Flavors in Love

Here’s a question…when you have a euphoric travel experience and dream about it for many years, then return to experience it again, does it ever exceed your expectations? I have only been to Barcelona once and ever since I have been dreaming about going back to this dynamic city by the sea. It’s been nine years and the Spanish food culture has gone through a revolution. It is the go-to place for every Chef and foodie looking for new adventures. My good friend, Gerry Dawes, is an expert on Spanish food, wine, and culture, and he helped me design my trip. I had so many new places to check out, and some of the old favorites to visit again.

My partner M. drove like a crazy-mad-hungry-foodie from Provence to Barcelona to make our 3 o’clock lunch reservation at Can Majo...although we did make a stop along the way and I must say the rest stops in Europe, and especially in France, are a revelation compared to our side-of-the-road fast food joints! Our mouths were watering for paella during the whole drive. It was exactly as we remembered. The food is simple but the fresh ingredients turn it into magic, and certainly the atmosphere helps, sitting right on Barcelona’s busiest beach watching the bathing suits go by.

We had grilled langoustines and fried calamari and a very chilled bottle of Spanish white. Happiness. Then we followed this with a seafood paella that was sublime.

Seafood Paella

We were so full that we decided not to eat dinner that night... .We went to see a movie instead, and then stopped by the Hotel Arts for a drink and a stroll around the Casino.

Hotel Arts

The next day, we hit the streets and stopped by the Boqueria market.

Boqueria Market

Monday was not the best day to be at the Boqueria because about half of it was closed…so, we looked around a bit and returned the next day when everything was in full swing. Just take a look at these photos and you can see why I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Psychedelic Candy

Hams and More!

Exquisite Fruits

Dinner that night was at Restaurant Moo in the Hotel Omm, with Chef Felip Llufriu at the helm.

The first course was Chef Llufriu’s signature dish, which he learned directly from Spanish Chef extraordinaire, Ferran Adria. It was called The Golden Egg… the buttery soft egg yolk encased by a crackling sweet lacquered shell, which is really caramel, dusted in gold leaf…surrounded by crispy salty corn. The mouth-feel was astonishing.

The Golden Egg

Chef Llufriu really is a genius….the way he mixes the different tastes and textures…salty, crunchy, sweet, smooth, all in one bite. He utilizes all of the indigenous ingredients of his country and it was such an innovative meal…

Spider Crab Ravioli w/ peas and orange

Caramelized Apple Dessert

This was Michelin star dining. Expensive but worth every penny. The atmosphere was chic, the service was impeccable.

The proprietor of Can Majo recommended that we try Bar Mut the following night, a bustling tapas bar with an impressive wine list, and then head to Muttis, the exclusive private club upstairs. We were not disappointed! In my limited tapas bar experience this was truly the highlight. I could eat like this every day! The pictures will tell it all…

Grilled Langoustine

What a pro!!

The most tender octopus

Egg yolk, potatoes, and shrimp

Adios Barcelona…on to Capri…..I hope you all join me on the final leg of my journey.

For help planning your Spanish vacation, please visit GerryDawesSpain.com!