Barcelona

Barcelona Cathedral

As much as I love Paris, there is something so exciting and captivating about Barcelona. I had visited Barcelona once before, many years ago, on a 100 (it felt like!) cities in 30 days Trafalgar tour so my memories of it were quite vague.  This time I fell in love with the architecture, the ambiance, the shopping and the food!

Placa de Catalunya

In Barcelona Lucy and I stayed at the Hotel Pulitzer, just minutes from the Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla. Another perfect location, surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes, the on-off tourist bus and Starbucks!!  Let me just say that I don't think I've ever been to Starbucks in Melbourne but being so close to one in Barcelona was very exciting.  Free WIFI!!  And good, reasonably priced coffee and tea.  Below is a picture of a cup of tea I was served in a cafe in Barcelona.  Hot milk with a tea bag! After that experience I happily went to Starbucks.

Of course Barcelona is famous for the work of architect Antoni Gaudi, in particular his still unfinished Sagrada Familia. 

It don't think my pictures adequately convey the magnificence of this church.  It was a very hot day but we spent a lot of time standing on the street just staring and taking in its majesty! 

As we explored the streets of Barcelona it seemed that around each corner was a new amazing building!

I love the contrast of the plain (boring even) and the exotic!  Look at that roof!

We also did a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and were captivated by the stunning architecture dating back to medieval times. 

 

Not unlike our quest to find the perfect onion soup in Paris, Barcelona was all about finding the best paella. And we had quite a few delicious versions.  We never planned where we were going to eat but rather just walked around exploring all the little lanes that branched off La Ramblas until we found somewhere that appealed.

This was one of the best.  We were seated by an open window on a beautiful warm night, the paella was very nice with the perfect crispy bottom and the sangria was refreshing though with a bit more fruit than I would have liked.

Another paella enjoyed at the Waterfront!

One night we stumbled across this gorgeous square and had dinner at one of the many restaurants.

We shared a traditional tapas dish, patatas bravas, which was just ok and a lovely fresh pizza.

Barcelona is home of one of the most amazing markets - the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria or just La Boqueria. With its origins dating back to the 1200's this market is foodie heaven. It is a combination of fresh food - meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables and prepared food - perfect for hungry tourists!  I loved this market. Prepare for a barrage of pictures as I had serious trouble picking just a few favourites!!

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

The famous Pinotxo bar at the entrance of the market

Lunch on the run - delicious!

Loved the egg shop!

Figs!!

There is so much more we did and saw in Barcelona - the waterfront with its impressive Columbus Monument, Montjuic (translated as Jew Mountain) with its stunning views of the city and harbour, the FC Barcelona Football Stadium .. the list goes on.  

Such an beautiful city, full of contrasts.  I hope I can return one day and spend even more time.

Movida Bar de Tapas

Movida Bar de Tapas
1 Hosier Lane
Melbourne 3000

The original of Frank Camorra's Movida restaurants, Movida Bar de Tapas is down the cobblestone, graffiti covered, Hosier lane, accessed from Flinders Street.  Dining here has been on my 'list' for quite awhile and I was not disappointed.  It definitely lives up to the hype.

We didn't have a booking on this busy Saturday afternoon but were lucky enough to grab some seats at the bar, which really is a great way to experience this restaurant.  We ordered a lovely Tempranillo and nibbled on the complimentary bread and olive oil whilst we perused the menu.

The menu is made up of Tapas, (single serve),  Raciones, (for two) and Postres, (dessert).  We shared a few tapas, one racione and one postre.

Salt Cod and Potato Fritter

The Salt cod and potato fritter was gorgeous.  Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.  Very moreish.  We ordered 2 serves of the fritters so we had one each.

Pollo Escabache Al Miguel - Spiced Chicken Escabache Tapa on Crisp Crouton

The spiced chicken on a crisp crouton was delicious.  A nice contrast between the soft creamy chicken mixture and the crispy croutons.  Again we ordered 2 serves.

Alcachofa - Roast Jerusalem Artichoke with Crisp Onion

The roast Jerusalem artichoke was our favourite tapa.  I've always been a little fascinated by this vegetable because Jerusalem artichokes are not from Jerusalem, and they’re not even part of the artichoke family! They’re actually related to the sunflower.

Though not the most attractive dish it was sublime.  We only ordered one of these - big mistake!

Braised Snapper and Cuttlefish with Mussels, Chorizo and Tomato

For our larger dish we had a daily special - braised snapper with mussels.  This was a lovely dish.  The fish was very succulent, the tomato and chorizo delicious.

Santiago -  St James Tart with an Almond Milk Sorbet

We finished with the St James Tart.  This is a traditional almond cake so named to honour Santiago (St. James), the patron saint of Spain.

It was delicious, moist and gooey.   The almond milk sorbet was a refreshing accompaniment.

As I mentioned Movida definitely lived up to its hype.  The service was exceptional.  Casual yet professional and attentive. I can't wait to return to try more of the menu.  And hopefully some more of the Jerusalem artichoke!!