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)