By Manny K., a server from Barcelona Inman Park
“If you visit only one foreign country in your life time, make it Spain” — Ernest Hemingway.
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It was love at the first sight. Spain’s long history has given it a fine combination of all sorts of different cultures and traditions—and, with that, an undeniably amazing gastronomy. Valencia, the first city in our trip, is the third largest city in the country and the home of Paella. Its architecture reminds me of New Orleans, with its balconies, brick roads, and allies, but the food itself can’t compare to anything else I have ever experienced in my entire life. It’s fresh, unique, and simply delicious.
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We began our eating spree at “Central Bar,” located in the market. To me, it was the perfect place for happy hour, where revelers drink after work as they sample and enjoy many different kinds of tapas before heading home for dinner. The salted cod croquettes we had, along with the calamari a la plancha, are simply the best of this world.
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We then moved along to “La Comisaria,” a modern tapas restaurant with Asian influence, and it was interesting to see how the chef combined Asian cuisine with Spanish tapas. Tomato manage a trios—sliced, diced, and moussed—was amazing, as were the morcilla spring rolls. The highlight of the night for me had to be our dining experience at “Casa Montana.”
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The Spanish dine out very late, but it was a Monday night and the restaurant wasn’t that busy. This was perfect for us after a long day of traveling, letting us relax and enjoy the evening. My favorite dishes there were fried fresh sardines, brandade on toast, and veal a la plancha, all served with vermouth, cava, wine, and sherry. I am now in heaven.
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Though our journey has only just begun, and there will be many more stories to tell, I am thoroughly enjoying cultivating new experiences, meeting new people, and getting to know them. I know I will bring back tales of the most amazing dining experience, story after story about food and about how to live your life like a real Spaniard—Pura Vida!!!
