Barcelona is an amazing place. I had a few friends study abroad here so I was well equipped with some great food recommendations. Here's my top 5 from our visit:
5. Banana Chocolate Bread from Elsa Y Fred
http://elsayfred.es/
Such a cute place! GrubDaddy and I stopped in for a beer after a long walk around Barcelona. We caved into the tempting baked goods at the bar - the choice between the banana chocolate bread and the brownie was very tough. The bread won in the end - it was different than other banana and chocolate combinations I've had before - instead of chocolate chips IN the bread, Elsa Y Fred chose to cover the entire bread / cake with a thick layer of chocolate. Delish.
4. Cava at El Xampanyet
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d697571-Reviews-El_Xampanyet-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
We ventured to El Xampanyet after the Picasso museum (it's literally down the block). It's an old school cava bar that we actually ventured to twice (in one day). The cava here was awesome. And cheap. 9 euros for a bottle and 1.50 euros for a glass. We did glasses round 1 and then wised up and got the bottle(s) round 2. It was so delicious. The perfect drink post Picasso and a very fun bar for later that same evening.
3. Burgers at Kiosko
http://www.kioskoburger.com/
GrubDaddy and I were craving some beef after two weeks of jamon. Don't get me wrong - jamon is amazing, but there's a very special place in my heart (and stomach) for a burger. So on our last day in Barcelona we had lunch at Kiosko in Barceloneta (near the beach). We waited for 30-45 minutes but it was well worth it.
GrubDaddy got the Cayena burger which had spicy chili sauce and Philadelphia cream cheese (for real). I had the Catalana which had a trinxat patty on top of the burger (bacon, potato, and cabbage). Both burgers were awesome - I almost couldn't finish. These were definitely NOT tapas portions. So if you are in Barcelona and want to stray from traditional Spanish food, Kiosko is a great option.
2. Chocolate Muffin from La Torna at Mercat Santa Caterina
I'm not really sure where to start with this delectable treat. I can't take credit for finding it - our friends found it first since their apartment was right next to the Mercat Santa Caterina. But who cares about the small details - lets get down to business with this muffin. It had the perfect amount of moistness, chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle on the top, and exploded with flavor. But the best part - bite into this baby and there's a hidden chocolate layer INSIDE the muffin. I will never look at chocolate muffins the same again. I probably won't eat another unless there's a hidden chocolate layer (which will be difficult to decipher pre-purchase). Guess we need to go back to Barcelona.
1. Patatas Bravas from El Xampanyet
We probably had four or five patatas bravas samplings during our time in Spain (I like calling them papas bravas - sounds more fun). The culinary geniuses at El Xampanyet took an entire boiled potato, cut that sucker into thick slices, and topped it with bacon, mayo, roasted peppers, and a little cheese. A wonderful change from the fries or chopped potatoes slathered in mayo and hot sauce that we tried at other places. If there was a papas award, El Xampanyet would win hands down. A definite must if you are visiting Barcelona.
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