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BARCELONA - Gastronomic restaurants
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Agut
d'Avignon
Tucked away in a tiny street in the atmospheric Barri Gòtic,
Agut d'Avignon is the creation of ex-lawyer and pharmacist Ramón
Cabau. Known for his impeccable taste, the restaurant is a haven
for writers, artists and politicians, and has attracted diners
such as Miró and Yves Montand. Rustic yet elegant, employing
top-quality produce and a first-rate wine list, it is evident
why. The menu is seasonal, offering adventurous dishes such
as partridge pâté and roast boar with raspberry
sauce.
Carrer de la Trinitat 3/Avinyo 8
Tel: (93) 302 6034. Fax: (93) 302 5318.
Website: www.virtualsd.es/agutdavignon
Price: Pta6000/EUR36. Wine: Pta1000/EUR6.
Ca l'Isidre
Run by the Gironés i Salvó family for over 25
years, Ca l'Isidre is an intimate restaurant boasting King Juan
Carlos among its regular clientele. Isidre Gironés presides
over the excellent wine list and exquisite food, personally
selecting the best ingredients at the nearby La Boqueria market
to conjure up timeless dishes, including duck liver pâté
and figs, stuffed artichokes or saddle of lamb. The cosy dining
room is a charming 'home from home' thanks to his wife Montse.
Daughter Núria is an ace patisera, whose desserts provide
a perfect finale to chef César Pastor's seasonal Catalan
dishes. Booking essential.
Carrer Les Flors 12
Tel: (93) 441 1139 or 442 5720. Fax: (93) 442 5271.
E-mail: isidre@mhp.es
Website: www.isidre.mhp.es/calisidr.htm
Price: Pta8000/EUR48. Wine: Pta1500/EUR9.
El Racó de Can Fabes
The recipient of three Michelin stars and numerous awards, El
Racó is idyllically situated near Montseny, an area of
outstanding natural beauty about 60km (37 miles) from Barcelona.
Proprietor and chef Santi Santamaria is open, friendly and passionate
about Catalan food. His quality-based, customer-orientated philosophy
ensures that a visit to his rustic-style restaurant is an exceptional
experience. Inspired by the fruits from the Mediterranean to
the mountains, dishes range from wood pigeon with spring onions
and cardamom to fish in seaweed sauce; postres (desserts) such
as mango and plum 'lasagne' are deliciously inventive.
Carrer Sant Joan 6, Sant Celoni (A7 from Barcelona, exit 7 for
Sant Celoni)
Tel: (93) 867 2851. Fax: (93) 867 3861.
Website: www.racocanfabes.com
Price: Pta11,000/EUR66 (à la carte); Pta9000-13,500/EUR54-81
(menus). Wine: Pta2000/EUR12.
Gaig
Gaig started out in the 1800s as a small family tavern specialising
in home cooking in the northern barrio of Horta. More than a
century later, it is one of the city's top restaurants and the
recipient of many awards. Master chef Carles Gaig is at the
helm creating brilliant, innovative versions of old recipes:
pheasant with plums, canelones with truffle sauce and mango
ravioli are but a few. The wine list is equally impressive.
Carles' wife, Fina, presides over the light, modern dining room.
Passieg Maragall 402
Tel: (93) 429 1017.
Price: Pta11,000/EUR66. Wine: Pta2000/EUR12
Jean-Luc Figueras
Housed in the former atelier of the fashion designer Balanciaga,
the elegant, classically Catalan surroundings - all polished
wood, lamps and tiled floors - are almost as outstanding as
the food. Frenchman Jean-Luc Figueras creates modern, original
dishes, such as fried prawn and ginger pasta in mustard and
mango sauce, without submitting to the demands of fadiness or
egoism. The menu tends to lean towards seafood but meat dishes
are also included. Master patisero Jordi Butrón's sublime
puddings are outstanding.
Carrer Santa Teresa 10
Tel: (93) 415 2877.
Price: Pta9000/EUR54. Wine: Pta1500/EUR9. |
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