barcelona

Barcelona – March 2008

(You can also see more details about this trip, including restaurants and photos, or book accommodation for Barcelona on my blog for Spain HERE - www.simplyspainandbeyond.com/hola )

We managed to get a last minute booking for an apartment which was fine, but outside of the Town Centre (we were ‘newbies’ to Barcelona at the time as it was before I marketed properties there), but we got taxis into Town and walked during the day when we had an hour of two to spare on the stroll. Plus, the rail system is very easy to use in Barcelona so we could move around well on the underground as an alternative.

The first night we decided to stay close to the apartment to dine, so we took a wander and came across a Uraguay Restaurant. The guys were very friendly, and the atmosphere very cosy, and it was quite unique. It was really big, with a red brick interior, a whole wall lined with wine bottles, and sparkly lighting warmly lighting the large array of pictures and wooden features lining the walls. The menu was extensive to say the least, with around forty or so starters alone to choose from, however the mains were very much based on grilled meats of all kinds and cuts.

We had a starter which, when it came was basically mozzarella and ham on toast, which was not quite what we expected. Secondly, Michael had the belly of pork which was ok, and my Solomillo (fillet steak) had to be sent back as it was not cooked enough and was covered in rich sauce as I forgot to ask for it on the side, but it was ok, without being great. I would say the atmosphere was great except that it was enclosed and everyone was smoking. It was quiet enough not to bother us at the time, but if it was busy, that could be a problem, as I don’t really like to inhale smoke whilst eating. The prices were also pretty high for an average meal.

I would say that, overall, you need to choose wisely when eating in Barcelona. There is a lot of choice, but some of the restaurants nearer the tourist streets and attractions, such as the Las Ramblas. They can be overpriced and not the greatest quality, yet others are good.

The next evening we ate at Elx restaurant on the waterfront, in Maremagnum on the Barcelona Port, and we had a lovely time. This is a sophisticated restaurant, with comfy seating and attentive professional service. The views are really nice across the water and you can sit inside or out. We had a mixed salad, Moules Marinere and a plate of roasted pepper, aubergine and beans to start, followed by a mixed seafood Paella, washed down with a bottle of Chablis (not Spanish I know, but very good all the same) It was all lovely, and followed by a caribean pineapple and chocolate mousse with pear coulis with a glass of Muscadet. A very lovely restaurant I would recommend!

Next day, we had lunch on the Ramblas at Casa Joan. One great thing about this place is that you can sit outside (weather permitting of course!) and soak up the atmosphere and bustle of this very busy street. The bad thing is that the food is not the best, although certainly not the worst either and the prices are high.

Shopping is wonderful in Barcelona, with clothes, shoes, food shops and chocolate shops galore. It really is just fun wandering around and seeing the many street entertainers in the Ramblas – from statues, to jugglers to miming, they really are first class and dare I say it, beat anything I have ever seen in London’s Covent Garden.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to the Restaurant L’Olive, which was recommended in our travel guide. It was really busy, and very good within a comfortable and stylish setting. We had Catalonian tomato toasted bread, a salad and bread with tapenade to start, followed by Paella, which was a bit too salty and rich for us, but with quality seafood. The desserts were very good – framboise (baby strawberries) in liquer, with chocolate ice cream and a berry cheesecake.

Next day, we enjoyed a tapas lunch at Café Lirica on the Ramblas. Garlic prawns, Catalonian tomato bread, tortilla and Russian salad, washed down with a nice cold beer. Very enjoyable!

Maoz falafel’s are our favourite fast food place in Barcelona – we are not fans of fast food, but falafels with salad are fast and healthy, so if you fancy something quick, I would recommend them.

There are fantastic food markets undercover, selling a beautiful array of fruits, fresh fruit juices, vegetables, seafood, meats and accompaniments. They are well worth a visit and you can have a fresh juice to increase your vitality or shopping energy!

Dinner was had at the oldest restaurant in Barcelona, the Casa Cullerettes (since 1786). This is a very traditional style restaurant and very busy, but relaxing at the same time, with old pictures of the restaurant on the walls. I had tomato soup with giant croutons, which was ok. I had a steak with mushrooms, and Michael had the duck, but it was unfortunately very greasy and sickly. The peas with pancetta were really nice and the chips average. Overall, the meal was disappointing, as we had seen very good reviews for this restaurant.

The parks up the hill (Parc de Montjuic) are big and beautiful – the views from up there over Barcelona and spectacular and it is really pretty and relaxing. You can get the funicular up there or down which is good fun and the cable car up or down which is expensive for such as short trip, but well worth it.

The architecture of Barcelona is fantastic and the Gaudi buildings are stunning, like La Sagrada Familia and Gaudi house.

This is a great place for a long weekend away, with enough to do for everyone – shops, museums, architecture, shopping, food and beaches – well worth a visit!