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Barcelona for Idiots » Barcelona Recipes

Calçots! A Pre-Spring Ritual in Catalunya

February 24th, 2012 | Comments Off

One of the top signs that winter is on the way out in Barcelona and surrounding areas is the start of so many calçotada gatherings. Some people go to restaurants, still others opt for a more home-grown outdoor barbecue approach, but all are united by these tender green onions, the first of the season, grilled over an open fire and then dragged through salvitxada sauce before dropping them into your open mouth, whole. To make sure you don’t look like the odd-guiri (clueless foreigner)  out at your next calçotada, we decided to make our readers a  short video detailing how the locals eat calçots. Warning: This can be compared to chowing down on ribs or fried chicken with your hands. O sea, Emily Post won’t approve. Also, if anyone is wondering why … Read entire article »

Filed under: Barcelona Culture, Barcelona Food, Barcelona Recipes

Where to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Barcelona

November 17th, 2011 | Comments Off

Something funny(ish) to break the ice: Joey’s Thanksgiving Pants Well, first of all, in case you haven’t noticed, Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday in Barcelona, Catalonia, or Spain. That said, if you’re an American or Canadian, you’ll probably long for a cozy gathering around a table overflowing with scrumptious fall foods before too long. Because even if you’re ridiculously, completely in love with your existence in Barcelona, sometimes you long for a taste of home (after all, you’re only human). It goes without saying that if you want an overpriced (30 euro-ish) mediocre  and crowded Thanksgiving meal you can head to the Hard Rock Cafe, or Fosters. Of course you’ll wait in line so long you may forget about what you’re giving thanks for (any ideas?). Another pricey (60 plus euros per head if you’re … Read entire article »

Filed under: Barcelona Culture, Barcelona Dessert, Barcelona Eateries, Barcelona Events, Barcelona Food, Barcelona Holidays, Barcelona Practical Stuff, Barcelona Recipes, Barcelona Things to Do, Uncategorized

Easy Barcelona Eats: Torrades Casolanes

May 18th, 2011 | Comments Off

Easy Barcelona Eats: Torrades Casolanes

If you’ve finally spent enough cash in local restuarants in bars that you’re willing to learn to prepare (it’s not really cooking the way we’ll describe it) some easy local dishes, “torrades” are a great option. Open-faced sandwiches on toasted pa de pagès, these simple dishes are surprisingly elegant and work as a quick snack or a meal in a pinch. Here we’re including idiot-proof traditional torrada instructions, and then a Barcelona for Idiot’s variation. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Barcelona Food, Barcelona Recipes, Featured, Uncategorized

Bread and Tomatoes and bon profit!

April 11th, 2011 | 3 Comments

For our first recipe, we’re keeping it simple and traditional. Pa amb tomaquet, pronounced, pah ahmb tomakah,  means bread with tomato and is by far the simplest, most authentic Barcelona food you’ll find anywhere. What you need: Bread (no wonder bread, think hearty, crusty, rustic bread, if you’re in Barcelona, buy pa de pagès from the bakery) paring knife bread knife tomatoes extra virgin olive oil salt. How to make it: If you were silly enough not to get your bread sliced for free at the bakery, slice your rustic bread in thick slices with a bread knife. Toast it (preferably over an open fire, but a toaster will do in a pinch). Cut your tomatoes in half, use the open side (duh) to slather tomato blood and guts on your bread. Drizzle slices with extra virgin olive oil … Read entire article »

Filed under: Barcelona Food, Barcelona Recipes

Pa amb Tomaquet amb Pernil Ibèric

April 11th, 2011 | 2 Comments

Go to the Xarcuteria (meat and cheese shop). Buy some pernil ibèric (the famed Spanish delicacy, Iberian ham). If you’re in a terrible place where (the horror!) Iberian ham is unavailable, proscuitto is better than nothing, but I repeat, not the same. Have the xarcuter slice it paper thin (this is included in the price at most places, as it should be for what you pay). Do everything mentioned in the Pa amb tomaquet post. Or, if tomatoes are expensive at the time or place of reading this post, blend fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil (preferably Spanish ) and a little salt, and baste toasted bread with it.  For an extra twist, and wicked dragon breath, rub the toasted bread with a hunk of raw garlic before you slather … Read entire article »

Filed under: Barcelona Food, Barcelona Recipes, Uncategorized