Aleta's Profile
Celler de Can Roca - reality intervenes
Don't feel bad, schloop. I'm sure that they are even used to people driving by and asking if they can come in, lol. The building is pretty spectacular.
Midweek for lunch is probably the easiest, Luna.
BCN: Paco Meralgo
Thanks Sockster. This is an old favorite of Chowhounds and it's actually spelled Paco Meralgo.
http://www.pacomeralgo.com/
Some Chowhounds have commented that they make the best croquettas in Barcelona and beyond. I also like their gazpacho which is made with almonds (in case anyone has nut allergies... beware).
Sunday nights are busy since so many places are closed. It's good to make a reservation by telephone.
Diver XO
ha ha ha. This is a fun thread.
Erica, if Tony Bourdain read your comment, he would probably utter some of the profanities for which he is equally famous. :-)
Parigi, your summation is excellent and hilarious. "off the beaten path" vs "off the tourist bus"
Estufarian has warned me in the past to mark my calendar carefully and go online to book JUST at the right moment, or risk failure. I haven't eaten at DiverXo although I have been to another restaurant recommended by Tony in that same episode, La Gabinoteca. It was fun and the modern tapas were hit/miss.
Woodlandchef, DiverXo represents the best of Spanish-Asian fusion, I suppose. It's all a rage but not always well executed in Barcelona and Madrid, imho.
BCN: How far in advance do I need reservations?
Re: Kaiku on Sunday. Call right away and ask specifically for a table on the terrace. Sundays are busy and Kaiku is very small.
Strategies for Dining in Barcelona with a 10 Year Old
For gelat (the Catalan word for ice cream), I like Vioko and Tomo II. Tomo has a few locations and some are in Barri Gotic.
http://www.tomodos.com/tiendas.html
Tapa bars in Barcelona - Born area
Re: I'm with Parigi but if you insist... some local friends say that Pizza del Born isn't bad.
http://www.lapizzadelborn.com/
Trip report: Vitoria-Gasteiz
Bouncepass,
A very belated 'Thanks' for sharing your experience in V-G. I'm planning a trip this summer and your report + the link have been very useful. As you said, there's pretty much nothing re: V-G on Chowhound; I guess most people end up in the famous places and don't get around to seeing the rest. You probably know too that V-G has been awarded the designation of European Green City 2012. It looks like a really interesting place, both for sightseeing and chowing.
I've come across some of the places you named (using Spanish food websites) as well as a few others, including Saburdi and Inaki Rodaballo (for real). And I agree with you that Sagartoki is probably a bit more artsy/whimsical than most people (esp Californians) desire. On their website, they have introduced their new product which is like a high-quality veggie-fruit rollup... to be used like nori in sushi. :-)
Madrid/BCN/San Sebastian
Marc,
I haven't eaten at this place and the concept is really not traditional but it might work for you. Near the Sagrada Familia, there's a Basque-style restaurant serving pintxos and regular meals. They offer a 'tapas buffet' for 14.95 euros.
http://www.restaurantaitor.com/
Do they take walk-ins at Tickets/41 degrees?
Hi Deadstroke,
There are always different assumptions circulating online about these 2 places. Things are evolving all the time and some of the new changes actually make sense, lol.
I think it's safe to say that you might be able to walk into Tickets when it's not too busy (ie low season and early seatings). I've been in the summer and I saw people being turned away. If you get in, you'll get both food and drink.
41 Degrees seems to be allowing walk-ins at a certain time. You'll get food and drink too.
Recently, I read a review about someone who ate dinner at Rias de Galicia. After the meal, the waiter asked if there was anything more he could do and the diner asked jokingly about a table at Tickets. The waiter actually got the manager to call and secure a table for the following night! (hope the diner showed his appreciation to his waiter properly) The diner visited in October 2011 - not exactly high season and after paying an expensive 'admission ticket'. Like the former Inopia, Tickets saves some portion of each seating for 'friends' and another portion for people who reserve online. Unlike the former Inopia, you don't have to stand in line for 1+ hr anymore. Now you just have to deal with the online booking.
Cosmo caixa- anywhere good to eat nearby
Curiouseater, the aquarium is not great btw. The exhibits and the bldg were probably impressive 2 decades ago but unfortunately, not much has been done to maintain them. There are lots of good eats that you combine with the aquarium ranging from tapas nearby in Barceloneta / Barri Gotic to seafood/paella lunch in Barceloneta. I think you've been to Barcelona before so you already know that.
Whatever you decide for the Tibidabo area, just DON'T eat in the cafe up top. Even for a quick bite, it was horrible and expensive. The cafe inside Cosmocaixa should be much better.
The Best Tapas in Valencia
It looks more like a fancy sit-down restaurant than a tapas bar.
Pictures from the photo gallery:
http://www.civeraencasa.com/fotos.php
The main website:
http://www.marisqueriascivera.com/ing/fotos.php
Celler de Can Roca - reality intervenes
Zizouz,
They told you they had tables for November. I suppose you mean November 2012 and not 2013? If so, there might be some miscommunication going on with Kelly.
I have friends who booked lunch recently for July 2012 and they did not make the reservation a year in advance.
Toledo Spain Restaurants
I'm saving my asado meal for Segovia.
In Toledo, I was thinking of La Abadia, Locum or Apotheca. La Abadia has a nice selection of tapas.
http://www.abadiatoledo.com/abadia.html
http://www.locum.es/locum.htm
http://www.restauranteapotheca.com/4.html
Cosmo caixa- anywhere good to eat nearby
You must mean 'Bar Pinotxo'? Pintxo usually refers to the Basque variation of a tapa.
Cosmocaixa near Tibidabo? When I was last planning a visit to Tibidabo, I looked into the possibility of good eats around there and there wasn't much selection. Cosmocaixa is near a university so lots of people live around there and there will definitely be some kind of food, but probably not like the ones you described -- and bistronomic to boot.
Cafe 1907 is really close by, is housed in an interesting historical bldg and might have a fun menu del dia.
http://www.cafe1907.com/restaurant
Asador de Aranda is also near but it's not a bistronomic nor does it serve just tapas.
A place I considered myself is El Mirador de la Venta, on the side of the Funicular to Tibidabo. It might work for you style-wise but I don't know about the price.
http://www.restaurantelaventa.com/eo/
Passadis del Pep, Cinc Sentis and ?
" Go to Quimet y Guimet, El Vasco, Bar Celta, La Cova and you know you are in Barcelona."
I think that's supposed to be Quimet i Quimet (not Guimet) and El Vaso de Oro? Or is there really a place called El Vasco? Doesn't that mean "The Basque"?
I like El Cellar de Can Roca and Sant Pau for lunch but they are train-rides away and more than half of your day will be gone. For such a short visit (and assuming that bigcmd wants to sightsee), staying in town is a better idea.
I would definitely book an outside table at Kaiku for Sunday lunch! Have some pastries for b'fast at Hofmann's, swing by to see the Barcelona Catedral and the Sardana dance, sample a few pintxos at Bilbao Berri (not great but still better than what most of us in North America can get at home) and make your way down to Barceloneta. If you like dessert, check out Vioko for chocolates, gelato and macarons.
Madrid: Michelin match-ups for engagement vacation
Here's the YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB35NcM5SvE
I still believe the XO is not so much about chopsticks as about XO sauce (I recall they even talk about it in the video), so in that respect, it's not as kitschy as you think. I should tell you though that I chose NOT to eat here. I don't really like Asian fusion but that's just my personal choice. It's a very popular name on this forum.
Madrid: Michelin match-ups for engagement vacation
Liucipher,
Congratulations on your engagement!
I'm not sure if you'll be able to enjoy so much haute cuisine in only 4 days. I love to eat too but I usually try to balance a big lunch with a lighter dinner, or vice-versa. Eating too much too soon results in system- and sensory-overload. You might not remember what you ate or where you ate it. Anyway, 4 days is the time you have and you'll decide how to manage it.
A point about DiverXo. It's one of the hottest places in Madrid and if you are still debating about whether to go next month, you should consider whether you can even get a reservation. More than that, your comment about it is a bit puzzling:
"DiverXo since it seems more "special," though the use of chopstick font in their logo irks me."
It is special, as are all the names on your list. Perhaps you need to do some research into how it's special. Don't just look at the Michelin stars and think that you'll like it. Have a look at the website, read some reviews or find some TV programs on YouTube that feature it (eg Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations, Madrid). Why does the chopstick irk you? I think the chopstick is very relevant since this restaurant pays homage to Asian influences. The X refers to XO sauce, btw.
Barcelona - food recs - hotel near Mercat de la Boqueria
Cheeeese,
As advised above, try to go a little further afield for good eats. The area around La Boqueria is Las Ramblas and it has some of the worst food in town (apart from inside the market and snacks at the Escriba bakery).
Of course, if you're exhausted from sightseeing and just need a nearby backup, you might try the cafe at Le Meridien Hotel. It's called Cent Onze (meaning 111, which is the hotel's street address on La Rambla). It has some decent-looking set menus for lunch and dinner (16-19 euros, including tax). Open on Sunday evenings too. Currently, if you book your table on bcnrestaurantes.com, there's even a 50% discount for a la carte (which would also bring you to about 20 euros net). I doubt it's 'gourmet' but the cafe seems pleasant and near Las Ramblas, your bill for 2 tapas and 2 drinks might tally up to about the same cost.
http://www.lemeridienbarcelona.com/en/Centonze_en
BTW, I love Gresca too. I haven't tried the 19 euro menu del dia at lunchtime since my greed dictates that I partake in the dinner 50 euros 9-course affair. If you go for the Cinc Sentits 29 euro lunch, make sure you tell them during the booking that you intend to order that. I've heard that sometimes it's not offered.
Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service
T Long,
Thank you for your noble attempts at preserving some level of equity and logic throughout this pathetic thread. I started out with the desire to share a little gem that I had found in Toronto. Although I live here, I hardly ever contribute to this forum since my interests are in Europe and Asia.
From my second or third posts, I had already mentioned some problems with communication, service and specific dishes I didn't like. I DO think it's important to be realistic and yes, I did say, "we get what we pay for" and "it's not possible to compare". Unfortunately, this forum has members who compare anyway. From comparing Big Meal to The Mandarin or to Zen, it's pretty ridiculous.
This will be my last post regarding this restaurant. I am not a touter nor a hater, just a real person trying to share some genuine intel. I don't have a big ego that I need to feed. Next time I find something special, I'll keep it to myself.
Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service
There is such a plethora of Chinese restaurants in Toronto. To make matters worse, their English names are often quite similar. Your comment has spurred me to check online (thanks). Turns out I meant Elegant, on Hwy 7 east of McCowan.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1517573/restaurant/Toronto/Elegant-Chinese-Cuisine-Markham
I was stuck at the Regal chain member today. All through the meal, we were talking about Elegant! My aunt (who had chosen the Regal whatever-it's-called) commented that the food at Elegant was very high quality but a bit pricey. After several fantastic dinners there, I think I should search on this forum for previous threads. If there isn't one, I might start one about Elegant. Then you don't have to worry that Big Meal will be too busy when you finally get there.
I don't think I was 'constantly praising'. After my post of Jan. 17, 6 other people posted and 2 weeks went by before I wrote in again on Feb. 2.
visit to Barcelona - reasonably priced
Barceloneta, with 1 t.
Sureny, not Surrency.
http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/venue/1%3A10959/sureny
Pa i Trago
http://www.restaurantpaitrago.es/
El Glop
http://braseriaelglop.com/
La Rita
http://www.laritarestaurant.com/
visit to Barcelona - reasonably priced
Amanda,
To watch your budget, consider making lunch your big meal of the day by having a Menu del Dia. These can be as low as 9 euros for 3 courses.
Some of the upscale restaurants also have lunch specials, so it's a good time to try places that normally cost 50+ euros at dinner. Gresca's menu del dia is 19 euros and Cinc Sentits offers one for 29 euros (weekday only, confirm with them by email).
If you go to Tripadvisor Barcelona, there's a list of tapas restaurants and a corresponding Google map. You can use the map to figure out which place is close to you.
Hondarribia and St Jean de Luz, also Madrid
Hi Woodlandchef,
We visited San Se and Hondarribia last summer and had a great time in both places. Hondarribia is much smaller and very quaint (no young surfer crowds here). Our hotel of choice is the Jauregui.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/815682
Asador Etxebarri is amazing but it's a trek, even from Bilbao. If you search the forum, you'll find lots of discussions about it. I rented a car to go but another poster DID take a taxi from Bilbao.. I tried searching for that thread but couldn't find it.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/780802
Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service
TexSquared,
"Sheeple"! I had never heard of this before. At first, I thought it was a Yiddish term that I didn't know, so I googled it. ha ha ha
Thanks for teaching me a new (and useful) word. I owe you dim sum at Elegant View. That's where I'd like to go this morning but friends have chosen the old Ruby. ho-hum. I don't even know what it's called these days.
Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service
Caitlink,
You wrote, "Big Meal is close by and I've been meaning to try. But reviews still seem lukewarm." Lukewarm? I think not! I've been raving about it and eating there since my first post in November. For the price you pay, you really get a lot of high quality food. Lunch is truly a steal; what is the price of a hamburger meal at MacDonald's these days? Isn't it more than $8? So for a few dollars more, you get sushi, sashimi, salads, yaki dishes, shrimp tempura, beef rolls with asparagus or enoki mushrooms, free non-alcoholic drinks, dessert etc.
They should change the name of the restaurant from Big Meal to Big Steal. For once, it'll be the customers doing the stealing and NOT the restaurant!
If you haven't tried Tenichi yet (after all these years), you're not missing much. Tex Squared has provided you with detailed reasons to 'save yourself the trip'.
Barcelona Trip Report - Kaiku
Ducster,
At Kaiku or other places in Barcelona, you can order 'arròs amb verdures'. Kaiku's menu is hard to find on the Internet but fortunately, it doesn't change much, I think. Here's an old picture of the menu, where you'll see an entry for rice with vegetables and seasonal mushrooms. I'm not sure if the broth they use will be strictly vegetarian so if that's a concern of yours, do ask before you order.
http://barcelona.salir.com/kaiku-san_juan_de_borbo_74/fotos/10760
