catalonian food

The food in Barcelona and Cadaques is out of this world

with a number of world-renowned restaurants headed by amazing chefs.

The Costa Brava region is the home of some of the best food in Europe.

(17+ restaurants with Michelin Stars | barcelona has 25+)

Compartir, opened by chefs from the iconic El Bulli, is in Cadaques.

We had a tasting menu for Ian's birthday with...

sardines w/ basil and roasted tomatoes

razor clams on a bed of seaweed

"fried" rabbit ribs w/ roasted apple foam

monk fish w/ shaved fennel

oyster "shooter"

etc... 

(he was in heaven!!)

Each day around 7:30pm in the Cadaques, we could get fresh fish 
including squid, cuttlefish, gambas (shrimp), mussels

(and lots of other stuff - we couldn't figure out what it was!).

In Barcelona, you have the insane opportunity to wander the food market 

(very near our hotel)

and we were blown away but the diversity of food

meat, fish, veggies, fruit, cheeses, sweets, spices/herbs...

The wine was also very tasty (and affordable)!

While in Barcelona, we had an opportunity to try some amazing 

wines from the region, along with some pretty impressive cava. 

Cadaques is also near the home of Martin Faixo Winery.

One afternoon, we took our scooter up to the top of the mountain
(slightly sketchy)

for a visit to their family-run winery.

Interesting wines were made, but our favourite was their cava

(very "champagne-esque")

and their rose

(perfect for a warm day in the sun).

We are a little behind on our blogging but all because we've had guests!!

xx

the mcgees

guest post | reeny does london

Thanks for an unforgettable Spanish vacation.

But as sad as it was for Ian and Sarah to go back to work, I was excited 

to be exposed to their new London lifestyle. 

I didn't go to London for the weather. With that said we'll move on...

They have a great, cozy flat. 

My feet were happy to return to it daily after loads of adventuresome walks. 

Having spent some time in London in the past, I took this time to stroll to 

secondary sights avoiding most tourist crowds.

What intrigued me most this time around was the significant architectural updates 

to historic monumental buildings and areas. 

Incorporating new with the ancient is awesome. 

A few examples... the library addition at Trinity College (Cambridge), 

the interior of the British Museum as compared to its exterior, 

the Eye, the "bullet" building and the random office building downtown 

across from St. Paul's cathedral.

Thank you Sarah and Ian for being great hosts, 

for delish traditional English breakfast, 

sharing me with extended family 

and for putting up with my tired toes.

no trip is complete without a trip to borough market

british museum

 

old & new

king's college chapel

best tour guide, ian's uncle... tristan

tristan's library - trinity college

 

 

  

Keep stock piling those umbrellas. Pain to live with but can't live without. :)

xx
reeny