo is a pleasant restaurant near the seafront. The outside area, where we sat, was clean fresh and well shaded by the umbrellas. Although it was busy, the tables were not packed together too closely to make it feel unpleasant.
Menu
The menu provided an excellent selection of seafood and meat dishes including; the obligatory paella (in various guises), locally caught fish, steaks and pasta.
Service
The service was very friendly, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with green peppers fried in olive oil and generously salted with sea salt. A most excellent dish, piquant and flavoursome.
I chose a sirloin steak for my main course, garnished with peppers and fires. The meat was of good quality, tender and had a decent layer of fat.
I have no complaints at all.
Eva started with fried prawns. This was a most excellent starter, consisting of a generous plateful of prawns in their shells that had been dipped in flour then fried in olive oil. The taste was piquant and fresh.
Eva then chose the veal escalope for her main course. This was covered in bread crumbs and fried, and garnished with fries and a salad. It was a reasonable effort, not the best that I have seen (as the meat was a little darker and drier than I would prefer); however, it was perfectly adequate.
The meal, which included a jug of Cava Sangria, a beer and two Irish coffees (well, it was our last day!), came to 88Euros.
Overall Opinion
A perfectly decent and fun seaside restaurant, worth visiting on a hot day.
Sevilla 84
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 932 215 131
Overview
Eva and I were recently in Barcelona on a well deserved holiday. We decided to pop into Rio De Vigo, one of the numerous restaurants/cafes that are by the sea at Platja de Sant Miquel, for lunch.
It was a glorious sunny day, and we decided to sit at a table outside under one of the sun umbrellas.
Rio De Vigo serves a mixture of seafood and meat dishes, using local ingredients.
Ambience
Rio de Vigo is a pleasant restaurant near the seafront. The outside area, where we sat, was clean fresh and well shaded by the umbrellas. Although it was busy, the tables were not packed together too closely to make it feel unpleasant.
Menu
The menu provided an excellent selection of seafood and meat dishes including; the obligatory paella (in various guises), locally caught fish, steaks and pasta.
Service
The service was very friendly, efficient and courteous.
Food
I started with green peppers fried in olive oil and generously salted with sea salt. A most excellent dish, piquant and flavoursome.
I chose a sirloin steak for my main course, garnished with peppers and fires. The meat was of good quality, tender and had a decent layer of fat.
I have no complaints at all.
Eva started with fried prawns. This was a most excellent starter, consisting of a generous plateful of prawns in their shells that had been dipped in flour then fried in olive oil. The taste was piquant and fresh.
Eva then chose the veal escalope for her main course. This was covered in bread crumbs and fried, and garnished with fries and a salad. It was a reasonable effort, not the best that I have seen (as the meat was a little darker and drier than I would prefer); however, it was perfectly adequate.
The meal, which included a jug of Cava Sangria, a beer and two Irish coffees (well, it was our last day!), came to 88Euros.
Overall Opinion
A perfectly decent and fun seaside restaurant, worth visiting on a hot day.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Fabada
Fabada
Continuing the temporary Spanish theme of this site, here is a simple fabada recipe that I have made a few times since we returned from holiday in Spain. It serves 4.
Ingredients
2 large tins (400g each) of cannellini beans, drained
4 medium sized chorizo, sliced thickly
2 Spanish blood puddings, sliced thickly
1 head of fresh garlic, peeled and chopped coarsely
Olive oil
4 thick slices of belly of pork, cut into thick cubes
Saffron
4 bayleaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Lightly saute the garlic, add the pork and chorizo.
Gently saute for a few minutes, then add the blood pudding and the beans.
Cover with water, adding the remaining ingredients
Simmer gently with the lid on for around 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Transfer into earthenware dishes, place these in a preheated oven (180 degrees) and bake for around 15-20 minutes.
Serve immediately with bread.
Ideal for a late supper or as a hearty starter.
Continuing the temporary Spanish theme of this site, here is a simple fabada recipe that I have made a few times since we returned from holiday in Spain. It serves 4.
Ingredients
2 large tins (400g each) of cannellini beans, drained
4 medium sized chorizo, sliced thickly
2 Spanish blood puddings, sliced thickly
1 head of fresh garlic, peeled and chopped coarsely
Olive oil
4 thick slices of belly of pork, cut into thick cubes
Saffron
4 bayleaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Lightly saute the garlic, add the pork and chorizo.
Gently saute for a few minutes, then add the blood pudding and the beans.
Cover with water, adding the remaining ingredients
Simmer gently with the lid on for around 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Transfer into earthenware dishes, place these in a preheated oven (180 degrees) and bake for around 15-20 minutes.
Serve immediately with bread.
Ideal for a late supper or as a hearty starter.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
el Yantar de la ribera
Restaurant
el Yantar de la ribera
Roger de Flor
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 265 63 09
Website www.elyantardelaribera.com This contains a video of the chef cooking.
Overview
As noted previously, Eva and I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of my personal favourites was this restaurant, situated near the Victory Arch some 30 minutes walk from the harbour.
el Yantar de la ribera is a traditional rustic restaurant, that specialises in Castilian cuisine cooked in open wooden fired ovens.
Ambience
el Yantar de la ribera is tucked away on rather quiet and unassuming road, unless you knew where you were going you would miss it. The entrance is modest, a thick old wooden door, behind which is a rather pleasant small entrance vestibule.
The entrance vestibule leads into the main dining rooms, one for smokers the other for non smokers. Now here is a tip, if you like to smoke you will need to book; as they reserve that part for their regulars, who come in at around 10:00pm, and stay to the small hours smoking and drinking after their meal.
The dining room resembles a rustic wine cellar, the tables were neatly laid with white linen cloths and towards the far end of the dining room the chefs laboured in the open plan kitchen (the wood fired oven clearly visible).
The restaurant is clearly very popular with local families, many of the tables were occupied by family groups of varying ages, Eva and I were the only non Spaniards there that evening.
Menu
The menu offered a most wonderful selection of hearty Castilian dishes; black pudding, roast lamb and suckling (spelt sucking) pig were on the menu. I saw no evidence of any form of vegetarian offerings.
Service
The service was of a high quality, although the staff had only a modest command of English. That being said we had no trouble ordering, as the menu was in English and we had a phrase book. I would also point out that of course I speak no more than a few words of Spanish, so it is not my place to criticise.
We were though made to feel very welcome.
Food
We both started with the selection of regional specialties these being ; black pudding and two types of chorizo (one spicy the other mild).
This dish was presented in one large dish in the centre of the table, from which we helped ourselves. The black pudding was rather like haggis, and the chorizos both spicy and mild provided a juicy and flavoursome contrast to the pudding.
The freshly baked bread that accompanied it was an unnecessary, but very pleasant, indulgence.
We selected another dish to share for our main course, this time the house specialtiy; a whole quarter joint of lamb (leg, ribs and shoulder) roasted in the oven.
The cooked joint was proudly borne to our table on a large earthenware dish by one of the staff, who asked us to approve it before he took it away for carving.
Given the size of the portions, the restaurant does not offer vegetables or potatoes as an accompaniment. Instead they provide a rather good quality green salad which, together with the bread, provides a more than adequate accompianmnt to this most noble of dishes.
The lamb itself was absolutely unctuous. The meat tender yet full of flavour, juicy and oozing with goodness; culinary heaven.
I make no apology in stating that we pigged out on this, and enjoyed sucking the bones dry at the end.
Quite unecessarily I opted to try the egg custard to round off my meal. This was rather an interesting dish, as it resembled in taste and texture a traditional school egg custard and a creme brulee all in one. Rather jolly I thought.
When we had finished our meal, we were rather impressed to see that the liqueurs consisted of a large wicker basket of quarter bottles of various spirits (such as vodka) that was deposited on our table together with two ice chilled shot glasses.
The basic idea being that we could have as much as we wanted, at no extra cost.
Now there's something that you don't encounter every day!
We managed a couple, then reluctantly decided that it was time to call it a night.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Cava and the basket of spirits, came to 80Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
An outstanding restaurant, you would be very foolish not to visit it if you have the opportunity.
el Yantar de la ribera
Roger de Flor
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 265 63 09
Website www.elyantardelaribera.com This contains a video of the chef cooking.
Overview
As noted previously, Eva and I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of my personal favourites was this restaurant, situated near the Victory Arch some 30 minutes walk from the harbour.
el Yantar de la ribera is a traditional rustic restaurant, that specialises in Castilian cuisine cooked in open wooden fired ovens.
Ambience
el Yantar de la ribera is tucked away on rather quiet and unassuming road, unless you knew where you were going you would miss it. The entrance is modest, a thick old wooden door, behind which is a rather pleasant small entrance vestibule.
The entrance vestibule leads into the main dining rooms, one for smokers the other for non smokers. Now here is a tip, if you like to smoke you will need to book; as they reserve that part for their regulars, who come in at around 10:00pm, and stay to the small hours smoking and drinking after their meal.
The dining room resembles a rustic wine cellar, the tables were neatly laid with white linen cloths and towards the far end of the dining room the chefs laboured in the open plan kitchen (the wood fired oven clearly visible).
The restaurant is clearly very popular with local families, many of the tables were occupied by family groups of varying ages, Eva and I were the only non Spaniards there that evening.
Menu
The menu offered a most wonderful selection of hearty Castilian dishes; black pudding, roast lamb and suckling (spelt sucking) pig were on the menu. I saw no evidence of any form of vegetarian offerings.
Service
The service was of a high quality, although the staff had only a modest command of English. That being said we had no trouble ordering, as the menu was in English and we had a phrase book. I would also point out that of course I speak no more than a few words of Spanish, so it is not my place to criticise.
We were though made to feel very welcome.
Food
We both started with the selection of regional specialties these being ; black pudding and two types of chorizo (one spicy the other mild).
This dish was presented in one large dish in the centre of the table, from which we helped ourselves. The black pudding was rather like haggis, and the chorizos both spicy and mild provided a juicy and flavoursome contrast to the pudding.
The freshly baked bread that accompanied it was an unnecessary, but very pleasant, indulgence.
We selected another dish to share for our main course, this time the house specialtiy; a whole quarter joint of lamb (leg, ribs and shoulder) roasted in the oven.
The cooked joint was proudly borne to our table on a large earthenware dish by one of the staff, who asked us to approve it before he took it away for carving.
Given the size of the portions, the restaurant does not offer vegetables or potatoes as an accompaniment. Instead they provide a rather good quality green salad which, together with the bread, provides a more than adequate accompianmnt to this most noble of dishes.
The lamb itself was absolutely unctuous. The meat tender yet full of flavour, juicy and oozing with goodness; culinary heaven.
I make no apology in stating that we pigged out on this, and enjoyed sucking the bones dry at the end.
Quite unecessarily I opted to try the egg custard to round off my meal. This was rather an interesting dish, as it resembled in taste and texture a traditional school egg custard and a creme brulee all in one. Rather jolly I thought.
When we had finished our meal, we were rather impressed to see that the liqueurs consisted of a large wicker basket of quarter bottles of various spirits (such as vodka) that was deposited on our table together with two ice chilled shot glasses.
The basic idea being that we could have as much as we wanted, at no extra cost.
Now there's something that you don't encounter every day!
We managed a couple, then reluctantly decided that it was time to call it a night.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Cava and the basket of spirits, came to 80Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
An outstanding restaurant, you would be very foolish not to visit it if you have the opportunity.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Los Caracoles
Restaurant
Los Caracoles
Calle Escudellers 14
08002 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 302 31 85
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona the other week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Los Caracoles (The Snails), a marvellous grill restaurant (famed for its spit roast chickens which can be seen roasting, against a large vertical barbecue, through the front window) situated near La Rambla.
Ambience
Los Caracoles is a family (Bofarull) run restaurant established in 1835.
The restaurant was a hive of activity, the cooking being done "open plan" so you can see as you enter the restaurant the chefs labouring over the wood fired barbecues.
There are several rooms in the restaurant, we were taken to one away from the barbecue area. The restaurant is decorated in light colours, with numerous photos of Spanish celebrities who have dined there adorning the walls. Cured hams hung from the ceiling.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of steaks, chicken, seafood dishes and roast suckling pig.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English.
We were made to feel welcome.
Food
I started with the selection of cold meats, which was a mouthwatering array of chorizos and hams. The bread rolls that came with it were rather amusing,as they were shaped like snails
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a very fine dish indeed, containing a variety of seafood; clams, mussels and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a fish stock.
The taste was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were fresh and not overcooked. Eva was well pleased with her choice.
I had a sirloin steak for my main course. This was a very fine cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was succulent and tender, just right. It was served with French fries, grilled pepper and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Albario Pazo De Barrantes and a very good measure of cointreau, came to 88Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
A fine restaurant, which we will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Los Caracoles
Calle Escudellers 14
08002 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 302 31 85
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona the other week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Los Caracoles (The Snails), a marvellous grill restaurant (famed for its spit roast chickens which can be seen roasting, against a large vertical barbecue, through the front window) situated near La Rambla.
Ambience
Los Caracoles is a family (Bofarull) run restaurant established in 1835.
The restaurant was a hive of activity, the cooking being done "open plan" so you can see as you enter the restaurant the chefs labouring over the wood fired barbecues.
There are several rooms in the restaurant, we were taken to one away from the barbecue area. The restaurant is decorated in light colours, with numerous photos of Spanish celebrities who have dined there adorning the walls. Cured hams hung from the ceiling.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of steaks, chicken, seafood dishes and roast suckling pig.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English.
We were made to feel welcome.
Food
I started with the selection of cold meats, which was a mouthwatering array of chorizos and hams. The bread rolls that came with it were rather amusing,as they were shaped like snails
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a very fine dish indeed, containing a variety of seafood; clams, mussels and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a fish stock.
The taste was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were fresh and not overcooked. Eva was well pleased with her choice.
I had a sirloin steak for my main course. This was a very fine cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was succulent and tender, just right. It was served with French fries, grilled pepper and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Albario Pazo De Barrantes and a very good measure of cointreau, came to 88Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
A fine restaurant, which we will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Paco Alcalde
Restaurant
Paco Alcalde
Almirall Aixada 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 221 50 26
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Paco Alcalde, a charming fish restaurant (famed for its fresh seafood) situated near the seafront in the old fishing port.
Ambience
Paco Alcalde was established in 1921, and is still owned and run by the founding family.
It was located just off the seafront in one of the narrow streets of the old fishing village of Barcelona. In case you are worried about walking past it by mistake, don't be! Standing outside, day and night, is one on the staff who greeted us warmly when we arrived and ensured that we had a nice table.
The restaurant is bright, cheerful and charming; it is decorated with cool tiled walls, and numerous ornaments related to fishing and the sea.
It is famed for its seafood, which is selected and prepared fresh every day.
The restaurant has a smoking and non smoking section, as well as a private function room for larger parties.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of freshly caught local seafood, as well as steak and chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English to varying degrees. They also offered to help us with our three or four words of Spanish.
We were made to feel very welcome. Indeed when it came time for the cointreaus, at the end of meal, we were poured two rather magnificent measures (enough to swim a goldfish in!).
When we left we were offered warm and hearty handshakes by the staff and a friendly adios!.
Food
I have to confess that I am not that fond of fish, so I stuck to the meat dishes; and started with a cannelloni.
This was rather good, unlike the Italian version it contained no tomatoes but instead was very meaty and was smothered in an unctuous bechamel sauce. I was more than happy with this as a starter.
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a simple (by British Spanish restaurant standards) dish, containing langoustines, clams and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a dark fish stock (squid I would say). Note were you order this dish in the UK, it would be stuffed with all manner of seafood, peas and peppers.
That being said, less is more; the dish was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were very fresh. Eva was happy with the "simple" version.
I had an entrecote steak for my main course. This was a good thick cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was cooked just right, and was very tender. It was served with french fries and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Torres Vina Sol and two very large cointreaus, came to 52Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which we most certainly will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Paco Alcalde
Almirall Aixada 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 221 50 26
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Paco Alcalde, a charming fish restaurant (famed for its fresh seafood) situated near the seafront in the old fishing port.
Ambience
Paco Alcalde was established in 1921, and is still owned and run by the founding family.
It was located just off the seafront in one of the narrow streets of the old fishing village of Barcelona. In case you are worried about walking past it by mistake, don't be! Standing outside, day and night, is one on the staff who greeted us warmly when we arrived and ensured that we had a nice table.
The restaurant is bright, cheerful and charming; it is decorated with cool tiled walls, and numerous ornaments related to fishing and the sea.
It is famed for its seafood, which is selected and prepared fresh every day.
The restaurant has a smoking and non smoking section, as well as a private function room for larger parties.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of freshly caught local seafood, as well as steak and chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English to varying degrees. They also offered to help us with our three or four words of Spanish.
We were made to feel very welcome. Indeed when it came time for the cointreaus, at the end of meal, we were poured two rather magnificent measures (enough to swim a goldfish in!).
When we left we were offered warm and hearty handshakes by the staff and a friendly adios!.
Food
I have to confess that I am not that fond of fish, so I stuck to the meat dishes; and started with a cannelloni.
This was rather good, unlike the Italian version it contained no tomatoes but instead was very meaty and was smothered in an unctuous bechamel sauce. I was more than happy with this as a starter.
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a simple (by British Spanish restaurant standards) dish, containing langoustines, clams and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a dark fish stock (squid I would say). Note were you order this dish in the UK, it would be stuffed with all manner of seafood, peas and peppers.
That being said, less is more; the dish was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were very fresh. Eva was happy with the "simple" version.
I had an entrecote steak for my main course. This was a good thick cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was cooked just right, and was very tender. It was served with french fries and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Torres Vina Sol and two very large cointreaus, came to 52Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which we most certainly will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Mi Burrito y Yo
Restaurant
Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I)
Paso de la Ensenanza, 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93-318-2742
Overview
Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I), a charming steak house near La Rambla.
Ambience
The surroundings were very quaint and rustic, the specialties on the menu were roast meats cooked on an open fire at the entrance level. Downstairs was a small dining room and bar area (with a most sucullent smoked ham sitting atop the bar) upstairs was a larger dining room with a piano for entertainment.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of steaks, pork, fish and other Spanish dishes.
Service
The service was friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and although our waitress did not speak that much English we had no trouble making ourselves understood.
Food
We were given a large basket of freshly baked bread, two fresh tomatoes, two large fresh garlic cloves and a bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the outset.
The idea being to cut the tomatoes and garlic up, place them on the bread and drizzle the combination with oil and vinegar (DIY brushetta).
What may seem to be rather simple idea was in fact absolutely glorious on the taste buds, and is something that we are inclined to institute at home for our own meals.
Having munched our way through our "Spanish canape", we then proceeded with the serious business of eating our meal.
Eva started with a hearty bowl of vegetable soup with fried croutons. This was a splendid dish, not too thick but neither was it too watery. The balance of vegetables and potatoes were just right, with the croutons added a crunchy texture to the dish.
I started with the tortilla, a homemade omelette filled with cheese and mushrooms. This was unctuous, the omelette (as it should be) was still a little runny and combined perfectly with the mushrooms and cheese. An ideal starter.
Eva chose a light dish of carpaccio for her main course. This being Spain it was not that "light", and consisted of a good sized dish of thinly sliced beef interspersed with cheese shavings and drizzled with olive oil. She was very happy with this dish, the more so because the soup had been very filling.
I chose the pork fillet for my main course. This consisted of two very generous cuts of pork, seasoned with herbs, which had been cooked on the open barbecue. The taste was superb, and the meat very tender and succulent. In my view it had been cooked to perfection. The dish was accompanied by a baked potato and grilled tomatoes.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Spanish wine, came to 70Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A splendid restaurant, we heartily recommend it.
Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I)
Paso de la Ensenanza, 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93-318-2742
Overview
Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I), a charming steak house near La Rambla.
Ambience
The surroundings were very quaint and rustic, the specialties on the menu were roast meats cooked on an open fire at the entrance level. Downstairs was a small dining room and bar area (with a most sucullent smoked ham sitting atop the bar) upstairs was a larger dining room with a piano for entertainment.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of steaks, pork, fish and other Spanish dishes.
Service
The service was friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and although our waitress did not speak that much English we had no trouble making ourselves understood.
Food
We were given a large basket of freshly baked bread, two fresh tomatoes, two large fresh garlic cloves and a bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the outset.
The idea being to cut the tomatoes and garlic up, place them on the bread and drizzle the combination with oil and vinegar (DIY brushetta).
What may seem to be rather simple idea was in fact absolutely glorious on the taste buds, and is something that we are inclined to institute at home for our own meals.
Having munched our way through our "Spanish canape", we then proceeded with the serious business of eating our meal.
Eva started with a hearty bowl of vegetable soup with fried croutons. This was a splendid dish, not too thick but neither was it too watery. The balance of vegetables and potatoes were just right, with the croutons added a crunchy texture to the dish.
I started with the tortilla, a homemade omelette filled with cheese and mushrooms. This was unctuous, the omelette (as it should be) was still a little runny and combined perfectly with the mushrooms and cheese. An ideal starter.
Eva chose a light dish of carpaccio for her main course. This being Spain it was not that "light", and consisted of a good sized dish of thinly sliced beef interspersed with cheese shavings and drizzled with olive oil. She was very happy with this dish, the more so because the soup had been very filling.
I chose the pork fillet for my main course. This consisted of two very generous cuts of pork, seasoned with herbs, which had been cooked on the open barbecue. The taste was superb, and the meat very tender and succulent. In my view it had been cooked to perfection. The dish was accompanied by a baked potato and grilled tomatoes.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Spanish wine, came to 70Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A splendid restaurant, we heartily recommend it.
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