Tag Archives: Tapas

Barcelona: Round Two

What do you do when your roommate is alone in Barca for the day and you have nothing else going on? Well, I hopped on a train – that’s what. After my last visit to Barcelona, I vowed to return to cross off some more “to see/do” items on my list, including Park Güell, Camp Nou, and las playas (the beaches). Friday morning I got up, bought a ticket and met Erin at her hotel on the beach. I arrived around three and was pretty hungry, so the first thing we did was head into the city center and grabbed some food. First stop was a beautiful market – La Boquería on las ramblas. Although the tapas place we intended to go to was closed, we were able to walk around the market and Erin was able to grab this delicious Strawberry juice, before venturing to Mercat Santa Catarina. Here we ate at one of the restaurants on the patio and indulged in some tapas which included: pan con tomate (tomato spread over toasted bread with olive oil), alcachofas fritas (fried artichoke, and burrata con tomate y ajo (burrata with tomato and garlic). After lunch we walked around the gothic quarter, saw the Barcelona Cathedral, and strolled on the boardwalk till we reached her hotel. Following a quick ice cream break, we headed towards the lobby to check our phones (free WiFi is a precious commodity, ya know?) and ended up staying down there sipping away on some of the best café con leche I’ve had and delicious chocolate pop rocks. After our hour of free wifi was up, we attempted to make reservations for 9:30 at this amazing restaurant, Paco Meralgo, however, they were booked and told us to just try and get a table there. Erin really wanted to go back and I really wanted to try this place, so we went in, dropped the boss’ name (at the recommendation of the concierge) and were seated within 15 minutes. Eight plates of tapas, a glass of champagne and rosé, and two satisfied palettes later, we were finished. I didn’t think I could fall in love with Spanish food anymore, but the cuisine was truly divine. We ate tuna al carpaccio, salmon on a biscuit, brie and bread, assorted grilled vegetables, fried artichokes (again), pan con tomate, and extra spicy patatas bravas. Paco Meralgo (who’s means  “to eat something in Spanish – PAra Comer Algo) is definitely atop my list of favorite restaurants in Spain. If you ever catch yourself in Barcelona, I highly recommend you go!

All that food resulted in a mini food baby, so the two of us decided to walk a little before hopping into a cab back to the hotel. Though we had originally planned on going out, especially with 4 of the hottest clubs situated at the base of the hotel, Erin and I ended up watching Spanish TV and passing out. She had an early flight (even earlier if you count the DST that just began in Spain) to Prague and it just didn’t make sense to go out for 3 hours if she had to be on a plane in 4 hours.

This morning I woke up at 9:30, got ready and walked around Barcelona’s harbor and beaches, before making my way to the Barcelona-Sants train station. Unaware of how late I wanted to stay, I didn’t make train reservations for my return trip to Madrid and ended up taking the last “free” train back to Madrid, four hours after I planned. In my long wait, I walked around the area near the station and found a restaurant with a menu del día, which was an adventure in itself. Let’s just say I should brush up on my catalan before ordering next time (see tweet below). Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 12.30.39 AM

Though I didn’t get to see Park Güell or Camp Nou, I had so much fun on this gastronomy trip. Like my Mom always says, leave something to come back to.

I have to get up tomorrow, so I’m off to bed! Happy Easter

A Trip to the Mercado

Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel

Nestled between a group of apartment buildings, right behind Calle Mayor, off of the Sol Metro stop, sits the glass-enclosed Mercado de San Miguel. One of the most famous markets in Madrid, this Eataly-style building  is filled to the brim with brightly colored fruits and vegetables, the aroma of fresh pincho de tortilla, and hundreds of tourists on the weekends. Luckily enough, I live only a few minutes walk from the Mercado and have been able to leisurely walk between the permanent food stalls without the rush of people pushing me every three seconds.

 

Pincho de Tortilla

Though you do not have to go to the Mercado to find one of my new favorite foods, I first tried this recipe at the Mercado San Miguel (by accident) and immediately fell in love. My favorite Spanish dish so far has to be the delicious Spanish Omelet, also known as Tortilla Española. Filled with eggs, potatoes, onions, and sometimes a splash of cheese, I usually get a pincho (single serving size) of this delicacy. Served either at room temperature or warmed up,  with a side of bread, pincho de tortilla is the perfect midday snack and will fill you right up.  Partnered with a glass of wine or copa de Sangria, this dish will win over your heart at first bite.

Comida Fresca

After going on my long runs on the weekend, I like to cool down and walk around the market to see if anything catches my eye. Though the thought of an ice cream cone is enticing, I usually opt for a banana or salad. The Mercado de San Miguel, is not only home to warm dishes such as pasta and croquetas, but also to fresh fruit, meats, and fish. My favorites are the fruits and the spinach salad with white asparagus, walnuts, tomatos and balsalmic dressing; and the bananas Though it tends to be a bit more expensive than Corte Ingles (which is a grocery store – Bloomingdales – Spa – Target-all-in-one), I indulge and reward myself.

IMG_7365 Everything Else

In the market, you can also find couples sipping on very full glasses of red wine, walking around trying various tapas. A slew of green olives, sushi, and empanadas, among many other things, are at your disposal at Mercado San Miguel. Your taste buds are in heaven at San Miguel and I promise you, once you go, you’ll find it very difficult to stay away.

IMG_6708

 

In the Blink of an Eye

To say that I’ve been having a blast since I’ve been here would be a complete understatement.

To say that time has passed by quickly would be a complete and blatant lie – it has gone by in the blink of an eye.

I’ve been here a month and it’s mind-blowing  to think of all the things I’ve done, the places I’ve seen and the people I’ve met. To put things in perspective I’ve listed my top 20 things I’ve done.

So far I’ve:

  1. Signed a lease… in a foreign language.
  2. Had a week of orientation… tasted wine for credit.

    Casual Wine Tasting

    Casual Wine Tasting

  3. Went on a day trip to Segovia… saw aqueducts and the castle that inspired Disney.

    Panoramic View

    Panoramic View

  4. Visited to El Prado and El Reina Sofia… discovered I don’t understand art.

    El Prado

    El Prado

  5. Ran through Parque El Retiro… determined it’s just a Spanish version of Central Park

    Roomies at Retiro

    Roomies at Retiro

  6. Tapear-ed at Mercado de San Miguel, El Tigre and Lateral… fell in love with tapas.
  7. Spotted Americans out about… realized the world really is small.

    Dubliners for my birthday and I found Nado Peeps

    Dubliners for my birthday and I found Nado Peeps

  8. Experienced El Clasico… dreams really do come true.IMG_7296
  9. Mastered the Metro… after finally getting the abono (unlimited pass).
  10. Became “a regular” at a local hangout… Dubliner’s and San Gínes anyone?IMG_6999
  11. Turned 20… Yikes!
  12. Took 2004 pictures… Yikes again.
  13. Traveled to Brussels… fell in love with Belgian Waffles.

    Waffle, Chocolate, Whip Cream, Chocolate Heaven

    Waffle, Chocolate, Whip Cream, Chocolate Heaven

  14. Discovered new features on my camera… Instant Instagram? YUPIMG_4796
  15. Tried new food – Mussels and Pâté… Yum. Well, not exactly.
  16. Found new obsessions… Pincho de tortilla and Principe cookies. ‘Nuff Said.
  17. Made new friends… and added people on Facebook I barely know.
  18. Ran 20+ miles… and loving every single minute of it (except the huge hill behind our house) IMG_7429IMG_4121
  19. Made Spanish amigos… got terribly lost in translation.IMG_7144
  20. Met the Spanish National Rugby Team… vowed to start watching some more rugby.

    Just chilling with the Spanish Rugby Team

    Soon to be FB Friends

It’s unreal. One month down. Three more to go.

Off to Andalucía this weekend – be ready for more adventures and pictures from Córdoba and Granada!