Brunch, Boats and Barcelona
Last week, I was fortunate enough to visit Barcelona for my oldest friend’s hen do. What ensued, was a three-day trip jam PACKED with sangria, beautiful sights and great food. To say we tapped into the tapas trend is an understatement – if we weren’t out ordering tapas, we were recreating our own spread on the beach – what a dream.
Join me as I take you through our culinary journey…
On day one, we arrived in Barcelona at 11am (which meant a nice early start of 4am, I will add) so by that time, we were absolutely ready for our first few bottles of sangria and patatas bravas – this was at a beautiful spot opposite our apartment, Casa Ráfols.
That evening, we made our way to an enchanting restaurant in the Gothic quarter called Sensi Tapas, proud owner of the title ‘Best Tapas Experience in Barcelona’. And corrrrr, the tapas was soooo good. Down our end of the table, we enjoyed Oxtail Croquettes with smoked paprika aioli, Baby Chorizo with toasted black beer sauce (this was banging), Patatas Bravas (of course), Padrón Peppers, Burrata Stracciatella with fried aubergine, Seafood Paella, and Fresh Truffle Ravioli in a parmesan and truffle cream. Hearing that back, I realise perhaps we ordered a little too much for just three of us… But don’t worry, we polished the plates.
A special nod must be made to the cocktail bar we visited afterwards – Plata Bar. Each cocktail was presented in its own fun and whimsical ‘vessel’ – whether it was a disco ball on a personal LED dancefloor, or a giant lollipop, we each had something super fun to sip from.
The next morning, we made our way to GiGi Von Tapas for a boozy brunch. The team had gone above and beyond decorating the table for our gorgeous bride and they were incredibly generous with the mimosas and sangria. Some more tasty croquettes to start (mushroom if I recall correctly) and veggie gyozas. Followed by an insanely tasty Mediterranean Toast paired with sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, smashed avo, poached eggs and goat’s cheese.
In the evening, we went to Mamainé Bar which specialised in Mojitos and had all the flavours you could dream of, including a coconut and rum mojito (reminiscent of a Pina Colada – a favourite of mine) and a Watermelon mojito – which was topped with a Bebeto watermelon (shout out to our favourite sweetie client).
Finally, our third day began with a (slightly hungover) brunch at Les Filles. We sat in their vibrantly green and picturesque courtyard and tucked into their vast menu complete with the usual brunch suspects such as Eggs Florentine (pictured below with the black charcoal bun), and the more unconventional choice of breakfast ‘nachos’ – Chilaquiles, which comprised of tortilla chips, poached egg, avocado, chipotle sauce, crème fraiche and jalapeños.
Once our caffeine cravings had been satisfied, we wandered down to the docks (we gave up half way there and ubered the rest) where we were whisked away on a boat, and taken across the bay to enjoy a vineyard tour at the family-owned estate Bouquet d’alella, followed by a traditional lunch and wine tasting.
If you get the chance to visit Barcelona (which I really hope to do!) be sure to visit these spots and let us know your thoughts! @jellybeanagency