Barcelona

Barcelona C Ava , Tap a S , +More

I have long held that barcelona is my favorite city in the world. The beach meets the city in a way that I can only describe as a West Coast lifestyle in an East Coast city. That anology only works if you’re from the States but basically the city has a pulse, it beats around the clock and you can live in the chaos or allow yourself a relaxing time of beaching and siestas. For this visit I focused on food because its where my heart is the happiest.

The Arrival

We start by jumping on a flight from Jfk to bcn. Im meeting friends near Plaça de Catalunya and the Aerobus takes you straight there for under 6 eur. It is seriously so convenient and I can’t recommend it enough.

The Bites

Trying to make a list of places to eat in a city with a food reputation like Barcelona is always a challenge. The recommendations go on forever but with only four days, we had to stay focused. Here are some of the highlights but it was impossible to do it justice.

Llamber: an incredibly delicious four course pre fixe lunch for only 15 Euro. The meal changes daily but starts with “Pa amb tomàquet” a Catalan staple of toasted bread with olive oil, salt and tomato rubbed on top.

Cañete: The beautiful thing about coming from New York to Barcelona is that the Spanish eat way later than Americans. Get to dinner before 10pm and score a seat at the bar. With a menu labeled “Fuck Your Diet,” indulge in the steak and tuna tartars.

Alcoba Azul: Hidden gems are always a goal of mine and this charming little spot with ancient walls did not disappoint. The drinks were great but the standout was a shaved foie gras toast with a sherry reduction.

Pinotxo’s: El Mercat de la Boqueria offers an abundance of food stalls. Some sell produce and proteins while others sell prepared dishes but none of them compare to the flavors of Pinotxo’s. Every day Juanito Bayen is inspired by the market to create the day’s dishes. There is no menu at this 14 stool restaurant but every plate is memorable.

Tapas hopping in poble sec: There is nothing better than stretching out dinner for an entire evening. Start at Quimet & Quimet and work your way through the neighborhood!

The Sites the Drinks

Gaudí is king in barcelona, and his architecture left a beautiful mark on the city. Take a day to visit the gardens and tiled stone structures at park Güell, then work your way down to see la Pedrera and casa batlló on Passeig de Gràcia. The show-stopper of the city is really La sagrada família, a Roman Catholic Basilica that has been under construction since 1882 and is set to be completed in 2026.

Las ramblas is a tree lined pedestrian mall that crosses the center of Barcelona. Here street performers entertain the tourists while locals shop at the gardening stands.

The magic fountian is a spectacular water, music and light show. Pick up a bottle of bubbles and take the Tram to Montjuïc.

Cava on tap might have been my main reason to visit Barcelona and I ordered it at every tapas bar that had it available.

Casa lolea features amazing traditional Catalan fare but it’s become famous for its variety of house made and bottled Sangrias. Collage Art & Cocktail Social Club a boutique bar with incredible craft cocktails. Here the mixologist create drinks that are complex in flavors but play the role of table art. pez vela should probably be listed under food because of their incredible Paella but their terrace on the beach in Barceloneta make it the perfect spot for day drinking a bottle of cava. street beer, I’m such a fan of random discoveries and there is no better way to do it than roaming the streets to find a new spot.