What I ate today: Mejillones

Mmm... mussels.

The last time I was travelling through Europe for purely recreational purposes, we calculated that one of my companions had personally made it through at least 500 mussels (not all in one sitting, obviously). Tasting the mussels on the Mediterranean at this time of year, you can understand how this is possible.

I picked up a kilo at the local fish market yesterday (or was it the day before??). We weren't sure that we would get through them all, but like magic, the mussel bowl became emptier and the shell bowl more full.

Steamed mussels in Catalan rosè and garlic

1 kg mussels, scrubbed and debearded
olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely sliced
1/2 glass of dry rosè
handful parsley, chopped

Heat a large pan or stockpot over a medium heat, and add the olive oil and garlic. Fry for a minute or two, until the garlic is softened but not brown. Throw in the mussels, then the wine and cover. Steam the mussels for around 5 minutes, or until cooked (they will open up like an eager young virgin when they are ready to be devoured). Toss in the parsley and serve immediately, with lots of crusty bread to soak up the delicious liquor.

What I ate today: Spanish cooking class at Cook & Taste

Frank Camorra was not wrong (of course). This was no beginners guide to Spanish cuisine, but rather an insight into how seasonal ingredients can be used in traditional ways to create exciting, delicious food. The Cook & Taste cooking school is housed in a beautiful old building, just off Placa St Jaume, but the kitchens inside are modern and very clean. Our chef/ teacher, Maria has an infectious enthusiasm for Catalan cuisine, and happily shared both family secrets and insider tips to Barcelona's food scene.



Anchos a la plancha con melon



Chupito de sopa de pimento roja

Paella de marisco

Paella de marisco

 

paella de marisco

Pana con Tomaquet

Crema Catalana

Crema Catalana

What I ate today: Euskal Taberna, Barcelona

Mmm... Pinxtos.

This place was just up the laneway from the Picasso Museum (Placeta Moncada), which we walked right past, headed directly for the tapas (don't worry, we are not completely devoid of culture - we plan to go back). The salt cod croquettas were a highlight; my 6 year old travelling companion also rated the Marguez sausages very highly.

It was tricky to take good pics, as the bar was significantly taller than me, but I gave it a crack.

To Mercat, to Mercat...

In the late afternoon we visited the Mercat le Boqueria. I may have actually jumped up and down with excitement, but I can't be sure, because I think I might have passed out a little bit.

fruit stand La Boqueria

mmm... chocolate... La Boqueria

cherries (for one)

flowers outside Mercat de la Concepcio



oh, the jamonity! (sorry)



Jamon at La Boqueria

What I ate today: Tapas at home

Dad and me in the Mercat... it was like Homer in Chocolateland. We chose a smaller market near the apartment for our supplies, the Mercat del Ninot. Good decision. It was very quiet, no seedy, pick-pockety types, and plenty of wonderful produce to choose from.


White anchovies and Roma tomatoes with salt and balsamic

Salt cod fritters

Tinned razor clams

Marinated olives



Peaches & jamon 

What I ate today: Bar Velodromo, Barcelona

Apparently Bar Velodromo is iconic. Excellent news, when you are a jet-lagged visitor, staying in an apartment only 5 blocks away. Note - we also ate their delicious version of Patatas Bravas (with chilli relish and mayo - yum), but ate it all before we could take a picture.

Little duck burger

Anchovies

Calamaris

Salt cod croquettas

Pa amb Tomaquet (toasted bread rubbed with tomato)

A selection of Catalonian cured meats (and a nice Rose)