In life, things don't happen TO you, but rather, they happen FOR you!
Alone in Barcelona for work, I simply cannot be relegated to my room when there is so much good food to be had in this wonderful little city. That would be self-inflicted torture for a foodie like me. So ignoring my better judgement as a smart & attractive young woman (if I do say so myself), I searched Yelp for amazing food and decided to take the 10 - 15 minute walk from my hotel in the light rain, through dark alleyways to arrive at a highly rated restaurant. Las Fernandez!?! Nope, follow the story. I won't go on to mention the name of the restaurant that is long forgotten now due to their rudeness, but I will tell you that after I was told they would not accommodate me, I was shoved out the door and guided back into the rain and pointed in the direction of yet another few alleyways which would guide me to this fine establishment. Yes, the vibe is more "dive bar" than "five star" but who cares when the food is this amazing!?! You see, I tried to make a resy at that other restaurant, but their phone was purposely off the hook all evening. Lucky for myself and possibly several other patrons of this bar/restaurant, Las Fernandes is reaping the benefits of space restrictions around the corner!
So let's focus on the shining stars: wonderful, tatted up bartenders and wait staff! They were so kind as to whip out and set up a new table just for me in their small but crowded dining room since I didn't want to sit and eat a full meal on the petite, backless barstool near the register. Also, my waitress was very friendly and helpful in translating and describing the specials of the night. I am ever so grateful to them both as I could not have enjoyed my meal more! Choosing one of the specials, I had Duck Breast with tamarind sauce. Served with a side salad & mashed potatoes to help sop up the tamarind yumminess :)
Prior to this entree, I began my meal with the soup of the day which was a creamy, pureed something or other with a hint of apple. I'm sorry I don't know how to say "Yum" in Spanish, but if you do, insert that word here! Also, the prices made me do a double take because I think I may have come away from here spending less than I did on lunch!
I had a nice glass of wine and they gave me a complimentary aperitif to end the night as I waited on the taxi that they so graciously called for me to head back to my hotel in bliss! I love that this story ends with a happily with 5 stars to boot!! read more