This Barcelona experience deserves its own post. On our last night we
went to another recommended restaurant called Cal Pep. We arrived, as advised,
about fifteen minutes before the restaurant opened and joined the growing line
outside. When it opened at 7:30, the three of us were assigned seats along the
bar that extended the entire length of the restaurant. Behind the bar, chefs
were already at work preparing various seafood dishes. We quickly learned that
there was no menu, and that we were about the only people in the restaurant who
had absolutely no idea what we were doing. A server behind the bar suggested
that he bring us a series of five traditional Catalan tapas, so we agreed,
ordered a bottle of wine and prepared ourselves for a culinary experience. The
dynamic behind the counter was fascinating to watch. There were the chefs,
constantly in action sautéing, frying and plating various dishes. A few servers
took orders and delivered plate after plate of tapas and refilled wine glasses.
Everything was extremely fast and efficient, which was necessary because even after
we sat down the line continued to grow behind us. First, we were served clams
sautéed in wine, butter and garlic, which I tried for the first time. Next came
grilled, salted green peppers and a delicious Spanish omelet. The fourth dish
was a bit more mysterious but we decided it was a tuna cevice, or some other
type of raw seafood dish served with toasted bread. I was really proud of
myself for trying this one and I actually really liked it! The last dish was
sausage and beans. Although it couldn’t have lasted more than forty-five
minutes the way they kept our dishes coming and our wine glasses filled, it was
an excellent meal. If there’s one thing I succeeded in doing in Barcelona, I
have to say that I definitely experienced Catalan cuisine.
At Cal Pep after our Meal
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