The Clever Root

Fall / Winter 2015

Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/599676

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f a l l / w i n t e r 2 0 1 5 | 1 0 3 JUICE MANIA MEAT CONES FOIE GRAS BURGERS COFFEE WITH A KICK BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMATOES: The Spanish love their tomatoes—the fresher the better and pref- erably the Montserrat variety. These cherished native staples are grown almost exclusively in the Empordà region of Catalonia. In addition to being a key element to local dishes like escal- ivada, Montserrat tomatoes are served sliced and sprinkled with sea salt and olive oil, or rubbed on a slice of toasted baguette (pan con tomate). MEAT CONES: When walking through markets, and even at crowded amusement parks like Tibidado, meat lovers can grab from a selection of quick jamón cones. All throughout the region, vendors sell everything from salt-cured jamón cones to versions that come with breadsticks and blocks of cheese tucked neatly beside cubes of premium meat. CURIOUS CAKES: Deemed Barcelona's "weirdest bakery," Escribà operates on the mentality that chocolate should be transformed into art. The 109-year-old family-run bakery, helmed by re- nowned pastry chef Christian Escribà, is known for its inimitable creations such as exploding birthday pastries, edible rainbow stilettos, couture candy rings, and chocolate CDs. FOIE GRAS BURGERS: Though controversial and once banned in states like California, foie gras is still a highly coveted delicacy. Spain gets that and, as if done intentionally to appease an American tourist, Celler de la Ribera in Barcelona's El Born district is one of many places that serves it on top of a patty of beef. Their twist is a "Burger tout Foie de Canard," utilizing seared duck, which is complemented by a savory fig sauce. JUICE MANIA: Fresh juices have taken over the city of Barcelona, with food stands offering everything from fresh pitahaya (dragon fruit) to maracuyá (passion fruit) and mint juice. Meanwhile health conscious restaurants, and even bars, stock their shelves with prepack- aged varieties including Party Recovery blends and energy-packed Super Hit juice. CHANEL GUMMY BEARS: The candy sec- tion of Barcelona's main food markets house a wild assortment of gummy candy, including everything from over-easy eggs to gummy beer and sushi rolls. And to take things one step further, popular branding logos have even made their way into the mix with gummies being shaped into Chanel purses, KFC buckets of fried chicken, and McDonald's fries. (Is that trademark infringement we're smelling? —Ed.) COFFEE WITH A KICK: Barcelona is home to many tucked-away little coffeehouse gems, such as Mesón del Café. This quaint little 106-year-old spot is located off the cobblestone streets of the city's Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Inside at the bar, those that need an extra oomph in their day sip the house picardía, which is espresso mixed with condensed milk and a shot of whiskey. CHANEL GUMMY BEARS CURIOUS CAKES ■cr

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