Bodega Joan
Where? Bodega Joan (Eixample, Barcelona, Spain) Map Menu
When? Saturday January 20, 2024
Who? Me
Food Style? Catalan
I was at Plaza España when I happened upon a pro Palestine protest, so I stayed for a while and tried my best to understand everything. As the crowd started to disperse, I went to the Arenas shopping mall and was walking around the 360 platform, texting my sister about various things. She asked how my accommodation situation was going, which dredged up a lot of suppressed anger. Well, if I know myself, the best way to solve this is to suppress it even more with some good food. The worst thing to do would be to drink alcohol.
I've chosen this classically Catalan restaurant in Eixample. As I enter, I see a mound of calçots - Catalan green onions - piled on the bar counter, and I think to myself, "I have to do a calçotada before I leave Barcelona." Anyway, I'm here for some great food, and a non-alcoholic drink, so Fanta Lemon it is, and a selection of four tapas.
Tapa One
Torrezno de Soria: pork crackling
Nothing beats the Chinese way of doing this. It’s tasty but it’s lacking that beautiful crispy crackling.
Tapa Two
Pan con tomate: Catalan bread with tomato
A staple in Catalan cuisine, I really only wanted this to eat with the prawns. By themselves, they’re still excellent and a much needed source of carbs for this meal.
Tapa Three
Berenjena en tempura con melaza: fried eggplant with molasses
This is a really interesting flavour combination but I kinda like it. The molasses are quite strong, it reminds me of golden syrup from NZ. It almost tastes eggy, like a French toast.
Tapa Four
Gambas al ajillo: garlic prawns
The last to arrive, this has a fantastic aroma and the prawns are so soft and succulent.
Dessert
Crema Catalana
What’s a Catalan dinner without the quintessential Catalan dessert, crema catalana. This one is served with two neulas, a cylindrical pastry much like a Chinese egg roll, and usually only found around Christmas time. The crystallized sugar on top cracks beautifully and the balance of flavours is absolutely perfect. It’s creamy, smooth and eggy, rich with flavour without being overly sweet. Definitely the best crema catalana I’ve had this trip.
I’m feeling so good now. All my anger has subsided and I’m back to my usual adventurous spirit. It’s amazing what food does.
Posted by Jeremy at 12:15pm on Thursday March 7, 2024 :: 0 comments :: 