3 Restaurants, 1 coffeeshop, and 1 ice cream temple to make “the going back to work” a little easier.
September, 11th, 2023. Written by Clara De Nadal Trias
Little is said about how hard going back to work can be after the holidays, specially mentally speaking. The so-called post-vacation depression it does exist, and it encompasses a set of physical and psychological symptoms that some people experience once we return to work after the summer period. It is clear that the beginning of labor means a change of routines. That is why experts recommend that this impasse must be progressive, to have moments of rest and to look for new goals and after-work plans to better deal the first days of work. For this reason, this month, considering the particular time of the year we are dealing with, I have chosen to dedicate our September B*Local post to sharing new (and not so new) restaurants in Barcelona, a new coffeeshop and an ice cream temple to make back to work will may be a little easier for everyone.
Rabbit’s Bar
To those who predicted that it would become Barcelona's new hotspot they were right. Rabbit’s Bar has all the ingredients to succeed, as it has been doing since its recent inauguration based on informal tapas with very good products, a tastefully designed space, tables and a bar with views of an open kitchen, terrace and an unbeatable location. The person in charge of this brand new gastronomic project is chef Jordi Cunill, also owner of the well-known Café de París. His menu is a tribute to fresh produce with everything we like so much and that cannot be missing in a bar. That means: oysters, anchovies, Russian salad, “bomba” style croquettes, meat “pepito”, Encarna fried egg, egg sausage omelette, grilled razor clams, shellfish, hand-cut iberico ham, raincoat zucchini flower with brie and butifarra del perol, red shrimp with garlic, “piparras” when it is in season... And also traditional stews such as tripe, “fricandó”, meatballs, sirloin steak, oxtail on a parmentier bed… among many other delicacies. Where: Calle de Ganduxer, 16. Hours: Monday to Sunday, non-stop kitchen from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Casa Igor
We start by welcoming Casa Igor, which opened its doors last June 2023 in the Gracia neighborhood, as a bar-tavern with a variety of tapas based on traditional dishes, well-drafted beers, selected wines and very good vibes. They work without reservations, so when you arrive, tell Igor, the owner, or his waiter and right-hand man, Carlos, and as soon as they can they will make a place for you. Some of the chef's specialties include: anchovies, gildas, Russian shrimp salad, gnocchi, meatballs, croquettes, chicken karaage and above all, vierias... among many other delicacies that change according to the season. Where: 18 Topazi Street. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4.30pm and 7pm to midnight, and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.
Clara Barcelona
I continue with Clara Barcelona, brother of the already well-known Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, Clara Begur, on the Costa Brava. Following the same line, now in this new gastronomic space in Barcelona we find good Mediterranean products, good service and very good music in an open space where the protagonists are the dishes and with the option of a lunch menu for 20 euros that include bread, water and one drink (coffee not included). Of all the wonders they prepare, it is difficult to recommend just one, so it is better to go several times not to miss: anchovies, seafood croquettes, burrata with cherry jam, scallops with bacon, cocochas a la grilled, pickled quail... And for dessert, homemade “flan”, in-house chocolate brownie... Where: 42 Buenos Aires Street. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon to midnight. Sunday and Monday closed.
Noah’s Coffee
There are so many in the city that in some cases you could say that it is just another coffee shop, but this is not the case. So, today I present to you Noah’s Coffee, a new coffee shop in Barcelona, where you will find specialty coffee, various drinks for all tastes as Chai Latte, Matcha Latte, Smoothies made with fresh fruit only... Artisan pastries of the day like croissants, pain au chocolate and some cakes. Also, their already “famous” carrot cake, brownies, cookies… And as if that’s not enough, they also have vegan and gluten-free options and are open every day of the week. Where: Bailén street number 14. Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Paral·lelo Gelato
I finish with a sweet touch... Paral.lelo Gelato or what is the same to: Matteo, Marco and Francesco, who after a few years in Barcelona are opening a new location in the city. These three friends, originally from Italy, were united by their passion for gelato. After spending their childhood in San Remo, a quiet Italian coastal town, together they decided to bring the quality of Italian artisan ice cream to the Catalan capital. Every day, very early, they begin to make their ice creams in the workshop in a completely artisanal way with love, time and dedication. Each ingredient is important for a good result and that is why: they make seasonal ice creams taking advantage of the fruits and vegetables that are at their best. Hence, their flavors continually vary depending on the time of year. They use zero kilometer ingredients to promote the local economy and reduce CO2 emissions by avoiding unnecessary transportation. The milk, cream and yogurt base they use comes from local farms. They use fresh products only to give a high-quality base to their ice creams. Nuts also come from small producers in different areas of Catalonia. Whenever possible they choose organic products and products with the Slow Food seal of Catalonia. And they use top-quality products only, grown according to high-level standards and the best raw materials to obtain and always offer an optimal result. Where: Ausias Marc 55 (new location). Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday: from 12:00 to 24:00.
Article written and translated by Clara De Nadal Trias.
More plans and people from Barcelona here.