Jamie Oliver has drawn ire on the internet after posting a paella recipe that included chorizo.
His inclusion of chorizo has been widely derided by traditionalists, with one describing it as an "abomination".
Showing posts with label paella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paella. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Restaurant
Andalucia
Döbelnsgatan 79
Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- 08 15 6660
Website www.andalucia.se
Overview
Eva and I went to Andalucia, a Spanish restaurant in Stockholm, for Valentine’s day.
Ambience
Andalucia is a warm, friendly family run restaurant. It has brick faced interior walls and a polished wooden floor; which gives a Spanish feel to the restaurant, no mean feat given the heavy snowfall on the streets outside.
Menu
The menu has a large variety of dishes. Traditional tapas, such as fried goats cheese and stuffed artichoke. Appetisers, such as Spanish air dried ham, sizzled king prawns and main courses such as chicken in honey and paella.
Service
The service was friendly and very prompt. The owner took the time to talk to the diners during the evening; making them feel welcome.
Indeed, when one of the other diners (for reasons that escaped me) threw a wine glass across the room hitting another diner, then running out of the restaurant and down the street; the staff were very calm. They arranged some first aid for the hapless victim, and ensured that the police who arrived a few minutes later were properly briefed. Splendid entertainment! I don’t think that happens every night.
Food
I started with the Spanish potato omelette, which was a nice size and an ideal starter.
I chose the tournedos steak in brandy and rose pepper sauce for my main course. I was very pleased with this, the meat was very tender and cooked rare as requested. The sauce was very piquant and flavoursome. The dish was accompanied by a large bowl of potatoes gratin.
Eva had three different tapas dishes for her meal; paella with prawns, scallops in white wine and skewered chicken with chipped potatoes. She enjoyed all three. However, the chipped potatoes were a little undercooked.
We finished with brandy and coffee.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay, came to around 1500SEK.
Overall Opinion
In my opinion, this is worth a visit if you are passing through Stockholm.
Andalucia
Döbelnsgatan 79
Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- 08 15 6660
Website www.andalucia.se
Overview
Eva and I went to Andalucia, a Spanish restaurant in Stockholm, for Valentine’s day.
Ambience
Andalucia is a warm, friendly family run restaurant. It has brick faced interior walls and a polished wooden floor; which gives a Spanish feel to the restaurant, no mean feat given the heavy snowfall on the streets outside.
Menu
The menu has a large variety of dishes. Traditional tapas, such as fried goats cheese and stuffed artichoke. Appetisers, such as Spanish air dried ham, sizzled king prawns and main courses such as chicken in honey and paella.
Service
The service was friendly and very prompt. The owner took the time to talk to the diners during the evening; making them feel welcome.
Indeed, when one of the other diners (for reasons that escaped me) threw a wine glass across the room hitting another diner, then running out of the restaurant and down the street; the staff were very calm. They arranged some first aid for the hapless victim, and ensured that the police who arrived a few minutes later were properly briefed. Splendid entertainment! I don’t think that happens every night.
Food
I started with the Spanish potato omelette, which was a nice size and an ideal starter.
I chose the tournedos steak in brandy and rose pepper sauce for my main course. I was very pleased with this, the meat was very tender and cooked rare as requested. The sauce was very piquant and flavoursome. The dish was accompanied by a large bowl of potatoes gratin.
Eva had three different tapas dishes for her meal; paella with prawns, scallops in white wine and skewered chicken with chipped potatoes. She enjoyed all three. However, the chipped potatoes were a little undercooked.
We finished with brandy and coffee.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay, came to around 1500SEK.
Overall Opinion
In my opinion, this is worth a visit if you are passing through Stockholm.
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