This review is for the special Christmas Day Menú al Día.
Wow. What a feast! This was our first Christmas in Barcelona, and my wife found this place online - she made reservations on BCNRestaurantes.com.
First - the ambience. We arrived on the dot at two o'clock, and were greeted and ushered back to their rear dining room (which was much lovelier than the first, as it had windows overlooking a small courtyard). Other guests for the two o'clock seating were all filing in, and I noticed my wife and I were the only "twosome" there - there were a couple of tables for 16, and another two tables for 6. I only mention this because instead of being relegated to a wall near the door or worse, our table was in the hub of the room, with the others radiating outward... thus, we were made to feel a part of it all, rather than someone just looking in. That said, the tables were beautifully set, the chandeliers were bright and cheerful, and the energy was festive.
Second - the wait staff. These were consummate professionals! The two staff were gracious, prompt and attentive, and our Cava flutes were filled at once. It was fascinating to see how so few could serve so many, so efficiently, and yet make us feel as if we were their only charges. There was a third (a supervisor?) that came in on several occasions, when the tables for 16 were being served - and lent a hand distributing food without inhibiting the mood or the staff. These folks all worked seamlessly together, and really enhanced our experience.
...and the FOOD. Oh, yeah...
As I mentioned, this was the menú al día for Christmas, and it began with a glass of Cava. There were four appetizers: Croquetas de Carrilleras y Múrgulas (perhaps the tastiest croquettes I've ever had... sorry Tía Gisela!). The Virutas de Jamón Ibérico con Coca de Cristal brought out the best of this black-footed delicacy. The marbling was exquisite, as was the texture and taste. Oh, and the bread it was on was so incredibly light and thin, it provided the perfect accompaniment to the ham! Next was the shrimp. I love shrimp and I especially enjoy a good tempura. Well, the Colitas de Gambas en Tempura made my mouth explode with extreme happiness! (Sorry, I'm also a fan of cheesy menu descriptors.) Finally the Vasito de Exqueixada de Bacalao con Espuma de Aguacate (tender bits of warm cod with sautéed peppers, covered with a dollop of creamy avocado) really rounded things out nicely.
...and then there was wine... Red or white? We both opted for the red; the staff kept our glasses nicely topped off. Oh, and it was delicious!
The first main course was a Catalonian tradition, La Escudella con Galets, a hearty broth (chicken stock?) with tender pasta shells. This was accompanied by La Carn d'Olla con las Hortalizas - a plate full of meats to add to the soup - sausages of different varieties, ham, and meatballs, and several organ meats, followed by a plate of vegetables and legumes to also add to the soup: carrots, cabbage, potatoes and garbanzos. Altogether a most satisfying dish!
After adequate time to relish the flavors, sit and enjoy more wine and conversation, the second course was brought out. This was Pavo Asado con Pasas, Ciruelas y Piñones - a splendid roast turkey (both dark and light meat) with an incredible concoction of raisins, prunes and pine nuts, but also with an uncredited appearance by tender pieces of dried apricot - a brilliant touch!
And... dessert. Or should I say first dessert? A smooth and creamy Chocolate Mousse over Turrón de Jijona. While delicious, it was a bit more like an ice cream than an actual mousse (someone should check the refrigerator setting), but that was the ONLY ding for the entire meal. (Although truth be told, the turrón made up for it... and my wife loved it!)
When the coffee was brought out, so was the second dessert - a tray of "Turrones y Barquillos," four morsels of each of four different sweet goodies that were OH SO GOOD. I thought surely they meant us each to select one piece (how much food can one person eat, really?) but no, the tray was for the two of us to share. ...and the coffee ranked among the top 10% of all of the coffees I've ever tasted - and that's saying something!
All told, we were there for just shy of three hours - a proper amount of time to enjoy such a feast. At € 50,00 per person, IVA included, this was a bargain not to be missed! read more