La Bodegueta - Barcelona

 After doing some sight seeing on Saturday morning we stopped in to La Bodegueta for lunch. This little bodega serves up some really big small plates, so there is no need to go overboard like we did. The prices are good and the food is great, so stop in if you are in the Dreta de L'Eixample neighborhood and you won't be disappointed.

We each ordered a really good glass of Penedes Silvia white wine for 1.80 Euros. We then proceeded to order 3 tapas each and they were all very good. I ordered the seasoned olives (2.00), the spicy chorizo (5.40) and the Spanish Omelet (4.60). Dan ordered the Patates Bravas (5.00), the Pernil de Teruel or Jamon for (6.80) and the Tomato Bread (3.10). Needless to say, we had a nice long, leisurely lunch. Dan then ordered a bottle of water (1.70) and I had a mug of Estrella (2.50). I would most assuredly return to this little place in a heartbeat. Next time, I would order a little less.

Rambla Catalunya 100 08008 Barcelona  93-215-48-94

Canete Bar - Barcelona



 While researching our trip to Barcelona we found out that Joyce DiDonato, a soprano with Kansas City ties, would be performing the title role in Cindrillon at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. We got tickets for the Friday night performance and it was spectacular. The singing, costumes and staging were all incredible and Joyce was in top form.
Dan found a restaurant close to the theater where we could eat dinner before the show, so we headed to Canete. When we got there we found it closed, but the bar next door was open, so in we went. We were seated at the bar and found out that there was an issue with the kitchen next door, but they could serve food from the bar. We stayed and had an amazing meal. The menu was all in Spanish and we were completely lost. The bartender asked us what kind of food we wanted and he then proceeded to produce some lovely plates to us. We had Jamon Bellota Media at 15 Euros, a cheese plate for 19.50, a wonderful salad topped with really good tuna for 9.20 and some bread rubbed with garlic and tomato. I do not like tuna, but the tuna on the salad was so good it has made me rethink the tuna hating thing. We each had 2 glasses of a really good white wine, Penendes Babau 2012 (Xarel-lo).
An American couple came in and sat by us and let the bar tender order for them as well after we told them about our experience. We sat and talked with them a little before the show and had a great time.

 

 

C/de La Unio 17 08001 Barcelona  932-703-458

www.barcanete.com 

Makamaka Beach Burger Cafe - Barcelona

 

Saturday we walked all over Barcelona and late in the afternoon we decided to head over to the beach at Barceloneta. Even on this chilly afternoon, there were plenty of people walking around and enjoying the view. At this point, I decided that I could easily live here. Barcelona is a wonderful city with so much to offer and it's got this amazing beach on the Mediterranean. As we were heading back to our B & B, we stopped at Makamaka for a couple of beers. They had Estrella on tap which was quickly becoming our new favorite beer and at 3 Euros the price was not bad. The place was packed, the small indoor bar had a few open tables, but the outside tables were full. We sat inside and ordered our beers and some Homemade Fries at 3.40 Euros. The beers were ice cold and the fries were crispy and hot. They were served with a side of Makamaka ketchup and wasabi mayo for dipping. We came close to dining here too, but decided to get back and have a little down time first. 

 

 

 

They are located at Juan De Borbon 76 08003 Barcelona  34-932-213-520

Ralph's Cafe Bar - Leeds

Ralph's Cafe Bar is this tiny little place across the street from our flat that has recently opened. They serve breakfast and lunch as well as alcoholic beverages. I stopped in the other day to see what they offered and for such a small place they have an extensive menu. You can order hot and cold sandwiches, ciabattas, panninnis and toasties. All of the fillings can also be made into wraps or salads. They also have beef, kangaroo and camel burgers! On my trip I ordered a bacon, brie and onion chutney toastie for 2.90 pounds. The sandwich was very good and I look forward to trying some of the other things they serve. Maybe I'll get the courage to try a camel burger!

 They are located at the bridge end 9 Hunslet Rd Leeds LS10 1JQ. You can also call them for catering at 0113 245 5592. Their web address is www.ralphscafebarleeds.co.uk .