So while in Barcelona, I had a free day to roam around the area and look for something good to eat…read more When in doubt, ask the hotel. So I asked Carlos at the front desk of the Hotel Arts Barcelona, and I said I was looking for a good mid range tapas place in the area that only focused on food, decor was not that important to me. He said, "Oh I got a place that you will like and it's where the locals eat." (Also picture Carlos very enthusiastic, well spoken with a Spanish accent, if that paints a better picture) So I said Perfect!! He called, made a reservation for me and gave me a hotel card that he wrote the address and phone number of the restaurant. Boy was that a great recommendation. It was also a short 15 minute walk, but that was great for the digestion afterwards because I was stuffed. I was also directed to two specific people at the restaurant, I think it was that they both spoke English and they would be able to take care of me and my uncle better.
Also, it was a major attraction that there is a 80 year old grandmother whizzing through the kitchen. She was making the pan con tomate and other items. Just watching her make the dishes was amazing in itself! She seemed so strong and vibrant and we had to take a picture with her. She was more than happy to get out of the kitchen and join us. She was fantastic.
The food:
Albondigas guisadas con Calamar- stewed meatballs with squid. I liked this dish, it was a very warm and hearty dish. The meatballs paired well with the squid, this and a nice crusty bread in the winter would be perfect. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=vvHmLKruo6IFXcXQnmDcKQ&userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA
Pescado Frito Con Paperina- fried anchovies. So when this dish dropped, I was kinda underwhelmed since it looked so basic. I was very wrong. The dish was so good, woulda been the perfect side to watching a movie. They really are a perfect, crunchy little bite of fish and the fish didn't have a strong off putting fish taste either. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=c9E_UDo110qXRXiQI8p-2Q&userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA
Stewed Oxtail Parmentier- This was a no forked needed tender piece of oxtail. It was like butt- ah! It was braised oxtail with a cream sauce. SO good!! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qofU8iqz9Y-d_7nI0nHItg&userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA
Fried egg with potatoes, Iberian ham and Manchego Cheese- this dish is something very similar I had at Casa Mono in NYC. Casa Mono instead use mojama and truffle oil but everything else is the same. The fried runny egg makes a sauce for the ham, manchego and potatoes and pairs everything together perfectly. The saltiness of the ham and cheese, with the crunch of the potatoes and softness of the running egg was well matched. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ox0OXbxRG8keN7x8GYh0hg&userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA
Pan con Tomate- Bread with tomato, olive oil and salt. This is kinda a staple in the tapas world. It's so basic and boring but it's a must order. The crusty bread and the sweetness of the brushed tomato is excellent. It really is a must. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ST4UGmzLRl0Cl9fcToNHzQ&userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA
Assortment of pork- It's pretty much a pork charcuterie and oh was it good. The ham was excellent as was the salami and chorizo. This with the Pan Con Tomate was awesome. Pork in Spain is the way to go. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/l-%C3%B2stia-barcelona?select=jRw5xX7qoYy2AL5vXv_SHA#jRw5xX7qoYy2AL5vXv_SHA
