All posts filed under: Eats

Cal Pep, Simple Gastronomical Excellence

41.3833 N, 2.1833 E: Barcelona, Spain As dark ominous clouds poured upon our nifty foldable travel umbrellas in the Barri Gotic district, our basic-self stomachs growled with anticipation; the mouths salivating with excitement. Aroma of freshly minced garlic, chard, and seafood delicacies filled our senses. With limited signage, the hidden gem’s main entrance looked like a standard roll up garage door. Passerby tourists can easily stroll past and never know its existence. The only indicator is if people like myself, mother and brother were waiting patiently in the downpour early evening rain with our bodies abutting the doorway. This entranceway led to a simple gold mine of gastronomical excellence. They don’t post a daily menu. In Barcelona, they want you to explore and experience the authentic and seasonal ingredients from the Catalonian region and Mediterranean influence. Prepared fresh daily, each unique and heavenly ‘tapas’ style dish will delight your taste buds. From freshly harvested fried squid, to light and airy monkfish in a savory sauce with sautéed potatas, and delectable garlic and white vino clams, Cal …

Churros and Chocolate

40.4000° N, 3.6833° W: Madrid, Spain Zig, zag, zoom my father’s feet move quite rápido. Through narrow, dark alleyways, corridors of quaint boutiques and storefronts were closing up one evening, we strolled through the Centro neighborhood of Madrid. His inner GPS beacon, hit the ultimate Madrid jackpot. He stumbled across a hidden gem of pure chocolate delight; its illuminated sign said San Gines Chocolateria. Whiffs of rich, syrupy thick cocoa, cinnamon, sugar and café beckoned our presence to nab a table. As we peered around the classy tiled floors, the historic landmark came alive. The walls were inundated with black and whites of famous dignitaries, princes, princesses and celebrities who had graced the delicatessen and eaten its famous churros and chocolate since its grand opening in 1894. Unlike the United States, they freshly fry each churro for each customer and serve super, thick, dense dark cocoa. I love that they put sugar in a jar as a side, rather than a prerequisite of the churro’s existence. “Each bite of sweet crispy, doughy and chewy in …