Friday, October 4, 2013

Belated Bye-Bye To Barcelona!

I've fallen behind here a bit, but wanted to provide an update about my trip with Matt.  If you exclude pit-stops in the United States for Sam's various bar mitzvahs, this was actually the longest trip (12 days) of my anno sabatico.  We were on such a blistering pace that it's been hard to keep up!

Our last night and half-day in Barcelona were outstanding.  We hit 2 wine bars on Monday night that a WSJ article I'd clipped a year ago recommended, and both were superb.  Consider visiting Monvinic and Bar Mut if you visit Barcelona.  They are both in the Eixample district.  The former has one of the sleekest and modern vibes you'll see anywhere.  Some might argue they even overdo it here.  But it's still a good place for a glass of vino or two.  The latter is not quite so over-the-top.  Bar Mut is rather modern in its own right; but, while crowded and lively, it's a little more traditional than the ultra-hip Monvinic.  Bar Mut is elegant enough to pass for a chic wine bar in Paris.  Great food, great staff, and great vino.

Tuesday morning is still a blur.  We had a (big) breakfast at the Mercat de la Boqueria -- Barcelona's biggest food market, which many contend is the best one in Spain.  You'll get no argument from me on that claim.  Our breakfast of bulls-tail risotto (!!!) and squid was hearty and delish; wandering through the rows and rows of stalls, and eyeing all the produce, meat, fish, etc., was entertaining fun.




We then strolled around the base of the Montjuic area.  Although we didn't go in to see the art, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is a cool sight that offers tremendous views.  The little Pavello Mies van der Rohe is also a good place to visit.  This pavilion was designed by a German architect for the 1929 International Exhibition, and it is considered a classic of modern rationalist architecture.  





Matt and I then had our Cronuts before taking off for Italy.  Thus ended my quest for this quintessential new American delicacy.  Now, if I can only find a Ramen Burger......

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