Tag Archives: Barcelona

Seafood lovers, go to Paradeta!

Are you a seafood lover? Then La Paradeta is the perfect place for you! I had brought friends and family here and everytime the food was a hit among them.

That shellfish bar…

Razor shell and gambas at La Paradeta

So what is so special about La Paradeta? The whole eating concept is unusual: first, the entire place is dedicated to seafood and fish. You can also order a basic salad. Then you place your order at a shellfish bar like at the fishmonger. The fish and the seafood presented are raw. The choice is wide: baby octopus, baby cuttlefish, whitebait, lobsters, tuna, monkfish, mussels, oysters etc…For each type of fish and seafood, a price is displayed. The customer then makes a choice which is weighted and priced. The fishmonger asks for your preferred cooking method (fried, a la plancha or with a marinara sauce) then sends you to pay at the till.

At the till, you can orders drinks, sauces and bread. You pay before you seat. Don’t forget the receipt because the kitchen staff will use it to follow up on your order.

Sit at a table, wait for your seafood dish and…enjoy!

Once the food paid, you get a seat and wait for your table number to be called out. The kitchen staff calls out each table number everytime one dish is ready. As there is no waiter, you then have to pick it up at a kitchen window yourself. They strike each dish they serve out of the receipt. You got it…La Paradeta is entirely self service. As a matter of fact, there is also a second window where you can drop dirty plates at the end of your lunch or dinner.

There are 7 restaurants in Barcelona and Sitges: Sants, Born, Sagrada Familia, Sitges, Meridiana, Passeig de Gracia and Parallel. Despite the number of restaurants having increased, there is always a queue outside – you cannot also book a table. But I can understand why: the food in La Paradeta is simple but tasty. My favourite is the baby octopus dish a la plancha with olive oil, parsley and garlic sauce. The choice of wine is quite good too. I have never been disappointed by a bottle of white here.

Restaurant adresses:

La Paradeta Sants -C/ Riego 27, 08010 Barcelona – Tel. 934 319 059

La Paradeta Born – C/ Comercial 7, 08003 Barcelona – Tel. 932 681 939 – Access: Metro Arc de Triomf (L1), Barceloneta (L4), França station (Renfe)

La Paradeta Sagrada Família – Passatge Simó 18, 08025 Barcelona – Tel. 934 500 191 – Access: Metro Sagrada Familia (L2, L5)

La Paradeta Sitges – C/ Sant Pere 24-26, 08870 Sitges – Tel. 938 949 323 – Access: Sitges station (Renfe)

La Paradeta Meridiana – C/ Pacífic 74, 08027 Barcelona – Tel. 935 346 557 – Access: Fabra i Puig (L1) | Sagrera (L1, L5, L9, L10, Renfe).

La Paradeta Passeig de Gràcia – C/ Consell de Cent 318, 08007 Barcelona – Tel. +34 930 181 164 – Access: Metro Passeig de Gràcia (L3, L5, Renfe) | Plaça Catalunya (L1, L3, Renfe)

La Paradeta Paral·lel – Avda. Paral·lel, 46, 08001 Barcelona – Tel. +34 936 314 278 – Access: Metro Drassanes (L3) | Paral·lel (L3, L4)

For more info, click on their website.

Barcelona experience: eating at la Boqueria market
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Today, I want to talk about a Barcelona experience I had: eating at the Boqueria market. This is one thing I had on my Barcelona bucket list. I do have several bucket lists organized by categories: must-do trips, must-do experiences, must-go-to places, must-do in Barcelona. And this is where we are at!…
Tags: la, food, barcelona, seafood, place, fish

Cinema – Secret premiere at Phenomena

Do you also love extra-ordinary experiences? Like me? Then read further on… Last night I wanted to go to the movie and checked Phenomena, a movie theater in Sagrada Familia. Surprise!!! They had a “secret premiere” programmed. Intrigued, I book two tickets online. A secret premiere, what movie can it be I wondered with excitement. The movie starts at 21h55. I look forward to it. Outside the cinema, we see a long queue. What? People have nothing better to do on a Sunday night than going to a secret premiere at the movies? Really? Just joking…

When we get in, one member of the staff introduces the night and explains the difficulties they have in getting movies for these types of events. Yet, we start. Our secret movie was “I, Tonya”, released in the US in December 2017. Not my type of movie so I would not watch it on a normal cinema night. Therefore, it is good that the title was not unveiled until we were seated. With the secret premiere, I open myself to something new.

I wanted to write this post not only because I was enchanted by this experience and my out of ordinary Sunday night, but because I also like the “Phenomena experience”. Indeed, Phenomena is a movie theater like no other in Barcelona.

Phenomena, the ultimate cinematic experience

Phenomena does not have this commercial feel you have when you go to a movie chain or to movie in a shopping center. It only has one big screen. Then, you can become a member and get benefits like 11 free surprise sessions during the year and up to 50% discounts on movies, to mention just a few. Not bad, no? I want to be a member now… But what I like the most is the choice of movies they are offering: from classical to blockbusters (like Star Wars) and also unreleased or recent movies. Do you want to reminisce and have a nostalgic movie night? Go to Phenomena! They opened in 2014 with Jaws and Alien. And for that matter, for the month of February, they have a month dedicated to love with movies like The English patient on Valentine’s day or The way we were.

Love movie cycle

Last note, the next secret premiere will be on March, 10! And keep an eye on the website for future secret premiere nights.

Sala Phenomena Experience: C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 168 – 08025 Barcelona. For more info, click here.

Discover mechanical art with Andy Warhol at Caixa Forum Barcelona

I knew Andy Warhol because of his series on Marilyn Monroe and the Campbell soups. Apart from that, he was a mystery to me. I did see parts of his work in Nicaragua (yes, such a random place to see him…) but that was it. So when my friend invited me to go and see an exhibition about him in Caixa forum, I thought that was my opportunity to find out more about the artist and pop art.

We went to a night time event on a friday. We bought our tickets well in advance because this was a special event and it was quite popular. I have never been to a night time event in a museum in Barcelona. So this event was special and Caixa Forum is a beautiful venue. There were drinks (not for free), music, live performances and beautiful people on the ground floor. But the real thing was upstairs.

Marilyn Monroe, Campbell soups and electrical chairs in Caixa Forum

The exhibition is not huge but it is big enough to display a variety of Andy Warhol’s works. There were the most popular examples of his “mechanical art”: Marilyn Monroe and the famous Campbell soups but also disc covers and videos… The exhibition also displays pictures of Andy Warhol and offers an activity where you can create your own mechanical artwork using tools provided by Caixa Forum and explanations on how mechanical art works.

I liked everything I saw. I understood better Andy Warhol’s mechanical art through the explanations. I loved the disc covers especially Aretha Franklin’s. I found the colours used very beautiful and eye catching. I even appreciated the serie on electrical chairs. Yes, you heard “electrical chairs”. And no, I am not a psycho :).

The expo is on until December 31st at Caixa Forum. General entrance is 4 euros.

Link to the event: Andy Warhol, el arte mecanico.

CAIXA FORUM – Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8, 08038 Barcelona

Summer event: free movies on the beaches of Barcelona

The free movies on the beaches of Barcelona season is on. Indeed, Cinema lliure a la platja has started last week.

What is this Barcelona event about?

Very simple, this a broadcasting of independent movies on four different beaches in and around the city of Barcelona. A proper summer event in the same line as the open air cinema in Sala Montjuic. Although Cinema lliure’s movies are free. They also happen on specific days of the week. On thursdays and on some sundays, it is in Barceloneta (on the San Sebastian beach). On fridays, it is in Badalona and in Prat (on the Prat beach). And on saturdays, it is in Mataro (Varador beach). The starting time is set for after 21h.

I went to my first beach movie in 2014, yeah a little while ago… to watch “Frances Ha”. And I liked it very much: being on the beach, the free movie, the story, the atmosphere. I have not had the opportunity to come back since. This year, I am making the time especially as all the chosen movies seem interesting.

The first movie experience…

Last week, I saw “El rei borni” on Barceloneta’s beach. We arrived at 21h but the movie only started around 22h15. I believe the organisers waited for the dark for everyone to better see the screen. The night started with a short movie. Then we could watch the longer one …

The story of the main movie sounded interesting: a woman organises a dinner with her partner and another couple. During the dinner, the spectators find out that her husband is a antiriot policeman and the other man a social documentary maker who lost is eye during a protest. Mmm…I saw the first 30mn of the movie and I enjoyed it. It was in Catalan with English subtitles but even though I am not a Catalan speaker I could see that the subtitles were not synchronised with the movie. So that was a pity. I did not see the end as well. We had to leave as it was getting late. I expected the movie to start much earlier and I needed to go home and pack for an upcoming trip the day after.

Advices to enjoy the night

Anyway, for me, the full experience is only postponed. I plan to come back again this week and the coming weeks to fully enjoy the movies on offer!!! My advices for the future and to fully appreciate the night? Don’t forget your blanket to sit on (like I did), bring some drinks (it is always nice), bring warm clothes (as it is windy on the beach) and plan that the movie can start late and so finish late (especially if you take public transportation). It also helps to sit closer to the screen to better hear. And finally…enjoy!

Post update: I went back to see “Bar bahar: entre dos mundos” (Bar Bahar: between two worlds). This time, fully prepared! I enjoyed the movie very much. The story was about 3 palestinian women taking their lives in hands. No issues with subtitles this time. Great atmosphere with the public applauding and cheering every time one of the women stood up for herself. Great night really!

Movies are on until the 3rd of August. For more information, click here: cinemalliure

Nit de San Joan, Barcelona’s midsummer festival

Last 23rd of June, Barcelona celebrated the Nit de San Joan, Barcelona’s midsummer festival.

The Nit de San Joan

On the Nit de San Joan (Saint John’s Eve), Barcelona (and all of Spain as a matter of fact) celebrates the shortest night of the year on the summer solstice. The whole city makes a feast out of it. Districts and civic centers organize dinners in the streets, parties and firecrackers. I even saw a neighborhood that had a stage with kids’ choreography. I kind of wished to be part of it! Being an expat, I sometimes miss this sense of community that you have when you are well integrated in one country.

The beach party is on!

Instead of a neighborhood party, for us, Friday night was a beach night! That is what most people who don’t participate to district parties do. Friends or families gather on the beach, bring pareos or blankets to sit on the sand, snacks to munch on and drinks. Then, they spend the night hanging out, chatting and listening to the music coming from the chiringuitos. In theory, there should be bonfires too but it is forbidden. I have never seen one on the Barcelona beaches.

We were in Nova Icaria. And as expected, it was crowded…But this is part of the experience. On top of the great company that night, I also appreciated the fireworks and all the Chinese lanterns people were sending in the sky. So beautiful! Beside us, a group has set up a small fire and was juggling with fireballs. Free show! There was also techno music from the chiringuito close to us. For one night, it is fine. I am not a techno fan…Some others brought picnic. But the atmosphere was very friendly.

The day after the Nit de San Joan (Saint John’s eve) is a bank holiday, so the parties usually go on until sunrise. The clubs and bars in the city also organize special San Joan parties.

The downsides to San Joan

The Nit de San Joan is not all rosy though. My biggest scare is the “petardos” or firecrackers. I hate the sound they make and I am always scared that one escapes and hits me. It is quite painful and I speak out of experience. On the San Joan night, all kids and teenagers (and sometimes not so young folks) just go crazy with them.

Then, during the parties, sometimes you don’t pay attention to your belongings. You leave your bags on the floor next to you because you want to have fun…Pickpockets take advantage. On my first San Joan, a friend of ours had her handbag stolen in front of our nose. They took the cash and trashed it in a nearby bin – best place to check by the way if it ever happens to you. Luckily she found her papers back. Otherwise, it could have been a very very very painful end of the night.

It is also hard to find bathrooms most of the time. And it is not surprising to see people peeing behind bushes. And gardens smelling like toilet. Beaches are also quite trashed after the night. A lot of the people don’t throw their rubbish away when it is so simple for everyone to clean up after themselves!

A fun night anyway!

Nonetheless, it is a fun night to spend with friends and I am looking forward to next year’s. A better planned night, with a picnic, in a further away beach and our own music…

Hurry to see the World Press Photo 2017 in CCCB!

The World Press Photo 2017 has been running in the CCCB since the 29th of April. It will end on June 5th so hurry up! You have two weeks left to see the winning photos of this prestigious photo competition.

I am usually deeply impacted by the photos that are showed. This year, they are particularly “shocking”. I am especially talking about the first part of the exhibition, with scenes of…Well you will find out soon enough… But I can definitely say that the winning photo has been taken by Burhan Ozbilici. He is a photojournalist from Associated Press. The photo is titled “An assassination in Turkey”. And it is about the assassination of Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov at an art gallery in Ankara, Turkey by an off-duty police officer.

Some of the photos are really heartbreaking and cannot leave you insensitive to dramas happening in some parts of this world. I salute the talent of the photographers who succeeded in moving me (and hopefully you too) with their works. I also like the fact that I learnt new things just by watching the photos: how Chinese gymnastics students are training, how Korean immigrants settled in Mexico, and so on…In this regard, the World Press Photo 2017 has been very informative.

Additional activities around the World Press Photo 2017

The Fundación Photographic Social Vision who is organising the exhibition has also put in place guided visits, workshops and other activities. They aim to open the debate on the value and challenges of photojournalism as well as getting a deeper understanding of the winning photos.

As a tip, do not forget that on sunday afternoons, after 3pm entrance to exhibitions in the CCCB are free.

Webpage link

Opening hours:

29 april – 5 june 2017

Tuesday to Thursday
11.00 – 20.00
Friday
11.00 – 21.00
Saturday and Sunday
10.00 – 21.00

Snow activity: Snowshoeing 3 hours from Barcelona

Here is one great thing about living in Barcelona that I did not think about before coming: winter and snow activities!!! Yes, Barcelona is only a few hours away from the Pyrenees mountains and is not all about sun and beaches. So when I saw the possibility to go snowshoeing 3 hours away from Barcelona in La Cerdanya, I did not hesitate much. I have always wanted to try this snow activity but missed the opportunity when I was in Canada. Here is my chance!

La Cerdanya is part of the Eastern Pyrenees, on the Spanish side (as opposed to the French one). We came by car and took the tolled motorway. It has not been cheap but had the advantage of being fast. I am not sure of the total cost of the trip. I paid around 20 euros of toll fees on the way back. Taking the motorway also allowed us to do the excursion in one day so it was fine.

Our excursion started in the car park in Lles de Cerdanya. There we met our guide. We have booked a private circuit with a private guide just for our group. We paid each 35 euros for the guide and 10 euros for the gear (snowshoes and poles). A bit dear if I may say. At this point, we needed to see if the amount paid was worth it. We chose a route that was suitable for beginners. Although I discovered later on that it was a lot of efforts to walk in the snow. Aie aie…

Getting ready for our snow activity!

Ah well, this is an important phase of the trip. It consists of having proper clothing: thermal base layers for the top and the bottom, a mid-layer base and a snow jacket as well as waterproof pants, mountain socks and good snowboots. You also need gloves. I made the mistake of wearing loads of layers and after the first 10mn honestly had to strip down to my thermal top. I was so hot with all the physical effort. The jacket is also very important to protect from the wind and the cold during the picnic and on the way down. Sunglasses for the sun and for all of this white around and…suncream! We also had energy bars, dried and fresh fruit, food and water (of course) in our backpacks. These are the basics. The company’s website below provides more information.

The route: black pine forest, frozen lake and picnic in the snow

In Lles de Sardenya

We crossed the black pine forest of Lles. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the local fauna and flora. He explained us quite a lot of things about local history, about the trees growing there and about the animals living around. We learnt about these animals’ habits and to identify their prints in the snow. It was nice. We climbed up to the lake Orri. That was a bit tough. The terrain was uneven and we were going up for a while. Finally, we arrived at the lake. It was hidden and frozen but beautiful. Without a guide we would not have probably been able to spot it. We stayed there for a while to take pictures, talk and rest. One advice, don’t go on the lake if you are unsure, to avoid bad surprises.

We diverted from the normal path on the way to the shelter of the Pradell. There was a risk of avalanche that day. It was a chance because the landscape that was amazing so far was even more beautiful on that path. I call it the magic of white snow. The snow also changed quality in different parts and it was fun to experiment walking on the different qualities of snow.

Close to the refuge, we changed our route again to go to the top of the hill for more challenges and a better viewpoint. I won’t lie. It was challenging to go up. Challenging but rewarding. We had our picnic at the top and it was with a great sense of satisfaction and achievement that I bit into my sandwich. I deserved it. This was my first picnic in the snow. That was so cool (and cold brrr)! All in all, I think we walked 7 hours that day.

So then, do I need a guide?

More up in this post, I had been wondering if the cost of the guide was worth it. Well yes! In addition to the above described explanations, we learnt about the dos and donts of snowshoeing during our excursion. Here is what I take from it: walking backwards with your snowshoes is not a good idea; try not to fall, it is hard to get back on your feet (like in skiing I suppose); and definitely avoid wild boars in the forest because it is not that easy to run with those snowshoes…And last but not least, he kept us alive. A bit dramatic perhaps. It is to note that it is possible to go snowshoeing without guide. From what I have seen, as we were in the nordic ski resort, there were a lot of people around, there were pathways and it looked quite safe. You just need a good map and a GPS. But do remember that snow activities are always at your own risk!!

www.rutaspirineos.org

Impromagia’s show in the MEAM, when improvisation marries magic

2 weeks ago I went to Impromagia’s show in the MEAM, the European Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona. When I got the invitation from my friend, I did not hesitate much. I love the MEAM, the art it displays and the events it organizes. You can read my post about a great blues night I had here in the past as a testimony…. I also had curiosity. Indeed, the show combines theater improvisation with… magic. Mmmh…Interesting…

We bought our entrances online for 10 euros. Luckily we got seats. The room where the shows happen is not huge so you need to be early to get good seats. Our seats were so good that the first improvisation of the company was with…me. Yes, me. They picked me out of the crowd… At first, I was not sure they addressed themselves to me since they called a certain Lucia. But it seemed Lucia was myself. So I played the game and it was quite cool!

Jassans’ sculpture at the MEAM

The first show was a bit too long with a lot of talking to the point where I was wondering if really it was about magic too. But the magic came and it was bluffing. I won’t reveal too much (policy of the house when reviewing shows as you have noticed ;)). The stories were interesting, sometimes full of fantasy. Quite funny too it seems. I still have a bit of a language barrier as it was in Castilian – or Spanish if you prefer – but I got some of the jokes.

For me, the biggest challenge of the troupe was to make up the stories with the pieces the public was throwing at them. Yes, the public participates a lot in the show. The second challenge was to make the stories funny. And the last challenge was to integrate the magic tricks into the improvised sometimes incongruous stories. They were bluffing (did I say that before already??). The last one in particular. All these aspects put together make that show a unique one since it won’t repeat again. So it is kind of special, one more reason to go and see it!

I had been trying to understand the magic tricks. But in the end, the point of magic is to be magic and so to remain mysterious…You just need to watch, appreciate and have fun! And oh…as usual, there is a bonus to go to any of the MEAM’s events as you get to visit the museum at the same time as the event. During the month of march, there is a sculpture exhibition of Jassans, a Spanish sculptor.

Impromagia still performs in the MEAM for several dates until july 2017. To book your ticket, click here.

www.impromagia.com

www.meam.es

Barcelona Magic line, discover Barcelona differently

Here is an event worth talking about for those of you living in/visiting Barcelona and wanting to do something different: the Barcelona Magic line or BML.

What is the Barcelona Magic Line? Barcelona Magic Line is part of the Magic Line, a fundraising event organised by Saint John of God (San Joan de Deu). San Joan de Deu is a non profit organisation that promotes inclusion and supports people in vulnerable situations. They provide social help, complementary therapies, international cooperation and investigation among other actions. There are several activities related to this fundraising event such as concerts but the main event is the Barcelona Magic Line.

The Barcelona Magic Line itself is a charity walk throught the hills of Barcelona. It goes from the hill of Collserolla to the Plaza de la Catedral through the hill of Montjuic. It is divided in 5 parts defined by distance: 40km, 30km, 20km, 15km and 10km. Each section departs from a specific area at specific times. Walkers are composed by teams of 5 to 20 people. People of all ages and from all background can participate: friends, colleagues, family, groups, schools etc.

View from the hill of Collserola

So how does it work? Well, each team sets a financial goal for itself. It then organises activities to raise money up to a certain deadline. The day of the walk, everyone gets a BML scarf, a map to stamp at each milestone and a plastic cup. Just for information, there is a subscribing fee of 40 euros to pay by each team who joins.

It is an enjoyable walk especially because the weather is always nice: sunny but not too hot. You can see different sides of Barcelona: Collserolla and all the turistic sites around Montjuic. Indeed, walkers wearing their distinctive scarves have access to support and free activities all along the walk. They receive fresh fruit, sweets and a few goodies. But most of all, free accesses to several sites: the Caixa Forum, Pueblo Espanyol, the MNAC, the Miro Foundation, the Olympic and Sports museum, the Olympic Stadium and the Botanical Garden. So you can have a “two c” walk with the BML and combine charity and culture (I just invented the concept he he!!).

Here is why you should join the BML next year!

Walking along the Montjuic castle

This year, I discovered the Botanical Garden thanks to the Magic Line. It is a very nice and relaxing place. I plan to explore it more in the near future. Every year, I also look forward to walking around the Montjuic castle. I like this majestuous stone building and the clear and beautiful view of the sea from there.

I guess there is no real need to repeat how much I like walking the BML after all this. But I will anyway:). I like walking the BML because I can help a very good cause and give back to the community I live in. And I get a lot of bonuses in addition. I get to spend time with my colleagues in a different way. I get to exercise walking my 20km and enjoy fresh air. I get to enjoy a nice and solidaire atmosphere among the walkers, I get to visit for free all the museums around Montjuic and…I get to discover Barcelona under a different light.

So next year people, join the Barcelona Magic Line! You can only win and so are the ones you are helping out!

http://www.magiclinesjd.org

Where to eat good crepes in Barcelona

As you might remember last Tuesday was Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday! And in my world (and I hope in yours too after reading this post), this means Pancake Time! Except that with my French side, it is more of a “crepes” moment! And when I mean “Crepes”, I mean Breton’s crepes: savoury and sweet ones. They are the best! So where do you go to eat good crepes in Barcelona?

Well I have tried two places in the city. And I am only going to talk about the second one which I liked best. Anyway, I was so little impressed by the first one that I don’t even remember its name. Therefore, I would like to talk about “Les 3 pommes” today. “Les 3 pommes” is the French for “The 3 Apples”. It is quite relevant since Breton’s crepes are usually served with French apple cider. The best in the world in my opinion. It has this really peculiar yet light apple taste that invades your palate in a good way.

“Les 3 pommes” serves a great assortment of pancakes. Savoury ones are usually made out of buckwheat flour. It gives the pancake a particular texture and flavour. I like my crepe classical so I choose the complete one: cheese, ham, mushrooms and egg. It is not quite the same as the ones I used to have in Paris. But it is not far off. Still delicious with all the melting cheese. I can taste every single ingredient of the recipe too and that is a plus. My friend had a spinach one and was raving about it. So I can tell, the place IS good!

Having a bowl of cider with my crepe!

We wolfed down our crêpes with a jar of cider served in bowls.Very traditionnal! And also very tasty! You might wonder why cider is served in bowls in Breton’s crêperies. Well, history tells that in the old days, glass and earthenware were not so common. Everyone was then making their own crokery, most of the time with terra cotta. Glasses (the recipient) used to look more like small bowls which are nowadays called “bolées”. Well, you now have a chance to experiment those in “Les 3 pommes” if you don’t know what I am talking about.

After our main, we shared a crêpe suzette: filled with orange marmalade and then flambéed with Grand Marnier. I don’t have a sweet tooth but I thought it was the nicest pancake I have had in a while: the marmalade was not too sweet yet tasted like orange (better right?) and it was very boozy (a good thing in my book)! The chef even flambéed it in front of our eyes. Yep & yum! I recommend the place.

If you too go and try, leave us a comment here!

https://www.facebook.com/CreperiaLes3Pommes/