Interview with Cristina and Beth Puig-Doria

June, 14, 2021. Written by Clara De Nadal Trias

Cristina (1982) and Beth (1985) Puig-Doria are two well-known Catalan sisters born in Barcelona and one of those people we positively refer to as “brave hearts”. 

For those who know them well know that they are two cheerful, sociable, brave, passionate and talkative women but above all, very close friends. And beyond their relationship as sisters, they also share the same tastes, hobbies, sports and almost everything they do, they do together. 

Professionally, despite working on the family business in the well-known jewelry store Puig-Doria specialized in diamonds, custom jewelry and ultra-elegant and minimalist designs.

They are lucky enough to also have on more project in common, born 6 years ago and named Boria & Coria, an exclusive brand of bags and accessories, where the design and care of each of its creations stands out, production is 100% made and manufactured in Spain and focused on the love of detail.

Cristina, what is the best thing about living in Barcelona?

First of all, I love the fact that both the sea and the mountains are so accessible.

Also in winter, and in less than an hour and a half, you can be skiing and throughout the year you can enjoy the beach at any time of the day.

In addition, the climate is perfect and, since the city is not too very, you can enjoy it by foot and you have everything handy.

What is your favourite place in the city? 

Without a doubt, Paseo de Gracia street. I love walking it from top to bottom, enjoying some of Gaudí's most emblematic buildings, such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

It is also a street where you can find everything and where I like to sit on its well-known benches-lamps, designed by the Barcelona’s architect Pere Falqués i Urpí, while I enjoy people-watching.

Last but not least, a mandatory stop is the exclusive and emblematic multi-brand luxury fashion store Santa Eulália, which inside has a beautiful and cozy terrace where you can have breakfast or eat something. 

And speaking of eating… What is your favorite restaurant in Barcelona?

First of all Restaurante Bonanova, which stands out for its market cuisine and extreme product quality. To eat a good pasta, Tramonti 1980 or il Giardinetto, both super emblematic of Barcelona. Also the well-known Flash Flash tortilla shop, which is open every day of the year from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

And when I feel like eating Japanese I love to go to Restaurant Parco, to enjoy the niguiris that they have outside of the menu and for dessert the vanilla ice cream (with surprise), that instead of the ice scoops, they serve it inside small squares of puffed pastry that you dip in hot chocolate.

In your experience, if you’ve never been to Barcelona, What can’t you miss?

Undoubtly you can not miss Plaza Sant Felip Neri and to have a drink on the hidden terrace of the wonderful Hotel Neri. Of course, a walk along Paseo de Gracia street and go down to the beach to have lunch, or dine in one of the restaurants below the W Hotel Pez Vela, Gallito, etc... 

Fantastic! So your favorite plan is... 

 To have breakfast at Mantequerías Pirenaicas. Then I would go down by foot to Paseo de Gracia and there I would indulge myself in a few stores.

After that I would keep walking untilMercado de La Boqueria, and there I would buy fresh product to prepare a good meal at home, or in the wonderful kitchen of the apartment, if I were staying at The Passage apartments.

After lunch I would rest a little and, after a nap, I would climb into a good pair of heels to have dinner at Fismuler restaurant, where I would order the schnitzel with poached egg on top and the cheesecake for dessert while I enjoy the live music. Voilà! 

Article written and translated by Clara De Nadal Trias.

More info about Barcelona here.