"I finally started learning how to make tapas! My wife and I enjoyed the evening with a couple of…read moredear friends from the UK, along with a couple of their friends, a young couple from Alabama and another couple from Sweden... and our hosts from Barcelona. 10 courses, with ample wine. Not only did we learn the secret of how to eat garlic without painful side effects (those of you "our" age will know what I mean) but I also went back for seconds on mussels. (A first for me.) ...and thirds! Wait... what? Some of the food that I have only tolerated in the past? I couldn't get enough of it! And my favorite gazpacho? Fuggedaboudit! ...and they promised to share their recipe for their mojito ice cream. JUST WAIT. You'll love it! Photos to follow..."
That's how I posted to FB upon getting home from our experience at Barcelona Slow Travel. I was eager to share that to give a sense of enthusiasm that I had for that evening! Our hosts, Christina and Guillermo, were warm, friendly, funny and eager to please. While some of the treats on their menu were not a surprise (olive plate, gherkins and pickled garlic, and gazpacho) the rest of the evening's menu was entirely dependent on what Guillermo could find FRESH at the market that morning. ...and FRESH made all the difference.
Their space is intimate and inviting. After getting to know each other for a bit, each of the guests were seated around a large butcher block table and given a cutting board and a sharp knife, along with a task - from zesting limes to veining garlic to prepping mushrooms, mussels, peppers and the rest, they put us to work! Guillermo ensured that each guest was performing their task just right, while giving us the background of the dishes we were preparing, making small talk and generally making everyone feel "at home."
Frankly, the next several hours passed by in a blur. No, it wasn't the wine (okay, maybe just a little bit) but it was the pleasure of the company, the work involved, and the gastronomy! The evening was a resounding SUCCESS. I would not hesitate to return there. (In fact, one of our group was there for her second time!) So if you're in Barcelona and want to understand the food and the pacing of the dining experience, be sure to check these guys out! You won't be disappointed!