ot restaurant was the location of this week’s meal outting. i had never heard of this place, but fiona was dead set on going there. the restaurant only seats 8 tables per evening, so having a reservation is a must. thankfully and by some luck, we managed to get a seat the very evening that we phoned. hint: it is probably a bit easier to get reservations during off season on a week night because the place wasn’t even filled during the time we were there.

on first glances the decor was a bit funky. reminded me of ikea mixed in with a children’s room. light paneled wood siding with big comical fish decorate the walls. the lighting leaves something to be desired as it was a bit too bright and harsh to consider this a romantic dining venue. the tables were adorned with little blue glass marbles and following the fishy theme the dishes had sea animals on the borders.

we were greeted by a friendly staff that took our coats and let us choose the table that we wanted to sit. the wait staff quickly explained the concept of the restaurant to us which is that on a monthly basis they change their menu. the degustion menu consists of 8 courses. we were also given the choice of a wine card or having them choose for us. we opted for the second and were brought a lovely light red wine (oh and a glass of cava to start).

now, let me jump into my favourite part. the courses. each was timed perfectly and in the precise portion that would allow you to nibble, appreciate, but not gorge. the staff explained each dish in precise detail - in both english and spanish.

1st course - spring onion mousse, egg yolk and smoked salt - this came in an egg shell that was cut across the top and the insides were filled with yummy goodness.

2nd course - meat and haldy kebab with yogurt and chutney - very simple dish, but nice

3rd course - asparagus, bay prawns, arbequina olives and sage - the prawns were tempura style on top of white asparagus that was perfectly cooked - firm, not at all mushy

4th course - duck and foie consomme, pumpkin, wild mushrooms and aniseed - being a big foie fan, i enjoyed this course quite a bit. the only offputting thing was the jello anise chunks.

5th course - turbot, basmati rice and coconut, shitake and basil - the rice on this plate was divine. fiona even ate the fish (which is a miracle!)

6th course - wild boar with purple potatoes and chocolate alioli - i had never had wild boar before, it was quite nice, but as all gamey meats, chewey. the purple potatoes were a bit strange and gluelike which disturbed our poor irish lass who was under the presumption that all potatoes should be white. i didn’t even taste the chocolate, but the sauce was delish.

7th course - sweet potato soup with iced grapes - nice to clear the palate. light. a bit strange, but edible.

8th course - white chocolate, curry, cardoman ice cream and muesli - nice and not too sweet.

the food was fantastic. very adventerous and creative. displayed beautifully. the staff was excellent. the lighting sucked. the desserts were mediocre. since i am not the biggest dessert fan and wasn’t on a romantic evening this wasn’t such an issue with me. the prices for barcelona are high, but for the quality and quantity that you receive anywhere else in the world it would be considered “una ganga” (a bargain). overall i will most certainly return. hopefully on a monthly basis since i am curious what exciting menu december will bring.

[b]OT[/b]
Phone
+34 93 2847752

Address
Torres, 25
Barcelona