I went to Barcelona for a day in May and a day in June; with Sitges, as seen in the top photo, in between. Rather than talking about the beaches or the Sagrada Familia cathedral (amazing, if you can make it around there without being squashed by millions of other tourists), or Gaudi or the wonderful climate - I am going to recommend two restaurants, two hotels and a bar.
Tapas, 24
This is really more a tapas bar than a restaurant, with a naval theme, galley-style bar, open-plan kitchen and speedy service. Tapas are perfect for the indecisive eater: you can have a bit of everything.
It was here that I met the bikini sandwich: toasted ham and cheese. I'd be lying if I said I'd never had a ham and cheese sandwich before, but this was particularly good. For some reason, people from Barcelona call their ham and cheese sandwiches "bikinis".
I also met the McFoie Burger for the first time at Tapas 24, quite literally a burger of foie. Not something you'd find in many fast food restaurants, and it was delicious. Although since I got back from Barcelona I read a PETA report on foie gras and don't think I'll ever touch the stuff again.
Finish off the tapas with a plate of chocolate, oil and salt. As my dining companion said, "it's a heart attack on a plate". But oddly delicious too.
Tapas, 24
Carrer de la Diputació, 269
08007, Barcelona
+34 93 488 09 77
www.carlesabellan.com
Restaurant Euskal Etxea
At this tapas bar, you're given a plate and can choose anything you like from the platters of tapas on the bar. Everything is skewered with plastic toothpicks, and you keep your toothpicks and show them at the end to pay.
This bar is charming and very popular (finding a seat can be hard). The tapas are good but on the expensive side.
Restaurant Euskal Etxea
Placeta Montcada 1-3
08003 Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 310 21 85
Website: (Catalan and Basque only) http://www.euskaletxeak.org/cat/jatetxea_restaurant.php
Hotels:
Prestige Paseo de Gracia
An excellent boutique hotel, very friendly staff and a 24 hour "Ask Me" concierge service. I rate the Zeroom, the lounge area on the first floor overlooking the Paseo de Gracia: a good place to read, have a drink, work. I judge most hotels on their coffee and their showers - this one gets top marks for both.
Prestige Paseo de Gracia
Paseo de Gracia 62
08007 Barcelona
Tel: +34 93.272.41.80
Fax: +34 93.272.41.81
www.prestigepaseodegracia.com
Hostal Central
It's not fancy: it's clean, has bags of character, and is totally excellent value for money. Even though it's called a "Hostal", it's not a dorm room kind of place. Sheets! Towels! Free internet! Our room had high ceilings, full-length windows overlooking the street below and was nicely furnished (see photo). The shower was only separated from the room by a curtain and took ages to drain. But the Hostal Central's location is great: just a stone's throw from the Plaza Catalunya.
Hostal Central
Ronda Universitat, 11, 1º 2ª
08007, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 302 24 20 or +34 93 412 78 57
Fax: +34 93 302 24 20
www.hostalcentral.net
Bar:
The stylish bar at the Hotel Omm looks like it dropped out of an episode of Sex and the City, a trendy place to start a Friday night. It might even finish there, as the cocktails are seriously good, and seriously strong. There's a dancefloor downstairs in the Ommsession Club.
Bar Moo
Hotel Omm
Calle Rosselló 265
08008 Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 445 40 00
www.hotelomm.es
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