Christoph's Notes

Barcelona, Spain. Probably one of the nicest, and most interesting cities in the world. It´s all about food, savour and pleasure. Like to share two great food spots.

Great lunch stop at Braseria Taverna Can Xurrades, C.Gran de Gràcia, 57. Traditional "pan con tomate" automatically served as a starter; great and simple is "revoltillo con setas y gambas": scrambled eggs with mushrooms, small pieces of white bread and Gambas. I added some olive oil with truffle (you can buy it in Vom Fass C/Cigne 14 or Vom Fass C/Cran Via 617) - outstanding! Second: "ensalada de habitas con virutas de jamón": small horse beans and green leaves, tomatoes, olives and slieces of bacon. I added (as I always do! I never travel without my set of fine vinegars - called Waldburg Balsams; either I have them in 20/25ml pep up bags, or a set of 40ml bottles - no problem in my hand luggage) some mango vinegar, made it a bit more fruity. Main course "pimientos del piguillo rellenos de bacalao": red sweet pepper filled with stockfish on rice! Just perfect (although I though some aceto balsamico di Modena Maletti on top would make it even better)! Everything light, and healthy stuff. Don´t forget some red house wine, served in a typical carafe. No problem - it does not go without it (savour is key, and one can´t get the "right feeling" without it!). Go and see that - very traditional and Catalan - restaurant. I add some pics to see the food!

Very special dinner place is Ipar-Txoko, Mozart, 22 Barcelona. Basque Restaurant. You need to book table, very small! Does not open before 9.15 pm. Follow the owners recommendations (speaks English!) - so don´t ask for the menue, listen what he recommends, just ask for wine list. They serve you "pincho de chistorral", spicy pork sausage (with pepper) on top of white bread. Delicious! I went for "Almejas a la plancha": grilled clams served with oilve oil and lemon (I added a dash of oilve oil with lemon) - superb! Close to heaven. Followed by "anchoas al ajillo": anchovy in oil with a lot of garlic (great!!), served in a cast iron pan, heated in the oven, some herbs added on top, very easy, extremely delicious. Main course: luce fish, grilled, olive oil, some potato slices beside, and many, many, many slices of garlic on top. I added again some olive oil with lemon on top. Can´t tell you howe good this is. Everything accompanied by Spanish white wine. You will forget the hours..... The desert I chose was called "the little pork of heaven". Egg yolk cake with hot chocolate on top......, and fried milk (I will find out how that goes and let you certainly know - great taste!). Pics again added!

Let me know if you once have been there!!