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Barcelona
Inspired by its ample shoreline as much as its
mountains and nearby fertile pastures, the
gastronomy of Barcelona is a graceful expression
of geographical biodiversity. Perhaps it was
this exact combination that set the stage for
the explosion of the tapas movement. These
small plates have become Spain’s means of
exhibiting their culinary aptitude in a course-
by-course award ceremony showcasing the
region’s ecological forte complemented with
its most flattering flavor siblings and dished up
like tiny works of art.
If you’re familiar with only one name in
the Barcelona tapas scene, it is most likely
Adrià. Brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià were
responsible for the famed restaurant El Bulli,
which closed in 2011 after having gained global
recognition as one of the most influential
restaurants in the world. Today, six restaurants
bear the illustrious Adrià name. Crafting
everything from Nikkei cuisine at Pakta,
the only restaurant in Barcelona serving
this distinct Peruvian-Japanese fusion, to
high-end tapas at the (literally) flashy epicurean
amusement park Tickets, the brothers Adrià
have forged a culinary empire.
The newest Adrià venture might be the
most curious one yet. Already joining the
Michelin ranks the year of its debut, Enigma
stays true to its name, requiring patrons to
enter a secret code to unlock the front door to
the restaurant. What awaits (after agreeing to
the strict photo policy, of course) is a dining
experience shrouded in mystery, rumored to
comprise of over 40 dishes on a dreamlike
four-hour journey advancing through seven
surreal chambers, each with its own distinct
theme. For those who have experienced it,
their reviews are incredible, but the details
remain elusive.
If modern mystery isn’t your style, try El
Xampanyet, a nearly century-old family-run
bodega near the Picasso Museum. The space is
small, and they don’t take reservations, but the
prices are so reasonable that you can order two
of everything. Be sure to try the boquerones
and a glass of the house cava (after which
the restaurant is named). Wherever you find
yourself in Barcelona, the breadth of choice is
wide. You’ll quickly learn that the mealtimes
come often, run long, and continue late into
the evening—giving you plenty of time to
experience the multifaceted tastes this city
has to offer.
PHOTOS
B O T T O M L E F T: E N T R A N C E T O T I C K E T S
T O P R I G H T: C A R A M E L O D E C H I C H A M O R A D A /
P U R P L E C O R N C A N D Y AT PA K TA
B O T T O M : C U B O D E N O R I C O N C AV I A R AT
ENIGMA