Spain from an English perspective

My food philosophy is simple- there is no need to eat bland and unhealthy food everyday. Amazing meals need not be complicated; some of the best food is ridiculously simple. Spurred by my love of cooking and all things food related, I share my kitchen adventures- a sort of diary of an urban cook. I’m not the best cook but I’m not the worst- I accept my kitchen successes and the absolute failures. Hopefully, I’ll have a few good meals along the way.

Those of you who emailed were right. I was in Barcelona. I’m back after a week long stay in Barcelona compliments of my dear friend Mardon. What an amazing place- sort of a Paris on the Med but without the Parisians (no offence to Parisians- I have Parisians friends and have lived in Paris).

The architecture is amazing, the people friendly and the food filling. The weather was scorchio- anyone with a dislike for high temperatures should steer clear of the place in the summer.

I’ll keep the writing brief and let the photos speak for themselves. Addresses and more photos to follow. I’d like to thank everyone who gave me tips and advice for a first time trip to Barcelona but in particular Amy from Cooking with Amy who gave me an exhaustive list of gourmet shops to hit.
Between her list and my trusty Time Out guide, there wasn’t a bad meal or food shop to be had (except for maybe one that wasn’t my choice and resulted in my control over all meals for the rest of the stay).

My Barcelona address book for Tapas:

Rated as one of the best restos in town. It’s tough to get a reservation (I know- I couldn’t get one) so call early.

Located near the main entrance to La Boqueria, this little joint is run by an old man whom everyone calls Juanito. It was near my hotel and was where I went for breakfast everyday at a cost of 3 euros.

Excellent tapas. Try the sausage with white beans dish- it was amazing and rustic- and the Membrillo and Rocket salad. Good value.

Swanky cocktail joint with jazzy/loungey tunes (at least when I went). Great tapas and great drinks. One can easily pass the night away here.

This was our fave meal of the trip. If you’re heading to Sagrada Familia, take a 15 minute stroll instead of the metro. Tasty croquetas, amazing grilled asparagus, perfect Jabugo ham. We spent a couple of hours nibbling and drinking and gossiping without realizing it. The Roscon de la casa (House cake) was to die for and worth every calorie. Two of us ate very well for less then 35 euros (and that included wine, coffee and dessert).

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