November 22, 2008, posted by Sairica | food and drinks

Put a lid on it!

Tapas the internationally famed menagerie of more-ish morsels is named after the Castilian word for lid (Tapa), and originates from Andalusian tradition where a piece of bread was placed over a beer by inn-owners and laden with salty morsels to encourage further drinking. Nowadays tapas range from basic to ultra-gourmet and typically fill the early evening break between hearty lunches and late suppers.

 

For the authentic ir de tapas experience in Barcelona the best place is Calle de La Merce, one street back from Passeig de Colon at the bottom of Barrio Gotico. This is where the first tapas bars appeared in Barcelona and where the idea of a drink a dish and, above all, decent conversation (or a good gossip) still exists. If you’re after tapas with a touch of class, these bars aren’t for you but if you like your cerveza to come bubbling with character, each one of these has something unique to offer: behind the bad lighting, rustic benches, or sombre owner is a surprising smile, an exceptional dish, or an excellent barrel of wine. The epitome of these down-to-earth experiences is El Tropezon.

 

Opening hours: from 13 – 1h.
just off La Merce at  C/ Regomir 26

 

Quimet i Quimet in Poble Sec combines unique place with exquisite tapas. The bar is tiny, standing room only, while the walls are lined floor-to-ceiling with an excellent range of wines and spirits. The place feels (and normally is) packed, but the tapas is well-worth the squeeze. The official specialities are the preserved seafood and pickled delicacies but it’s the montaditos that take top prize. Crisp bread is topped with unexpected combinations: dollops of creamy cheese and sweet quince jam; grey mullet roe with sun-dried tomatoes; black olive paté with a chunk of salt cod. These must be tasted to be believed.

 

Open hours: Tues-Sat 12 – 16h, 19 -22.30h, Sun 12-16h
C/Poeta Cabanyas 35

 

For truly exotic and utterly tantalising tit-bits of this and that, try Mosquito in El Borne, where Asian fusion cuisine meets Spanish tradition and makes for mouth-watering morsels such as pan-fried cod tom yam. Hints of ginger, lemongrass and tamarind waft around the cosy interior, staff are friendly, prices are reasonable and the music is upbeat and chilled. Veggie-friendly options are available and the menus is constantly changed and refreshed. A catering service is also available. Japanese tapas is prepared by authentic Japanese chefs and offered on Friday and Saturday nights from Midnight to 2am.

 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 17h-1h, Fri & Sat 17h -2.30h)
C/Carders 46
www.mosquitotapas.com

For the gourmet, Santa Maria is a must. Established by celebrity chef Paco Guzman, himself trained by super-chef Ferran Adria, the tapas here is creative, designer even: sardines with pineapple, strawberries, avocado and seaweed; frog legs in a sweet sauce; white fish on a white bean puree tapas… Expect the unexpected and expect to be delighted: the discovery menu is the best place to start.

 

Open hours: Mon- Sat 13 – 16h, 20h – Midnight
C/Comerc 17
www.santamania.info

An alternative myth for the origins of tapas is that, sometime in the 13th century, an ailing King Alfonso (The Wise) found he could only stomach wine if each sip was accompanied by a small bite. By royal decree he declared that his people should be subjected to the same treatment… a very savvy monarch indeed, if you ask me…