Barcelona Idler

Sí, puedo escribir en Español tambien! He encontrado un guía sobre bingo en línea, es muy completo y me gusta el diseño de la pagina.

Idling time away in a non-productive way-yeh led me to bingo blog. Fun write-ups by bingo-playing house-wives!

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Ah yes, this is why I live in Barcelona! Almost the end of October, and it’s still shorts weather! Compare that to the UK - I was there a few weeks ago, and was kicking myself as I had packed totally the wrong clothes, it was so damn cold!

Here, I’m having morning coffee on the balcony, basking in the sun…ah yes, this is why I’m here…

Last Monday, I lost my ADSL and telephone connections. I picked up my mobile and tried to call the Jazztel customer service number 1566 - after entering my contract number and being identified as a customer, I was then told that the number only worked from fixed lines and was cut off. Great, so what number do you call to report that your fixed line doesn’t work?!?

I tried another number, and was given a choice of saying I was a JAzztel customer, or saying that I wanted to become one. The first option resulted in another automatic selection of choices, and all of the combinations resulted in the system hanging up on me. So I then chose the second option, and unsurprisingly was answered straight away by a human!

So, at last someone to speak, so all should be well, right? Well, despite calling everyday, a week later I am still without connections, and am still informed that “the technicians are looking into it”. I suspect there are none.

And don’t get me started on the year-long dispute regarding being over-charged….

For truly authentic, no-glitz sushi, head over to Tokyo Sushi on C/ Comtal, just off Portal de l’Angel. It’s a small, quiet, family-run place - the father and son take turns in the small but efficient sushi kitchen (and yes, that is his son, although he doesn’t look Japanese!), turning out perfectly presented plates of damn fine sushi. Of course they also do noodles, teriyaki, and other dishes, but I go for the sushi and nothing more!
C/ Comtal, 20 Tel: 93 317 61 80

Set in Barcelona in the years after the Spanish Civil War, this fantastic book has it all - part Gothic ghost story, part historical crime thriller, part romance, and 100% authentic Barcelona. Part of the pleasure in reading this book, assuming that you’re familiar with Barcelona’s streets, is how it brings alive an older era - both the characters and the locations. Wonderfully written yet easily accesible, a must-read if you live or lived in BCN.

Barcelona’s a great place to live, but sometimes you need a reminder as to what makes it special. Then something like the Grà cia festival comes along, something which could never happen in your hometown, and you realise all over again as to just why you live here!

I was up there last night, wandering around the decorated streets with a Mojito in hand (none worthy of an update to Best Mojitos in Barcelona, but enjoyed the novelty of Mojito take-outs!), and taking in the general street vibe. There were people of all ages, sizes, colours, and creeds, all thronging the streets having a good time - in fact, the most elderly seemed to be doing the most dancing! Calle Verdi certainly made an effort with their decorations - I didn’t see all the streets, but I’ll be surprised if Verdi doesn’t win the comp.

Loads of concerts to come, plus correfocs, human castles, and drum parades. What more can you ask for on a balmy, or even down-right scorching, summer’s evening?

The festival this year runs from August 15th to to 21st, and loads more details can be found here: Grà cia festival info
and a street map of all the decorated streets can be found here:
Grà cia festival decorated streets

Another contentious issue (see “Best Paella in Barcelona“!), but here’s my votes:

Pilé 43 (Calle Aglà 43, 93 317 39 02) in the Barrio Gotico - by far the best in town, made and served with a laid-back passion by two lovely ladies of the Barrio Gotico. It’s not a glitzy place, more 70’s retro, but damn do they do a good Mojito.

Staying in the Barrio Gotico, there’s the perenial favourite, Marguertita Blue (Calle Josep Anselm Clavé 6, 93 317 71 76). Consistently good, if not outstanding Mojitos. Good Mexican food too, and fun during the week for the various shows they put on.

Up-town there’s Negro, on Diagonal. Now this IS a glitzy place, and the food’s pretty good too. If you find yourself uptown, definitely worth dropping by.

I can’t mention the best withouth shuddering at the thought of the worst Mojito in Barcelona. There’s some irony, as the place that deserves this accolade is called…Mojito’s! Fun little salsa club, good vibe and fun crowd, but the crappest Mojito I have ever had in my life! They keep them half-prepared on the bar, use concentrated Lime syrup (yack!), and were absolutely revolting. Both of us were up half the night with churning indigestion caused by the acidity, they were THAT bad!

Always on the look-out for a good Mojito - let me know if I’ve overlooked your favourite!

If you’re looking for a classic Catalan dining experience, and you don’t mind paying top whack, I certainly recommend Ca L’Isidre, on the edge of the El Raval district. It has a well-deserved reputation (even the King dines here occassionally!), and is worth the money. Without going mad on the winelist, expect to pay about €150 to €200 for 2 persons.

I opted for the raviolis stuffed with langustinos, lima, and ginger, and have to say it was one of the best starters I’ve ever had. The main, seared tuna steak with sea salt and tomato coulis, was super fresh. And I had to go for the famous chocolate mousse, and my conclusion was the fame is well-deserved - mouth-wateringly delicious.

My dining partner went for a mushroom-based starter with poached egg and deliciously creamy salsa, again a fantastic starter. Being a carnivor, ribs of a young goat followed, and were reportedly delicious. To finish, a fruit tart, and once again like you’ve never tasted.

Edit: And how could I forget the cherry-based Gazpacho aperitivo?!? If anyone told me that the combination of cherry, garlic and tomato was worthy trying, I’d laugh, but no, it was fantastic, truly original and delicious!

Go easy on the wine list - it’s extensive, and expensive - if you feel the urge to splurge a grand on a bottle, this is the place to do it! My dining partner and I shared a Priorat, Les Terrasses 2003, for a modest €40, and agreed that it was “buenísimo”!

Isidre Gironés, the owner, goes to the nearby Mercat de la Boqueria every morning to scrupulously follow the seasons and get the best of the catch of the day. The cooking style here has nothing to do with the more modern styles practiced elsewhere in town; what’s served is superb and subtly modernized traditional Catalan cooking. The Gironés’s daughter Nuria, who now runs the kitchen, is responsible for the sumptuous desserts.

Definitely one of the best restaurants in town - classic Catalan cooking at it’s very best.
Ca L’Isidre C Flors 12, Barcelona, 93 441 11 39