tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51574225869161224242024-03-18T04:26:54.437-07:00Fun and insightful tips to make your experience in Barcelona unique.Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-16678378839508073892016-09-29T10:08:00.000-07:002016-10-13T09:45:46.129-07:00Barcelona's Torre Agbar - Past and Future<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold;">By Javier Castillo - September/29/2016</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: https://en.wikipedia.org</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">Depending on whom you ask you will get different opinions regarding Barcelona's </span><a href="http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/517/torre-agbar.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Torre Agbar</span></a><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">. Some people love the building while others see it as an eyesore, disrupting the cities emblematic skyline. </span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some residents describe it as a bullet, while others have a more lecherous imagination when referring to its profile.</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Regardless of what you think, the building, which got its design inspiration from the nearby mountains of </span><a href="http://www.montserratvisita.com/en/index.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Montserrat</span></a><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and was created to resemble the shape of water </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">shooting</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">upwards from a geyser, is reinventing itself for the coming years. As an official landmark and recognizable symbol of Barcelona, not to mention one of the most photographed monuments in the city, the building will soon give up its public function.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">For the last 11 years it has been home to the Barcelona Water Company, yet more recently it has been sold off to the </span><a href="http://www.whg.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Westmont Hospitality Group</span></a><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"> (WHG) for close to $150M which will convert it into a luxury hotel. The deal wasn’t a smooth transition as current mayor Ada Colao and her agenda to freeze the issuing of licences for new hotels and holiday homes caused some initial difficulties. Colao had to settle in the end and permit the transaction due to pressure by several parties involved, as well as other binding legal reasons.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">Torre Agbar was designed by </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Nouvel" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jean Nouvel</span></a></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">, the same architect that renovated the Fábrica Moritz - Bar & Restaurant in Barcelona and which I wrote about </span><a href="http://www.bestofbarcelona.es/2012/01/make-mine-moritz-please.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">. The design is reminiscent of London’s own "The Gherkin" building. With its noticeable 38 stories it is one of Barcelona's tallest buildings and when the hotel is finally inaugurated it will then be the second tallest hotel in the city (behind the </span><a href="http://www.hotelartsbarcelona.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hotel Arts Barcelona</span></a><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">). When the hotel will actually open its doors is still to be determined but now that it has settled some of the municipal procedures and will soon procure its licensing paperwork, the next steps are the remodeling phase and once that's finished, the official grand opening. </span></span><br />
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-29460742336861161442016-08-31T14:00:00.008-07:002016-10-13T09:48:30.464-07:003 Uber Cool Coworking Spaces in Barcelona<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - August/31/2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Most people would say that work is done better together than alone. It is a fundamental philosophy behind why organizations thrive and it helps support the nature of <a href="http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/team-dynamics.html" target="_blank">team dynamics</a>. Corporations have banked on it for years, and its true that camaraderie, teamwork and productivity don't happen in silos. If you aren't currently working in an office and need a change from working at Starbucks or from your home in pajamas, don't fret. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coworking" target="_blank">Coworking</a> spaces are a great solution. They exist to allow you to work alongside other individuals that appreciate the social, collaborative, and more formal aspects of an office environment. A coworking space and the habitat it spawns can and should be a good thing; sparking creativity, fostering a feeling that you belong, and perhaps the opportunity to break some ice and find a new client, a new co-founder, or even a new friend. That being said, here are the top 3 coworking spots in Barcelona:<br />
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<b>1. betahaus I Barcelona</b><br />
Carrer de Vilafranca, 7<br />
(08024) Barcelona, Spain.<br />
<a href="http://www.betahaus.es/">www.betahaus.es</a><br />
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"At our location in Barcelona we have around 2000 sqmts divided in 6 floors and 5 terraces. You can spend your working day here, attend a workshop or build your prototypes in our maker area. You can host your event at our facilities or use it as your breakout office. We have got open space for collaborative work as well as meeting rooms for confidential conversations." - <i>Betahaus website</i><br />
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<b>2. MOB (Makers of Barcelona)</b><br />
Carrer Bailen, 11, Bajos<br />
(08024) Barcelona, Spain.<br />
<a href="http://www.mob-barcelona.com/">www.mob-barcelona.com</a><br />
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"The philosophy of MOB is that of a self-perpetuating, ever-evolving creativity loop. By connecting people, who may otherwise not have the opportunity to know one another, we open an infinite chain of possibilities for collaboration. Your new friend has other new friends, who know other friends, who you should really know. Thus initiating both a strong micro-community and a wider reaching macro-community. MOB facilitates taking these new collaborations and manifesting them into something real by providing tools in the form of the newest maker technologies--like 3D printers and laser cutters-- skill-sharing workshops, and open-sourced knowledge sharing. New discoveries result in new ideas and the drive towards utilizing community in order to innovate." - <i>MOB website</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY_v09JthwHwohDgF_y2QyqWQt1-zwrqo5kvhMhCAJny7IiyeEWT7mIH7OzeijDFeXDZ4qsluxpQJyDNCj2hbVBX0X_ZdzYM9lXttJCIAto1PiXuXodJxb4CpkPzxx5a34Aht-okSXGXK/s1600/1544505_878461918850400_538140640025613467_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKY_v09JthwHwohDgF_y2QyqWQt1-zwrqo5kvhMhCAJny7IiyeEWT7mIH7OzeijDFeXDZ4qsluxpQJyDNCj2hbVBX0X_ZdzYM9lXttJCIAto1PiXuXodJxb4CpkPzxx5a34Aht-okSXGXK/s640/1544505_878461918850400_538140640025613467_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Photo Credit: Heike Schuricht</span></td></tr>
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<b>3. Valkiria Hub Space</b></div>
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Carrer de Pujades, 126 </div>
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(08005) Barcelona, Spain.</div>
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"We believe that talent, innovation and creativity are needed in order to foster a collaborative environment in which personal and professional development are paramount.</div>
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Through our services – including co-working, mentoring and event organization – our aim is to build a community which is pillared by the ideas and energy of those businesses, organizations, freelancers and entrepreneurs who, like us, passionately work to provide value, generate new ideas and innovate." - <i>Valkiria website</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi0hKFoYr77uuqpEw0bhyphenhyphen_U37QQTpy6MZtn5KDR8MtUpdHXqUgbpg8sR6Deog0BzxsZj_9oEyrkIaNIngYYwLkWcSA4YSWrWlO3mVTuyoFxeqWCBSqIUTMWgGr8NDcaIWIBMfulahgTkW/s1600/10451322_662392987168423_6247314172851199272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi0hKFoYr77uuqpEw0bhyphenhyphen_U37QQTpy6MZtn5KDR8MtUpdHXqUgbpg8sR6Deog0BzxsZj_9oEyrkIaNIngYYwLkWcSA4YSWrWlO3mVTuyoFxeqWCBSqIUTMWgGr8NDcaIWIBMfulahgTkW/s640/10451322_662392987168423_6247314172851199272_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span>Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-37615049415680384012016-07-26T08:00:00.004-07:002016-08-04T03:23:10.851-07:00Building by the Sea: Pier 01 Barcelona Tech City<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - July/26/2016</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Soon after the Brexit
announcement last month, many economists and industry experts were </span><span style="line-height: 15.3333px;">prophesying</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> that several major cities in Europe would benefit by becoming the new destination for
international financial and technology firms.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIFl_6AlTKli4VIbF6G4raD0UqLbj-gEw4vNY6LWEWoMM4tCHeNF23yryE_kSYz-AujcyhebF5YAfVJ-pWPTGMi5S45aIsOfNHW9gT7VlGhpPIY0flAxXOhUyqJOPFM_SiF8Zmo4r-ae0/s1600/www.lavanguardia.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIFl_6AlTKli4VIbF6G4raD0UqLbj-gEw4vNY6LWEWoMM4tCHeNF23yryE_kSYz-AujcyhebF5YAfVJ-pWPTGMi5S45aIsOfNHW9gT7VlGhpPIY0flAxXOhUyqJOPFM_SiF8Zmo4r-ae0/s640/www.lavanguardia.com.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.lavanguardia.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">While it’s
certain many of these will see an influx of new business, companies,
investments, and growth -- due to the UK fallout -- we all know the future is
impossible to predict. Nonetheless, Barcelona is one of the often-cited </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">cities </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">to be a
benefactor of London’s departure from the EU. And, while the city doesn’t
really have a strong financial industry -- compared to say Frankfurt or Paris -- many startups and technology companies
have sprung up in the last five years making the city, at present, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">an established and innovative tech hub. To further that
point, Pier 01, the new 10.000 square meters startup headquarters that has
taken more than 2 years and 3.5 million euros to develop, will surely become a reference
in the city when one thinks about cutting-edge organizations, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">entrepreneurs, and the growing technological industry.
Pier 01’s location is inside the 19</span><sup style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> century <a href="http://www.portvellbcn.com/en/live_port_vell/points_of_interest/det-palau_de_mar_restaurants_i14412" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Palau de Mar</span></a> brick building and will house more than 80 startups which include the likes of <a href="http://www.byhours.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">ByHours</span></a>,
<a href="http://www.holaluz.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HolaLuz</span></a>, and <a href="https://us.letgo.com/en" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Letgo</span></a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl7vH1xgU0JO_FyugcqzXpojhnWhTu0IeVUXA8ElrLRG2PhVT1M2hUeTvmeoC6sbC7vFf1HjD4N0Bb4a5yvsl1IF2hmk2DiZkOikC0WCyUoQtSVZBpcrk1XymmmPD-6rdqt1qVn6GITmR/s1600/www.elperiodico.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl7vH1xgU0JO_FyugcqzXpojhnWhTu0IeVUXA8ElrLRG2PhVT1M2hUeTvmeoC6sbC7vFf1HjD4N0Bb4a5yvsl1IF2hmk2DiZkOikC0WCyUoQtSVZBpcrk1XymmmPD-6rdqt1qVn6GITmR/s640/www.elperiodico.com.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.elperiodico.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Besides
offices, the space will conduct conferences, training sessions, and workshops catering
to entrepreneurs as well as national and international companies. Regading the
idea behind the name, CEO of <a href="http://www.ecommercetechbcn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Barcelona Tech City</span></a> - Miquel Marti</span> – explains that a “<span style="background: white;">pier is where the boats arrive
and get shelter, and that is what we’re doing for Barcelona startups, giving
shelter.” </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">According to
President </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miguel Vicente, it will be one of the
largest “homes for entrepreneurs” in Europe in due time. And so, Barcelona will
continue its claim of being a ever-growing hotbed for startups, entrepreneurs, VCs, and the
like. All this will continue to put the city on the global map and echo the “<a href="http://lameva.barcelona.cat/bcnmetropolis/en/dossier/barcelona-inspira/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Barcelona Inspires</span></a>” motto the city adopted years back and which continues to ring true today. </span></span><br />
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-3891223763322639542016-05-31T11:51:00.000-07:002016-06-02T03:35:34.280-07:00Primavera Sound 2016 - A Festival Not To Be Missed<div style="background: #FEFDFA; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - May/31/2016</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">It's sweet music to my ears<b>. </b></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">That’s right, </span><b style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.primaverasound.com/" target="_blank">Primavera Sound</a></b><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> is well
on its way! June 1st marks the first official day of this
top-notch festival that brings together an amazing array of artists to satisfy the musical tastes of all ages. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb-G5TL-SKgOap4lesKHqwTMdlMJZ8cCvdjf-USJqiXFgkn9GTqUqiwMO2XD0B43uLUp3su7SXowejEVlfgsIUd28E5rJwjXmhVEUJP4L5AyoLaH-T2SMLXTPXj0OK390kctv_Gps8Gh4/s1600/primavera-sound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb-G5TL-SKgOap4lesKHqwTMdlMJZ8cCvdjf-USJqiXFgkn9GTqUqiwMO2XD0B43uLUp3su7SXowejEVlfgsIUd28E5rJwjXmhVEUJP4L5AyoLaH-T2SMLXTPXj0OK390kctv_Gps8Gh4/s640/primavera-sound.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image: www.youstylish.com</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Pop, rock, hip hop, electronica and more are well
represented. What better way to great the month of June than dancing alongside
your friends and other festival-goers to the sounds of Suede, LCD SoundSystem, Radiohead, Sigur Rós and other big
names. The 3-day festival brings out an elite selection of more than 100 artists and bands from all corners of the world, gracing the many stages at </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.parcdelforum.cat/en/">Parc
del Fòrum</a></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> in
Barcelona. This year's event is expected to break the record-setting
attendance numbers of last year which stood at over 190.000 people. You can basically
fit the entire Camp Nou (twice) with that many attendees. Since 2001, Primavera
Sound has carved out its position as a solid reference when it comes to great
musical festivals in Europe and, to no surprise, this has certainly helped put the
Barcelona music scene on the map over the years.</span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For those interested in attending, there are still some tickets available that you can purchase here on </span><a href="http://www.ticketbis.com/en/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ticketbis</a><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">:</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1Zcx5Wm" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">http://bit.ly/1Zcx5Wm</a><br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">Also for
those smartphone savvy people, Primavera Sound has an app that you can download
for in English, Spanish and Catalan and is available in both the App Store and
Google Play:</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #3e3e3e;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.oneevent-oneapp.com/primaverasound-2016" target="_blank">http://www.oneevent-oneapp.com/primaverasound-2016</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">For further information
you can always check out the official website and Facebook Page:</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/primaverasoundfestivals/?ref=ts" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">https://www.facebook.com/primaverasoundfestivals</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.primaverasound.com/" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">https://www.primaverasound.com</span></a><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span></div>
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-86811328659772194722016-03-31T14:32:00.003-07:002016-05-03T05:23:09.949-07:00Paradiso: A Taste of Paradise in the Born<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - March/31/2016</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Do my eyes deceive me? What would cause a group of people to stand in line on a </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Friday night </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">for what appears to be an ordinary-looking
sandwich shop in the Born district of Barcelona? Are they giving out free
sandwiches? Is this another recently opened<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferran_Adri%C3%A0" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ferran Adrià</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">hotspot? At first glance it doesn't make sense. Why
would hordes of people eagerly queue at such late hours for two pieces of bread
and some smoked meat? I approached the bouncer at the entrance and he informed me that it wasn't the pastrami sandwiches that were causing a stir -- the real reason,he clarified, was hiding behind a refrigerator door. As it seemed, the sandwich shop, which consequently serves excellent food, was a front for a hidden gem: the latest,
ultra-trendy speakeasy lounge properly titled <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Paradiso-928595557214379" target="_blank">Paradiso</a></i></b>. That’s right, behind one of the shops otherwise normal-looking
refrigerator doors you find another world all together -- as if the person
behind the idea read<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion,_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe#Plot_summary" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> all too often and took inspiration, verbatim. The truth is
Paradiso is the brainchild of the local </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.rooftopsmokehouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Rooftop Smokehouse</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">crew that always churns out delicious smoked
artisan goods from, you guessed it, rooftop terraces, as well as local food trucks. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oVpFHIOtHRwQ0ND_HTZLxRiE6Queax9OzPTEB69Xx_uGh79_zm9MjxVLXfOZE5vW86Af6vUmSswx8hzan67oHm6hdGgYm0IPsVMF0gPoUCBThQqXs1SzVAtZnE6o_kEkN5QTNNRYsdyz/s1600/Paradiso-Barcelona-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oVpFHIOtHRwQ0ND_HTZLxRiE6Queax9OzPTEB69Xx_uGh79_zm9MjxVLXfOZE5vW86Af6vUmSswx8hzan67oHm6hdGgYm0IPsVMF0gPoUCBThQqXs1SzVAtZnE6o_kEkN5QTNNRYsdyz/s640/Paradiso-Barcelona-1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">However, Paradiso takes their game to a whole new level. One</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 115%;"> step inside and the decoration is what first hits you. It’s breath-taking
and completely unexpected, with wood-paneling from wall to wall. Are we in a sleek
Norwegian avant-garde cabin for hipster pipe smokers? Are we inside a petrified
whale’s carcass cast in wood? The interior space was the product of pulling
from various styles together such as Art-Deco and Minimalism and adding a
splash of cool in the mix. It’s the sort of place where you would expect the
staff to be wearing tight black turtlenecks and <a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/" target="_blank">Warby Parker</a> frames. Of course, they
aren’t, but they are certainly some of the nicest and most attentive that I have
had the privilege of being served by at any lounge in Barcelona. Drinks do often
take their sweet time to be made, but what’s the rush? Expect that if you order
a complex blend, when the place is packed, the wait will obviously be longer. Still,
it’s the sort of place that won’t let that get to you. The chill out music (that despite being a bit
loud at times) causes you to</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 18.4px;"> lose track of time and reality</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 18.4px;"> and helps </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">settle your mood. So go ahead, kick back, and enjoy an expertly-crafted
cocktail and if you are hungry order yourself a pastrami sandwich while you are
at it. After all, you are worth it. And if adventurous and open-minded is how you would describe yourself, then a must-have is the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/928595557214379/photos/a.955600697847198.1073741828.928595557214379/986494601424474/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Kentucky Whisky Sour</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">. So next time you
are in the Born area, step into Paradise; its closer than you think.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">More Information:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Paradiso-928595557214379" target="_blank">Paradiso</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Direction: Carrer Rera Palau 4, Barcelona, Spain</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Website: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Paradiso-928595557214379">https://www.facebook.com/Paradiso-928595557214379</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Telephone: 933 60 72 22</span></span></div>
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-75701632453769099322016-02-22T05:12:00.002-08:002016-02-29T13:37:11.054-08:00Mobile World Congress 2016<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f2f31; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - February/22/2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wondering who all these new people in the city are? Did 20 cruise ships just unload passengers at the port? No my befuddled comrade, it's <a href="https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mobile World Congress 2016</b></a> and it is well underway! The event that dates back to 1987 has had a bit of a slow start today due to a last-minute <a href="http://www.thelocal.es/20160222/chaos-in-barcelona-as-metro-workers-strike-mobile-world-congress" target="_blank">Metro strike</a>. Yet, the city is certainly buzzing with energy, optimism, and - you guessed it - mobile-minded techies from all over the world. This is the biggest thing in Mobile. Period. This year Zuck was spotted over the weekend jogging around the city to unsuspecting eyes, taking in all the glorious sights Barcelona has offer. Today he made a surprise appearance at the Samsung event to hype up the new <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/wearables/gear-vr/" target="_blank">Samsung Gear VR</a>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The day will certainly play out with more exciting product announcements as well as some great demonstrations to catch the public's attention. One thing that is more prominent this year, compared to last, is the protagonism of virtual reality. It's the new "new" - appearing to take center stage and stirring up interest both at a B2B and B2C level. The future looks very bright indeed for Mobile and this Congress and its amazing turnout can attest to that. Here is a great infographic that </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">clearly </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">explains mobile's global reach in regards to subscriber growth trends from 2015 to 2020:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2f2f31; font-family: , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">So, there you have it. Get ready for another great year at Mobile World Congress; here are a few important links and information to help you organize and stay ontop of things:<br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2f2f31; font-family: , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">You can find the entire Conference agenda </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #2f2f31; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">here: </span></span><span style="color: #2f2f31; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><a href="https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/where-when/">https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/where-when/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.mobileworldlive.com/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e50000; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Mobile World Live</a> - they are reporting on all the news realtime. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.mobileworldlive.com/mobile-world-live-tv-2016-preshow/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e50000; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Mobile World Live TV</a> for live interviews and panel discussions, as well as keynote speech broadcasts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read the <a href="https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/news/mobile-world-daily/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #e50000; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Mobile World Daily</a> each day for their recap of all of the happenings at the event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Follow the GSMA on Twitter here: <a href="https://twitter.com/gsma/">https://twitter.com/gsma/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last but not least, check out the after-parties here!: <a href="http://bit.ly/2199if5">http://bit.ly/2199if5</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have fun and get your mobile on! </span></div>
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-36386442205197415042016-01-11T02:51:00.000-08:002016-01-28T02:19:00.678-08:00Come Con Los Mishras - Indian Food Done Right<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - January/11/2016<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It takes over 10 hours to fly from Barcelona to India. That's</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> almost half a day of travelling. As an Indian food lover and curry fanatic the long haul seems worth it. You would be right if you assume I'm exaggerating a little, but nonetheless I have tried my fair share of Indian restaurants all over the world, from San Francisco to London, and more recently here in Barcelona. I’ve explored many hole-in-the-wall joints and more upscale eateries. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But the truth is that most of my past experiences have been lackluster at some of the better-known and recommended spots. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not labelling myself as a Indian food super-expert but I know quality and authenticity when its in front of me. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Convinced that there has to be a great and genuine </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">place here in the city where one can get truly bona fide </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Indian food - well-cooked and with fresh natural ingredients - I haven't stopped searching with my rumbling stomach and appetite for discovery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />One day, out of sheer coincidence during an online search, I discovered <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/comeconmishras" target="_blank">Come Con Los Mishras</a> </b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(check out </span><a href="http://www.eatwith.com/es/list/spain/Barcelona/?sort=featured" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">EatWith</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for other local gems)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. They aren’t found on TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Bon Appetite - or in any major publication or guide - and that actually might be a good thing. The merit comes in that secretly exclusive feeling and ambiance they provide, the warm-hearted service and company, and the brilliantly tasting and undoubtedly authentic dishes they create. The menu is diverse, focusing on a variety of traditional mouth-watering dishes from all over India. And to assure you are well taken care of, they only take one reservation per night for a maximum of 4 lucky guests. Come Con Los Mishras was an idea ex-ESADE Business School student Saurabh Mishra and his wife thought up. Their value proposition? Offer authentic, aptly cooked Indian food utilizing only the best ingredients and do it at a smaller scale so you can focus on making each and every single dish to perfection. You won’t find any supermarket brand curry powders being used. “We bring spices from India” Saurabh explains to me as I delightedly devour a fork-full of the rich Chicken Kundapur. “I have a passion to cook as well as entertain, that’s why we are not a traditional restaurant but rather a place to eat well and socialize” he comments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I interview him further, over one of his fine dinners, to learn more about the idea behind Come Con Los Mishras (in English “Eat With The Mishras”):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>1. Why have you started Come Con Los Mishras?</b> It’s my entrepreneurial spirit. Besides, Farmantra - a financial services company for life sciences I founded - I teach finance which is another passion of mine. I started Come Con Los Mishras in order to diversify my risks. Also, there are several curries from my village in the east as well as delicious curries from the south of India. I thought this will be an opportunity to expose the food from these regions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>2. Where did you learn to cook? </b>I learnt cooking myself when I was in the USA back in 2007. I was craving good Indian food and found that it was not possible for me to eat at restaurants everyday which was not only expensive but also not healthy. I started cooking as a hobby and that slowly converted to a passion of mine. I then started experimenting and cooking several dishes from different regions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>3. How long have you been cooking this type of food?</b> I have been cooking for around 8 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>4. How would you characterize this type of food?</b> The food that I cook comes from different regions. In restaurants, you mostly get north Indian food such as Tandoori items, Naan, etc. At our place, you not only get food from the north India but also from south and east and many dishes that are cooked at home. Of course we do not have the Indian Tandoor oven and hence we cannot offer Naan that you get in restaurants, but the beauty about the food from all these regions is that if you are vegan/vegetarian you have hundreds of varieties of curries that are delicious and not bland. I have posted several of them on our Facebook Page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/comeconmishras">https://www.facebook.com/comeconmishras</a>). Second, I do not burn the spices (Masalas) while cooking which is also very typical in Indian cooking. This way the benefits of having spices remain when you eat our food. We use a moderate amount of spices such that it is not very spicy yet it is delicious and healthy and something you can eat on an everyday basis. Last but not least you know what you are eating as its home cooked and we also eat with you and answer any questions you may have about Indian food or India in general.</span><br />
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<b>5. What ingredients do you use, are the fresh and easy to find in Barcelona?</b> We bring spices from India. Other herbs such as coriander leaves, fenugreek leaves, etc. are available here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>6. Where are the food and dishes from?</b> The food is from the south, east and north. The first item you are trying tonight is usually serve (Idli) which is from the south. The marinated chicken (Hariyali chicken) is from the north. The fish curry with coconut milk that we sometimes prepare is from the coastal southwest area. Before every meal, I ask the clients by email their food preferences and any food allergies they might have before I shop for the ingredients and begin cooking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span lang="EN-US"><b>7. What characteristics are the foods from the south
of India compared to the rest? In the south are there are more fish or meat
dishes? More curry dishes?</b> The differences lie not in the use of meat or fish
but in the use of spices and oils. For example, in the south using curry leaves
is sine qua non. Also white lentils (Urad Daal) are used a lot and many dishes
are cooked in coconut oil. In the east, Indian food, especially from Bihar and Bengal,
uses mustard oil especially when making fish dishes, eggplant, and others. In the
north we use cumin seeds as well as ginger garlic paste in almost all dishes. Due
to the use of different spices and oils, the taste of the curries varies in every
region and are very delicious as well. If you see this <a href="https://goo.gl/ZW0RLf" target="_blank"><b>shrimp curry in coconutmilk dish</b></a> it is
made in mustard oil which also gives it a pungent flavor. This is a typical
dish from Bengal in the eastern part of India. This <a href="https://goo.gl/aIQecx" target="_blank"><b>shrimp curry dish</b></a>,
which is from the east of India – from the state of Bihar – is made in mustard
oil (no coconut milk in this curry). If you are a vegan, check out this <a href="https://goo.gl/T477AG" target="_blank"><b>curry</b></a>. Hence you can see how curries can be so different. It
is difficult to get these curries in restaurants here in Barcelona that is why
what we offer is unique. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to expose different
foods from various regions of India, especially the curries.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Bengali shrimp curry with coconut milk</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">MasterChef Saurabh Mishra</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Shrimp in mustard curry</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>The info needed to get your grub on:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Come Con Los Mishras </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/comeconmishras <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Email and reservations: comeconmishras@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Location: Gracia neighborhood, Barcelona, Spain</span>Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-59195045124012107532015-07-31T10:18:00.002-07:002015-08-02T09:45:51.464-07:00Restaurante Me - Asian-American Cuisine You Need To Try<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - July/31/2015</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Chances are you've never heard of <a href="http://restaurantmebarcelona.com/" target="_blank"><b>Restaurant Me</b></a> in Barcelona. In my 11 years of living in the city, I had never heard of this little gem located in the Eixample neighborhood. The restaurant has been around for almost as long, 10 years in the making. The owner, Thang Pham, who is originally from Vietnam but lived a lot of his years in New Orleans and other countries</span><span style="line-height: 19px;">, </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">was as welcoming as anyone could be. </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Pulling up a chair next to our table, he explained many of his recommended dishes, with a detailed memory of the ingredients used, and cooking techniques that went into their elaboration. He has an enthusiastic passion for food (as well as architecture) and he shows it. Check out his interesting story below.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Restaurante Me serves up a unique mix of Vietnamese, Cajun, Creole and Spanish food. This is the first and only of its kind in Barcelona. </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Of all the dishes we sampled, particularly the seared mackerel sashimi, soft-shell crab tempura, and the spicy bonito tataki main course were outstanding and highly recommendable. To finish off the meal, the dessert was a deliciously surprising homemade cheesecake with black pepper topping. I have had chocolate ice cream with olive oil and sea salt flakes many times - at many different restaurants - and this was a new refreshing twist on a similar concept. </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">As for the wine selections, they are impressive and I was delighted to spot one of my favorite Spanish wines from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumilla_(DO)" target="_blank">Jumilla</a> region, <i><a href="http://bodegaselnido.com/vinos/clio/" target="_blank">Clio</a>,</i> on the menu and at a truly affordable price.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seared mackerel sashimi with toasted garlic compote, smoked oil & fresh herbs<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you fancy a new cuisine that consolidates several styles, regions and flavors of the world, then Restaurant Me has to be on your to-visit list. In addition, if you enjoy elaborate and expertly made cocktails don't forget to grab one at the bar before or during your meal. The bartender is a true mixologist and churns out some tasty creations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">More Information:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://restaurantmebarcelona.com/" target="_blank">Restaurante Me</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Direction: Carrer de París, 162, 08036 Barcelona</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Website: <a href="http://restaurantmebarcelona.com/" target="_blank">http://restaurantmebarcelona.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Telephone: 934 19 49 33</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Open Tues-Sat 1:30 to 4:00 pm & 8:30 to 11:00 pm</span></span><br />
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-35371643498899320282015-06-29T02:09:00.000-07:002015-07-02T04:18:50.891-07:00Topik Restaurant - Big Flavor in Barcelona<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit, serif;">Adelf Morales is a name you want to know. The founder and chef of the restaurant <a href="http://www.topikrestaurant.es/" target="_blank"><b><i>Topik</i></b></a> is part of the young and creative generation of chefs continuing to put the Barcelona culinary scene on the map. His time spent in Japan and his experience working with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mart%C3%ADn_Berasategui" target="_blank">Martín Berasategui</a> at <a href="https://www.restaurantlasarte.com/" target="_blank">Lasarte</a> and </span><a href="https://www.arzak.info/arz_web.php?idioma=En" target="_blank">Arzak</a><span style="color: #212121;"> in San Sebastián, to name a few, has helped him fine-tune his profession. Topik is a place for lovers of seafood, sushi, nouvelle cuisine and those with an open and curious appetite. If you hunger for oysters and something cold and frizzante, well then search no further as there is a french oysters and cava special most nights that is gauranteed to satisfy that craving. When you look at the menu, some of the plates offered might strike you as odd or of an unusual combination at first thought, but believe me, they work. Like an alchemist’s ability to transmute base metals into the noble metals, Adelf churns out impressive delectable creations.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">images courtesy of http://www.topikrestaurant.es/</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit, serif;">For example, who would think of pairing guacamole with uni? Well, you will be surprised as the result is a dish that is surprisingly smooth, delicious and wonderfully balanced. In this regard, and in many others, Adelf is experimental, daring and knows what he's doing. Fresh grilled squid stuffed with butiffara sausage (chipirones rellenos de butifarra y sus patitas) is one plate that stands out particularly in my mind. And if paella or rice dishes are your thing, don’t pass up the seafood rice with shrimp and mushroom (arroz de ceps y gambas rojas). The menu is broad and offers other great choices of meats and fish so there is something for everyone. Check that out <a href="http://www.topikrestaurant.es/idioma/pdf/TOPIK_carta_julio.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit, serif;">For dessert I had the house tiramisu - which I believe should be renamed to “tearamisu” - as rather than using the traditional coffee-soaked ladyfingers, they use green tea as a substitute making it fresh, light, and most definitely delicious. This place is a must-try for foodies and those interested in exploring new tastes and sensations. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: inherit, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.topikrestaurant.es/" target="_blank">Topik Restaurant</a></b></span><span style="color: #212121;"><br />Calle València, 199 - 08011 Barcelona</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121;"><a href="http://www.topikrestaurant.es/">http://www.topikrestaurant.es/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121;">T +34 93 451 09 23</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121;">Open everyday except for Sunday and Monday nights closed.</span></div>
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-28058600666853984052015-04-30T06:00:00.003-07:002015-06-13T04:39:14.594-07:00Barcelona's Best Peruvian Restaurant For Your Buck<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - April/30/2015</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ceviche103.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Ceviche 103</span></a></b> is quite possibly the best
Peruvian Restaurant in Barcelona for your buck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8jDL7XQ1R3e4KcnWOKGACfBAfi5YDCb-SDIw6XWSCKnJrmlf44a4i-3NjiI-iFg4qrWsLWpke6RHlzelvBXilQaszXFurL3hbQTt1Tn-wek6xqIKR9vXDDg0R26uypP0pWg0v1egEWoh/s1600/Ceviche-103-Barcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8jDL7XQ1R3e4KcnWOKGACfBAfi5YDCb-SDIw6XWSCKnJrmlf44a4i-3NjiI-iFg4qrWsLWpke6RHlzelvBXilQaszXFurL3hbQTt1Tn-wek6xqIKR9vXDDg0R26uypP0pWg0v1egEWoh/s1600/Ceviche-103-Barcelona.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">When it comes to South American Food in Barcelona, Peruvian food has comfortably carved its own niche in the great international cuisines options. And it’s well-deserved. I'm a fan of Peruvian food: Papa a la huancaina (Huancayo-style potatoes) and Causas? Bring it! Chairo, Copús, and Ceviche? Yes, please! The variety of Peruvian dishes (close to 500) is impressive to say the least. Different regions of the country have their own delectable creations and with over 4,000 varieties of native potatoes, that's right, a 4 with three 0s, imagine the flavors, textures and creativity that can be derived from such a savory staple. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: #252525;">American wine and food critic for The New York Times</span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span></span></span><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/a/eric_asimov/index.html" style="line-height: 115%;" target="_blank" title="Eric Asimov"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Eric Asimov</span></a><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">, has described Peruvian food as
one of the world's most important cuisines and as an exemplar of fusion cuisine </span><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">(</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fefdfa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;"><i>Nikkei</i></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i style="color: #252525;"> </i><span style="color: #252525;">for example, which I also write about </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.bestofbarcelona.es/2013_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a></span><span style="color: #252525;">),
due to its long multicultural history. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">If you find yourself in
Barcelona and want to scratch your Peruvian food itch then you really need to
try Ceviche 103. Head chef </span><a href="https://ceviche103.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/roberto-sihuay-ceviche-103-se-caracteriza-por-su-cocina-peruana-contemporanea-y-evolutiva/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Roberto Sihuay</span></a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> has spent several years perfecting his craft in restaurants in Peru as well
as Spain. His vision is to offer tasty original dishes but not skimping on
detail or presentation. According to him, his philosophy is to “focus on the
traditional flavors of Peruvian cuisine applying cooking techniques that captivate
the most discerning palates."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ceviche 103, as the name might imply, doesn’t offer
103 types of ceviche, they offer 8 varieties and they are all magnificent.
Besides ceviche, they have popular and mouth-watering plates such as
Causas (which is a mashed yellow potato dumpling mixed with key lime,
onion, chili and oil and to which you add tuna, chicken or other toppings),
rice with seafood (reminiscent of paella), and wild sea bass in leche de tigre
which is a juice that is comprised of white wine, vodka or pisco, ground green
chillies, salt and pepper. It's an awesome hangover cure as well, trust
me. You can check out there menu here to start getting prepped before your
actual visit. As for the restaurant, it is a friendly, modern and colorful
place and an excellent choice to enjoy some of the best Peruvian cuisine
Barcelona has to offer. The young and helpful staff - ever attentive - can
assist and guide you through the menú all while you sip on a delicious and
expertly made </span><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/peruvian-pisco-sour-243479" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pisco Sour</span></a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Ceviche 103</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ceviche103.com/">http://www.ceviche103.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Calle Londres, 103 - 08036 Barcelona. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Tel.: 932 098 835 </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Email: info@ceviche103.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-33576729278537177192015-03-31T13:30:00.003-07:002015-04-10T07:12:04.989-07:00Barcelona’s Own Silicon Valley: District 22@<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - March/31/2015</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Barcelona’s Own Silicon Valley: District 22@ is </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">a perfect example of urban renovation that allows for growth in the tech, science and other knowledge-based industries all while preserving the local </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">neighborhood life</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.pemb.cat/" style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.pemb.cat/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">As a follow-up to the article I wrote last year regarding <a href="http://www.bestofbarcelona.es/2014_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Barcelona’s local tech scene</a>, I thought it appropriate to highlight the district which houses many of these innovative
startups and modern enterprises. Many cities have their own tech neighborhoods or areas
- New York has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Alley" target="_blank">Silicon Alley</a>, San
Francisco Bay Area has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Valley" target="_blank">Silicon Valley</a>, Dublin
has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Docks" target="_blank">Silicon Docks</a> - and Barcelona is no exception with its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22@" target="_blank">22@</a>. In line with the idea of
transforming and<span class="apple-converted-space"> redeveloping a</span> rather
industrial and abandoned area of the city known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Poblenou" target="_blank">Poblenou</a>,
and backed by 180 million euros of public investment in infrastructure, the
22@ (also known as 22@Barcelona)
district is a conglomeration of high-rise residential
properties, large shopping complexes, hotels and, you guessed it, new firms.
Since its inception in early 2000, it follows the aspiring urban
renewal</span> model – both socially and economically. As such, it has brought a lot of
advancements to the area by offering present-day corporations<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"> of all sizes<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">incentives
to help them set up shop and breathe new business life into that zone.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">In terms of size, 22@ comprises 200 hectares of industrial land of
Poblenou. The local government, faced with the challenge of coping with growing demand by innovative companies
looking for a tech hub, and following in the footsteps of other cities around
the world embracing urban renovation, found that Poblenou would be the ideal district to accommodate these tech, science
and knowledge-based industries. Today the area is home to several startups and
larger corporations that have transformed business in the area and by no means in a
disruptive way. Rather, they bring high-quality business and employment to the
area and in doing so improve the quality of life for most by providing a robust business friendly environment for neighbors that have called the area home for decades. Working class
mom and pop restaurants and cafes that once had to struggle to get costumers in
the door, don’t have to worry any more as they now have access to thousands of
workers that come daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and client meetings. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">As one report mentions <a href="http://www.22barcelona.com/content/blogcategory/37/123/lang,en/" target="_blank">“22@Barcelona provides a new, high quality, diverse, ecologically efficient and economically strong urban model that strikes a balance between production and neighborhood life.”</a> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">Moreover,
during the early phases of the development, an<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Industrial Heritage Protection Pla</span>n was developed and passed to help new businesses and old neighbors find an agreeable and beneficial coexistence. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHekG4tBZ4KK7tYkaXBDfNG7uoUjxGUE72dcdLvYbo9EA-yIKX4EnuW_Cw2q_z4VnivUSUrnVAEQew_HmKZD7z_4POsG5lB-_kerT-TLec0P5RX0td5hIjgx53RJvm8ubRVMX2G4ZKvGt/s1600/Barcelona-Area22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHekG4tBZ4KK7tYkaXBDfNG7uoUjxGUE72dcdLvYbo9EA-yIKX4EnuW_Cw2q_z4VnivUSUrnVAEQew_HmKZD7z_4POsG5lB-_kerT-TLec0P5RX0td5hIjgx53RJvm8ubRVMX2G4ZKvGt/s1600/Barcelona-Area22.jpg" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Image courtesy of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">http://www.barcelonacheckin.com</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ambition has always been
a defining factor of Barcelona. As </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22@ continues to grow, evolve and thrive, the city and its citizens should benefit from the overall success of this plan that is already well on its way to becoming an proud example and reference-point of new city urban modelling for years to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>More information about 22@:</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Planning Area:</b> 198,26 Ha, 115 blocks, 1.159.626 m².<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location:</b> The Poblenou area, which lies to the northeast of the city
between Vila Olímpica and Plaça de les Glòries and the sector delimited by
Avda. Diagonal and the streets Perú and Rambla Prim.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Housing:</b> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Recognition of the existing 4.614 dwellings.</span></div>
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Creation of 4.000 new state-subsidized housing units (minimum 25% rental).</span><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><b>
New Facilities:</b> 145.000 m² land.</span><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><b>
New Jobs Generated (estimate):</b> 130.000. </span><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><b>
Investment in Infrastructure Plan:</b> 180 millions Euros.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Increase in Green Spaces:</b> 114.000 m².</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further information about 22@ can be found here: <a href="http://www.22barcelona.com/">http://www.22barcelona.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-67508265024873320222015-02-28T08:24:00.000-08:002015-03-01T07:20:38.385-08:00Garage Beer Company - Brewed in Barcelona<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - February/28/2015</span><br />
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The brewing and gastropub revolution has gotten a firm foothold in Barcelona with several new locales opening their doors in the past few years. And most, if not all, seem to be bustling with happy clients excited to pour a cold one back while enjoying some delectable bites. The gastropub concept born in the 1990s - where the simple notion of actually providing and pairing delicious foods with the microbrews you consume - is now almost a standard, and rightfully so.
<b><a href="http://garagebeer.co/" target="_blank">Garage Beer Company</a></b> has been around for a few months and it’s already all the buzz in the Eixample district of the city. In what used to be an old bookstore, years closed and forgotten, you will find a lively establishment housing art, graffiti, battered walls, funky furniture, and illustrative designs - giving the place a distinctive and warm personality.<br />
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James, one of the co-founders, comes from a family that has had decades of experience perfecting this craft. You could almost say beer is in their blood. He told me that the idea behind the place was to provide a unique venue for beer aficionados to chill out and enjoy a great locally produced brew and flavory food. The name Garage Beer also has an explanation: before opening this locale they had the fermentation drums and were testing out their brewing methods in, you guessed it, a small garage in the heart of Barcelona.
Besides a nice selection of craft artisan beers from other brands, they brews their own beers in-house with a small setup capable of producing some 20 delectable hectoliters of beer a week. This volume is expected to increase as the demand for their beers will lead them to invest in more fermentation tanks and production units. I’ve tried most of their beers and they are all unique and tasty. My personal favorite is the Karma Winter Ale, a beer that has had a slow fermentation process that with a little work of magic makes it elegant and full bodied with a fruity and buttery taste. If Pale Ales are more your thing, try the Riba, one of the house favorites.
The food menú offers perfect companions to their premium beers. You can find savory ecological cheeses from the Catalan Pyrenees with tomato marmalade, Coca (a Catalan flatbread) with roasted zucchini, aged goat cheese, and pesto; or try their Porchetta sandwich with eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes and rucula (one of the best selling dishes). The verdict? All delicious. Certainly a place not to be missed if you ever find yourself thirsty and hungry.<br />
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More Information:
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<b><a href="http://garagebeer.co/" target="_blank">Garage Beer Co.</a>
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Carrer del Consell de Cent, 261 08011 Barcelona
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<a href="http://garagebeer.co/" target="_blank">http://garagebeer.co/</a><br />
Tel. 935 28 59 89Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-37865137582088865652015-01-31T10:34:00.000-08:002015-02-11T06:59:20.874-08:00In Vinitus Veritas - A Tapas Restaurant Not To Miss<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - January/30/2015</span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i>Vinitus</i></b> </span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">will not disappoint. As bold as this statement may seem, I'm confident in my declaration. Stemming from the same parent company that has several acclaimed restaurants in the city, such as </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ciudad-Condal/168195233218836" target="_blank">Ciudad Condal</a> and </span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cervecer%C3%ADa-Catalana/539478542770052" target="_blank">Cervecería Catalana</a></span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">, Vinitus follows the same quality and service mantra as its </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">predecessors. Few </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">places in Barcelona deliver on that promise and fewer still have eager patrons waiting in queues to be seated at their establishment on any given night. That's an indication of value and Vinitus is well on its way to achieving that distinction. </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">In its prior life the restaurant was found in <a href="http://www.lilla.com/es/" target="_blank">L'illa Diagonal</a> - a shopping complex with heavy foot traffic but away from the more </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">touristy areas of the city. At its new premises in the Eixample district - two streets away from busy Paseo de Gracia avenue - </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">it continues to provide the same delicious, affordable tapas in a charming and warm environment</span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">What is unique about Vinitus, perhaps - as compared to the parent company's other establishments - is that many of their tapas are prepared on the spot. This is something that has been communicated to me from the friendly staff on more than on occasion and I've seen it at work. F</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">or example, if you ask for a "montadito de salmon" the server behind the bar will grab a mouth-watering cut of fresh pink salmon, carefully slice off </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">a thick sliver, place it on a piece of warm toasted bread and add a few decorative toppings. Presto. Other savoury offerings typical of</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> traditional Mediterranean cuisine that can be found on the menu include: fried cuttlefish, grilled shrimp, grilled and salted green peppers, lightly sauteed asparagus with mushrooms, cured ham - to be honest there are tons of selections and there will be </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">few plates you will dislike. Let me walk you through my latest experience there:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Over an ice cold Moritz beer, I started off with a plate of Iberico ham, thinly sliced, buttery and nutty and accompanied </span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">that goodness with pan con tomate – crunchy toasted baguette rubbed over with a fresh tomatoe and adorned with a dash of </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">garlic, olive oil and a sprinkle of rock salt. Next I moved on to the juicy grilled prawns, perfectly seared and seasoned. And lastly -</span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> one of my favorite dishes - four types of mushrooms grilled to perfection and varying in flavor, texture and color. All four were excellent. There was much more I wanted to try - and I will - but alas a stomach is only so big.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">As for the interior space, per se, it has two floors and it appears a bit more modern and artistic than </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Practical Information:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Vinitus</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Consell de Cent, 333 </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Barcelona, Barcelona 08007</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">España</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Phone: 34 933 632 127</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Mondays to Thursdays: 7.30 am to 12.00 am.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Fridays and Saturdays: </span></span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 18px;">7.30 am to 12.30 am.</span></span>Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-20326340730249778482014-12-31T09:40:00.000-08:002015-01-20T03:12:29.888-08:00El Nacional - Barcelona's Restaurant of Restaurants<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - December/31/2014</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
what used to be a large and drab car park </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">on Barcelona's main artery - the famous Paseo de Gracia Avenue - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">you will find a new culinary oasis that is quickly becoming a reference point for epicurean enthusiasts and those appreciative of aesthetic interior design.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.elnacionalbcn.com/en/" target="_blank">El Nacional</a></i> is establising itself as a beacon of culinary-chic, offering multiple dining spaces in an impressive environment that resembles the glamorous Art
Deco years. It is a complete reinvention of a complex that was built in the 1870s and
first opened its doors as a café-theatre.
Over the last 140 years it has gone through various transformations: from
fabric and dye factory to car dealership to parking structure and to then finally shed
its skin once more to embody the
majestic space we witness today.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One can’t talk
about El Nacional without giving credit to the firm behind its makeover. The
well-known Barcelona-based studio <a href="http://www.lazarorosaviolan.com/" target="_blank">Lázaro Rosa Violán</a> has giving the place its signature
touch, full of floral and symmetrical designs, elements from a post-industrial
world (metal gears turning and grinding), corners reminiscent of Grandma’s
rustic kitchen space, and more modern and minimalist touches. It’s an abundance
of different styles, a mosaic of atmospheres that all seem to blend perfectly
together giving the interior a smooth, transitional composition. Think the
Great Gatsby with a Spanish twist. In addition to the elegant atmosphere, the roughly
200 staff members: waiters, bartenders and floor managers help make you welcomed
at every corner. And the food speaks for
itself. The spaces you will find inside include a beer and preserves bar, a
wine and cured meats bar, and oyster bar, and a cocktail bar that also offers food
options. And the peripheral restaurants that are housed inside are <i>La Braseria</i> which specializes
in meats, <i>La Llotja</i> which specializes in fresh fish, <i>La Taperia</i> which besides
being considered the most festive part of El Nacional, specializes in – you guessed
it – tapas. And last but not least is <i>La
Paradeta</i> which caters to those that want an uncomplicated and quick bite, serving up simple
dishes such and sandwiches, pastries and cheese. El Nacional promises to be a
major reference point for foodies in Barcelona and will most certainly continue
to garner fame and lasting appreciation for many years to come. Its definitely worth checking out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://www.elnacionalbcn.com/" target="_blank">El Nacional Barcelona</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis 08007 Barcelona</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.elnacionalbcn.com/en/">http://www.elnacionalbcn.com/en/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">+(34) 93 518 50 53</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Open Every Day from 12.00 pm to 1.00 am with a capacity for 770 diners. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">They do not take reservations</span></span></div>
Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-75633136115124603062014-11-25T04:09:00.002-08:002014-12-31T09:21:12.558-08:003 Great Options for Thanksgiving Dinner in Barcelona<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - November/25/2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">The date is steadily approaching to get our Turkey on. That’s right,
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and what sort of expat would I be if I
didn’t impart a few recommendations </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">with my fellow hungry and homesick brethren </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">of where to wine and dine on
this special evening. The reason for
me writing this blog post is that I was researching some of the
best Thanksgiving dinner menu options in Barcelona to enjoy in the company of friends. Based on my findings, I have
included 3 of the best offerings worth considering to help you make the best of Thanksgiving this year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">For starters, the <b>American Society of Barcelona</b>, has over the past years
been the prime and perhaps best choice for the Thanksgiving night affair,
having hosted their dinners in prestigious locations such as the Arts Hotel and
Le Méridien Barcelona. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">This year promises to follow in the footsteps of great food in a great
ambiance, as the event takes place in Barcelona's Hilton Hotel. The <a href="http://www.amersoc.com/index.php/en/2014-thanksigiving-dinner" target="_blank">menu</a> this year will leave you satisfied as they are offering a</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> huge buffet with traditional American Thanksgiving dishes. There is
also a wide variety of food for vegetarians. Ticket prices are 63 euros for
ASB Members & 73 euros for ASB Friends.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amersoc.com/" target="_blank"><b>The American Society of Barcelona</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reservations:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Telephone: 93 368 4689<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.amersoc.com/">www.amersoc.com</a><br /><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Menu: </span><a href="http://www.amersoc.com/index.php/en/2014-thanksigiving-dinner" style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">http://www.amersoc.com/index.php/en/2014-thanksigiving-dinner</a><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/spain/hilton-barcelona-BCNHITW/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Hilton Barcelona</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avinguda Diagonal, 589-591, Barcelona<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Telephone: 934 95 77 77</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Picnic Restaurant</b> in the Born area offers a rich 38 euro <a href="https://www.facebook.com/105378386221926/photos/a.118472461579185.24389.105378386221926/746989755394116/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">menu</a> with delicious offerings
such as deviled eggs and roasted squash for starters and a maple and herb-glazed roast turkey as the main attraction. Plus plenty of wine and a special cocktail is also included.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.picnic-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Picnic Restaurant</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrer Comerc 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barcelona, Spain<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reservations:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Email: picnicrestaurant@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Telephone: 93 511 6661<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Menu: <a href="http://on.fb.me/1y8dNFd">http://on.fb.me/1y8dNFd</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hard Rock Café Barcelona</b> offers a proper and well balanced <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hardrockcafebarcelona/photos/a.171790822834018.42803.151038974909203/883544081658685/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">menu</a> with all the fixings. The starter is a Ceasar salad and the main course is Turkey with gravy, garlic mashed
potatoes and Pepperidge Farm stuffing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.hardrock.com/barcelona" target="_blank">Hard Rock Café</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plaça de Catalunya, 21<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barcelona, Spain</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reservations: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Email: barcelona_salescoordinator3@hardrock.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Telephone: 932 70 23 05<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Menu: <a href="http://on.fb.me/1uTAk8W">http://on.fb.me/1uTAk8W</a></span></span></div>
Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-44911604853598641122014-10-31T03:53:00.000-07:002014-10-31T04:31:59.712-07:00Mirablau - Panoramic View That Will Leave You Breathless<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - October/31/2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.mirablaubcn.com/" target="_blank">Mirablau's</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> panoramic view of the city is stunning, and few other places offer a similar prime vantage point to take it all in</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: http://www.mirablaubcn.com/</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"><br />This place, often overlooked on a tourist's agenda due to its rather out of reach location, is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">a gem sitting pretty at the rim of </span>Tibadao<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> Hill. </span>Mirablau<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> - with over 25 years of existence - is a haven for those eager to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona's dynamic city center. It's a </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">place to sit for long leasurely hours with a drink in hand gazing below at the vast</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;"> city, soaking up all its glory. Besides being a </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">restaurant and bar it also houses a club on the floor below that plays anything from House music to 70`s Funk. The good thing is that it never closes. That's right, it opens daily from 11.00 am to 3.30 am and to 6.00 am on </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">Fridays and Saturdays. And you will be surprised that the place </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">attracts people every night - mostly the faithful, local, upper-class clientele that live in the hills of Barcelona. But you will also find tourists and you will certainly find everyone having a good time. This place is most definitely worth a visit for those that want to appreciate the city from a unique perspective - day or night. </span></span><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.mirablaubcn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mirablau</span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Address: Plaça Doctor Andreu, s/n, 08035 Barcelona, Spain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Email: mirabe@mirabe.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://www.mirablaubcn.com/">http://www.mirablaubcn.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Opening hours:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 3:30 am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 6:00 am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sun: 11:00 am - 3:30 am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Phone: 934 18 58 79</span><br />
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-84293560468552088302014-09-30T11:03:00.003-07:002015-02-03T10:17:16.550-08:00Barcelona's Beachside Chiringuitos<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - September/30/2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Chiringuito: </i>m. Quiosco o puesto de bebidas y comidas sencillas al aire libre: chiringuito de playa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ah summer, so pleasant yet so short-lived. In Barcelona there are many </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">types of bars and 'beach clubs', yet when I wan to have my feet in the sand and an eye toward the magnificent Mediterranean Sea, a <i>beach bar</i> (a.k.a. chiringuito) is what I yearn for. And there are plenty, about twenty or so in roughly five miles of beach - dotting the Barcelona coastline, jam-packed with tourists and locals alike, and always buzzing. They are inviting to anyone looking to get an affordable <a href="http://estaticos.elperiodico.com/resources/pdf/6/9/1371156747796.pdf" target="_blank">nice summer beverage or a quick and simple bite to eat</a>. And for those people watching aficionados, well this is the golden nugget of spots. These beauties are (sadly) only temporary, sprouting up each spring around April and taken down towards the end of November. And this procedure is yearly. At the beginning of it all is an arduous process involving various groups engaging in a tight auction where whomever puts more money on the table gets a lot. Some of the bidding can reach up to </span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">400.000€ per chiringuito for the entire 8 month season. But to their advantage is the ever growing number of tourists that visit Barcelona each year, over 7 million, with many coming for the weather and the beach.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> From the new batch of chiriguitos present this year, here are my impromptu top 3 worth checking out:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. <a href="http://www.carlesabellan.es/la-guingueta-de-bogatell/" target="_blank"><b>La Guingueta de Bogatell</b></a> is the most recent chiringuito, established last year (2013) and has the backing of well known Catalan chefs <a href="http://www.carlesabellan.es/Carles-Abellan/" target="_blank">Carles Abellan</a> and </span></span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.escriba.es/pdf/09/xiri.pdf" target="_blank">Joan Escribà</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Besides being an open and pleasant space, they have a wide variety of eats - ranging from gaspacho to grilled sardines to satisfy any sophisticated palate. Check out their menu </span><a href="http://www.carlesabellan.es/wp-content/uploads/pdf/carta-guinguetes.pdf" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.
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<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Direction:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Located at W Barcelona</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Passeig Mare Nostrum, 19-21, 08039, Barcelona </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Telephone: (+34) 93 295 2819 </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email: reservas.salt@whotels.com
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. <a href="http://www.panteagroup.es/chiringuito-gastronomico-vai-moana-beach-bar/" target="_blank"><b>Vai Moana</b></a> - one of many chiringuitos that </span><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pantea Group owns, </span></span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">is a more laid back spot with a </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Polynesian vibe. </span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Easter Island statues, tiki torches and other tropical ornament abound.</span></span><span style="color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Their family-friendly philosophy makes it a must-go for parents travelling with children and the menu options offer surprisingly tasty dishes like Tikki Masala and </span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">authentic chili con carne. </span></span><span style="color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">See the menu </span><a href="http://www.panteagroup.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/pantea-carta-otono.pdf" style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playa Bogatell, </span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">08001, Barcelona</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Telephone: (+34) 93 310 0286</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email: </span><span style="color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">info@comerc24.com
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. <a href="http://www.saltbeachclub.com/es/club-playa" target="_blank"><b>Salt</b></a> is a relatively new chiringuito at the foot of the W Hotel in Barcelona. It is a little more of an elegant and upscale option (think less tank tops and board shorts and more Bermudas and dress shirts with the sleeves rolled up). And when the sun goes down, local DJs spin wonderful ear candy. Their culinary offerings are varied and include, among other things, </span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">mini baguette sandwiches (a.k.a flautas), nachos a-la-California, hamburgers and salads. Check out their menu <a href="http://www.saltbeachclub.com/assets/u/CartaSaltBeachimprenta-CatEspEng.pdf." target="_blank">here</a>.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Av. Litoral, s/n 08005, Barcelona</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Telephone: <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(+34) </span>608 324 350</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email: </span>hola@panteagroup.es</span><br />
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<span style="color: #212121; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-26314232054841666982014-08-29T13:03:00.004-07:002015-02-05T13:50:50.770-08:00Gràcia’s Lata-bern@ Is Where It's @<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - August/29/2014</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">With over 50 original and delicious tapas on its menu, <a href="http://latabernadejuanjo.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Lata-bern@</a> - a small gem
in the <o:p></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A0cia" target="_blank">Gràcia</a> district of Barcelona - has become a reference point of the gastronomical renaissance taking
shape in the area. </span>Gràcia, a vibrant melting pot of all types of people, is experiencing a culinary
facelift as many restaurants have popped up bringing haute cuisine to this part of Barcelona that had little of it before. Lata-bern@ symbolizes
this progressive trend of offering highly creative and inexpensive tapas, and the man behind the scenes is <a href="http://latabernadejuanjo.wordpress.com/quien-soy/" target="_blank">Juanjo Martínez</a> who has over 15 years of experience working at places such as the Ritz Carlton
group and at the famed <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Barcelona/Default.htm?utm_campaign=TBPSUSEGPN18&src=ps&pId=rztbppc" target="_blank">Hotel Arts</a><b> </b>in Barcelona.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIiwJcKNfPLA_upJJQaWQ453WOHiahMU8j1gu7-0sUspoFtdrMUN_Zi6PO8nxNUZf0yRxljn7481pqkUpB5zIi1vbcZDotDyyj_5ZCQh-IVPVo-D-R4QDYxjS_o43xQdw956kMZo_tFbk/s1600/Lata-Beran-Barcelona-2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIiwJcKNfPLA_upJJQaWQ453WOHiahMU8j1gu7-0sUspoFtdrMUN_Zi6PO8nxNUZf0yRxljn7481pqkUpB5zIi1vbcZDotDyyj_5ZCQh-IVPVo-D-R4QDYxjS_o43xQdw956kMZo_tFbk/s1600/Lata-Beran-Barcelona-2014.png" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">When you
enter Lata-Bern@, the place resembles a decorative tavern, lined
with whimsical art <o:p></o:p></span><span style="text-align: center;">pieces, lamps made out of large tin cans, blackboard walls
with chalk drawings and writings, wooden stools and wooden wine barrels
substituting as tables. The back room has regular tables and chairs </span>which can cater to larger groups in a more intimate <span style="text-align: center;">setting. The place is dimly lit, yet
quaint and inviting. Always attentive and friendly, the staff treat you like
family and can knowledgeably guide you through the menu and offer the best recommendations. And then there are the tapas. Ah, those
tasty, tasty tapas. Among the more original creations are unique versions
of well-known dishes such as croquettes, patatas bravas and ceviche. The ceviche, which was one of my personal
favorites, is presented in a round plastic container that allows the bartender
in you to take charge and shake it up to your liking before serving. Other
outstanding dishes include the Magyu beef blood sausage with caramelized apple
and Padron pepper, perfectly combined and rich in taste. Of the 8 items I tried, none of them disappointed. </span>So, if you ever
find your hungry self in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, and want to enjoy innovative and palatable tapas without putting a strain on your wallet, this is one spot you really need to check out.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #417cbe; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><b style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Lata-bern@</b><br />Address:
Torrent de les Flors 53, Barcelona, Spain. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #417cbe; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: inherit, serif;">Email: lalatadejuanjo@gmail.com </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #417cbe; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: inherit, serif;">Website:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit, serif;"><a href="http://latabernadejuanjo.wordpress.com/"><span lang="EN-US">http://latabernadejuanjo.wordpress.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #417cbe; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: inherit, serif;">Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 1:00 pm to midnight. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit, serif;">Prices:
15-30€ (without drinks)</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Phone: 931
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-52784041840042699602014-07-31T13:35:00.000-07:002014-07-31T13:36:22.848-07:00Barcelona Like You've Never Seen it Before [Video]<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - July/31/2014</span><br />
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Last November I posted a visually stunning sequence of images that uniformly gave you a rich look into this marvelous city. It was a short motion timelapse movie made by <b><a href="http://facebook.com/ak806"><i>Alexandr Kravtsov</i></a></b> during his stay here in Barcelona from August to October of 2013. Well, this year another impressive film giving a glimpse of Barcelona's iconic monuments and areas from different (almost impossible to reach) perspectives has come to light and it is simply breaktaking. The man behind this short film called "Barcelona in Flow-Motion" is <b><i><a href="http://www.robwhitworth.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rob Whitworth</a></i></b> a prominent British urban filmmaker that has done similar projects for many cities throughout the world. Check it out for yourself below and prepared to be amazed:<br />
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-65544314968367661342014-05-31T06:50:00.000-07:002015-02-05T13:49:31.317-08:00Eixample's Monvínic - A Wine Aficionado's Paradise<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - May/31/2014</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">“</span><i style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">” - Ernest Hemingway</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWbRae380e3KpH0iNLerW5aNRlwZt6ETnVzY2MsEwKqqWRpXHMHl0mMRcpMnfAO7EYHsZVZVk3oN37IsyJIfpvO4JrndcWvzxMgfJ0bv3jsArbMDojQYeqwx-mvwcnXELtXJTU3OoZSCO/s1600/MonvinicBarcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWbRae380e3KpH0iNLerW5aNRlwZt6ETnVzY2MsEwKqqWRpXHMHl0mMRcpMnfAO7EYHsZVZVk3oN37IsyJIfpvO4JrndcWvzxMgfJ0bv3jsArbMDojQYeqwx-mvwcnXELtXJTU3OoZSCO/s1600/MonvinicBarcelona.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.monvinic.com</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">First things first, you probably wont find another establishment with a larger collection of impressive international wines nor a friendlier staff with vast expertise in viticulture and enology in all of Barcelona other than </span><b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.monvinic.com/" target="_blank">Monvínic</a>. </b>Monvínic<b> </b><span style="color: #222222; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">- as the name implies - is a world of wine. But, in actuality it's more </span><span style="color: #222222; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">than that </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">delicious </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">fermented grape juice we have all learned to love. It's a unique hidden </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">treasure trove off of Rambla </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">de </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">Catalunya street; an inviting and spacious temple for wine </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">and food buffs. Modern and classy, this center </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">comprises a progressive culinary space, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;">research library, storage cellar, wine bar among other things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The idea behind <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Monvínic</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> goes back to 2008</span> when it was founded by <i>Sergi Ferrer-Salat</i> who also owns the <a href="http://www.ferrerbobet.com/" target="_blank">Ferrer Bobet</a> winery in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priorat_(DOQ)" target="_blank">Priorat</a> wine region - not far from Barcelona city. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A year after its opening, the restaurant was a finalist in the prestigious </span><a href="http://arquinfad.org/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">FAD Award</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for Interior Design. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The brains behind striking interior is Barcelona's own </span><a href="http://www.alfonstost.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><i>Alfons Tost</i></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It's a comfortable space defined by an alluring and tasteful design that exudes a certain kind of peacefulness - with unintrusive lighting, comfortable spaces and a harmonious flow that helps one feel at ease. It's the kind of place you come to decompress in the company of like-minded individuals with a passion for great food and wine... and the sort of place you want to do that for hours upon hours. Nothing here feels rushed, careless or unwelcoming; and the staff - young, knowledgeable enologists - help emit a rather relaxing vibe in their attentive and warm character. These people are passionate about wine and love sharing their expertise and proficiencies. My kind of people as I feel drinking wine should be a learning experience as well as a pleasurable one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take for example, <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_C%C3%A1novas" target="_blank">César Canovas</a>, who was awarded the Spanish Royal Academy of Gastronomy Best Sommelier 2011. César, besides being one of Spain's greatest Sommelier is a kind and personable person, eager to please and happy to provide the best guidance when you need a wine recommendation. This might be needed as you'll find it tough - overwhelming perhaps - to make a single </span>appropriate <span style="font-family: inherit;">selection from their touch-screen handhelds that contain more than 3.500 wines from around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The menu, although a bit pricey for Barcelona standards, offers an impressive and selection of various small platters made of the most tasteful Mediterranean ingredients - elegantly crafted so that each dish is easily sharable. Some of my personal favorites include the <i>cured sobrassada and apple on toast</i>, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cal Tomàs tender caramelized roast beef shank</i> (the meat is slowly braised for 8 hours) and of course the local assortment of <i>Catalan cheeses</i>. But rest assured any dish you choose </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">will be sumptuous and can be perfectly accompanied by a glass of wine which any staff member can recommend. If a glass is not enough (and often times it isn't, let's not kid ourselves) and you want a bottle, a great local wine from the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costers_del_Segre" target="_blank">Coste de Segre</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> region that pairs magnificently with both fish and meat dishes is the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.tomascusine.com/vinos/view.php?ID=9" target="_blank">Geol 2010</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a well-rounded and sophisticated red with a soft touch of wood on the nose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you coming this summer you will be glad to know that they have just opened their new zen-like courtyard terrace so you can dine outside.</span><br />
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<b>Monvínic</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Calle Diputació 249</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">08007 Barcelona</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">+34 932 726 187 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">More information:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.monvinic.com/en">http://www.monvinic.com/en</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">email: info@monvinic.com<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Schedule: Tuesday to Friday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Library: 11.00h – 23.00h</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wine bar: 13.00h – 23.00h</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Culinary space:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>13.30h – 15.30h and 20.00h – 22.30h</span><br />
<br />Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-62424111349127654982014-04-30T14:42:00.000-07:002015-02-05T13:55:41.366-08:00Flamingos Gallery - A Shop With Personality in Raval<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - April/30/2014</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI-6KgPAwAafCg9bElz3ReENSrlgSdlH1iO-ANh55-_5F9QhxTAp5yzsKR17UkieB9x3e0ytiqA6dCBfutgPXcvCaFuyFvCXBKQ3gHeBa9E5CjlFqtlCyQs0wSej4juCJUQviuLGGbmut/s1600/FlamingoGallery-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI-6KgPAwAafCg9bElz3ReENSrlgSdlH1iO-ANh55-_5F9QhxTAp5yzsKR17UkieB9x3e0ytiqA6dCBfutgPXcvCaFuyFvCXBKQ3gHeBa9E5CjlFqtlCyQs0wSej4juCJUQviuLGGbmut/s1600/FlamingoGallery-2.png" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Got a little extra disposable income and want to snag a few unique clothing items to let your
personality shine through heading into the summer? If you have an eccentric and adventurous sense of fashion then this place is your calling. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flamingosgallery.com/" target="_blank">Flamingos Gallery</a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - developed
by the entrepreneur Daniel Martinez, owner and founder of Vintage Kilo
Flamingos - is a new shop and outlet in the Raval area of Barcelona. It’s a conglomeration
of artists and aspiring young fashion designers that are breaking onto the
scene as well as a place where you can find vintage pieces and labels like Obey, Neff and other
alternative clothing brands. Adding to the shops tasteful décor is Abel Melkonian, a renowned interior designer who is responsible
for bringing the whole place together and giving it its unique aesthetic appearance.
You can say the store is a microcosm of the larger Raval neighborhood; characterized
by its hipsters, bikers, skateboarders, surfers, rockers and other alternative and
chic personas. As such, when you walk into this shop it isn’t a bland and monotone
space, rather it’s a cocktail of small labels and vendors distributed across 2
floors, each unit with its own personality and flavor. Whether you are a fan of
locally-manufactured urban wear, vintage clothing, or crave some better known alternative
U.S. brands, there is a little of everything for everyone. And if you are a fan
of art, fashion, and music (that’s right, they even have DJs playing some of
the latest ear candy on the bottom floor) then you should come and explore this
unique and pioneering space, even it’s to awkwardly dance in the fitting room
as you try on some surfer tees. Another gold star is the fact that most items
are pretty reasonably priced, so you get the latest designs and hippest fashion without
having to break open the piggy bank.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;">Calle Tallers, 68 - Barcelona 08001 <br />
Tel: 692 650 538<br />
<a href="http://www.flamingosgallery.com/">http://www.flamingosgallery.com</a><br />
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am till a 9:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Some of the labels and brands you can find inside are:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FashionWeArt"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/FashionWeArt</span></a></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/classicsbarcelona"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/classicsbarcelona</span></a></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="ES" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/acabstore">https://www.facebook.com/acabstore</a></span></span><br />
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-17450287656263376992014-03-31T13:02:00.002-07:002015-02-05T13:59:14.358-08:00Barcelona's Hidden Amusement Park Overlooking The City<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 1em !important; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Feel like you need an adrenaline boost after all the relaxing strolls and lazy long lunches by the beach? If </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">Redbull isn't your thing, then may I suggest a natural way of getting that ultimate heart-pounding rush? If you have seen the movie </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicky_Cristina_Barcelona" target="_blank">Vicky Cristina Barcelona</a></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">, then you probably have gotten a glimpse of the </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><a href="http://www.tibidabo.cat/en/homepage" target="_blank">Tibidabo Amusement Park</a></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">. Remember the scene where Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall and Chris Messina visit the amusement park with a series of shots showing some of the major attractions such as the red plane and merry-go-round? The views of Barcelona city from this height - much like their roller coasters - are breathtaking.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">You will be surprised to know that the Tibidabo Amusement Park one of the oldest in the world. That’s right, "the world". Shocking, right? On February 20, 1899, Tibidabo Ltd was created by several celebrities and the lands that were bought covered an area that went from present day Sant Gervasi Boulevard to the summit of Tibidabo. The Amusement Park itself was inaugurated officially two years later on October 29, 1901. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">One of the Park´s symbolic rides is the <i>The Plane</i>. This is probably the most recognizable and emblematic ride. Upon its inauguration in 1928, the advertising pitch asserted: "It transports you like a giant bird over an amazing backdrop, and you will feel as if you were flying in a (real) plane." This red plane was actually a replica of the first aircraft that flew from Barcelona to Madrid. What most visitor’s don’t know is that The Plane continues to be powered (at a relatively slow speed) by its own propeller and it still preserves some of original parts from that period.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">Tibidabo offers over 25 rides to discover and the park is built for all ages. There are merry-go-rounds for the kids and roller coasters for the adventurous thrill seekers. In addition, it offers some great shows and street theatre. If you are feeling more spiritual, or need to take a break, then next door sits one of the characteristic landmarks of the Tibidabo complex is the church, the 20th century <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrat_Cor" target="_blank">Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor</a></b>. It’s that curious and magnificent structure perched atop of Tibidabo Hill that you can spot from Barcelona city.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">For more information and opening hours please consult their website: <a href="http://www.tibidabo.cat/en/horaris">http://www.tibidabo.cat/en/horaris</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">or email them at comercial@tibidabo.cat or by phone on: +(34) 93 211 79 42. </span></span></div>
Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-837180123972311682014-02-18T03:45:00.000-08:002015-02-05T14:05:01.746-08:00Ikibana Paralelo – Sant Antoni's Sushi Samba Surprise<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%;">By Javier Castillo - February/18/2014</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Following the success of its longstanding flagship restaurant in the Borne, last year <b><i><a href="http://www.ikibanagastroclub.es/" target="_blank">Ikibana</a></i></b> opened another culinary establishment in the <b><a href="http://w110.bcn.cat/portal/site/Eixample/menuitem.7172c1efe9fe3aa433433343a2ef8a0c/?vgnextoid=9bb4d580d8549210VgnVCM10000074fea8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=9bb4d580d8549210VgnVCM10000074fea8c0RCRD&lang=es_ES" target="_blank">Sant Antoni</a></b> area of Barcelona, on Avinguda del Paral.lel 148. The place
has all the touches of a master interior designer with a skilled vision of
transforming the restaurant into a contemporary and aesthetically alluring
space. Wood is abundant as the material of choice - giving the place unique form
and artistic definition. Its curvaceous nature lend to the Japanese appeal of elegance
and fluidity. According to their website the idea behind their tables was to
create “bowl-shaped islands […] designed like pieces of fruit with a dark
exterior and a warm, colourful interior.” </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeyYUM9QFiXtHPtzO_BTybb7rcB8GcSurMLuwFHEcCpMkN3QrwZoamrX319uwZqT8VcYOmoHZL_YPqUPw68tD3j4PLONkdlvk8sxE3rHn726qLBlIhhJCXcKxaaPfw9nZkdgTrlPKeNTL/s1600/BestofBarcelona-IkibanaBarcelona-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeyYUM9QFiXtHPtzO_BTybb7rcB8GcSurMLuwFHEcCpMkN3QrwZoamrX319uwZqT8VcYOmoHZL_YPqUPw68tD3j4PLONkdlvk8sxE3rHn726qLBlIhhJCXcKxaaPfw9nZkdgTrlPKeNTL/s1600/BestofBarcelona-IkibanaBarcelona-2.jpg" height="208" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from www.ikibanagastroclub.es</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span lang="EN-US">And so you have it<b>, <a href="http://www.ikibanagastroclub.es/en/restaurant/" target="_blank">Ikibana Paralelo</a></b> unites the Japanese
tradition of perfection and quality with the fun-spirited and exotic
characteristics of Brazilian culture. It’s
a place to see and be seen. It’s hip, elegant and entertaining with a young,
attentive and vibrant staff. Now, what about the food? Presentation plays a
role here at Ikibana and you can witness their creative philosophy in every delicious morsel
the kitchen churns out. The Japanese - Brazilian fusion, being East meets West, offers a little of those principal
ingredients well representative of each country’s culinary traditions. Everything
blends beautifully together here, no skimping on taste, form or texture
whatsoever. From the dishes I tried, I would recommend their shrimp and
vegetable tempura which is one of the best I have had in Barcelona; as well as
their <i>Picasso Uramaki</i> made with foie gras (and lots of it). Fan of raw fish? Go ahead and try their
creative <i>Nigiris</i> and <i>Maki</i> offerings - all very tasty and combine some
interesting and unique combinations such as spicy tuna with coconut sauce.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r-mzFPfyH7iOwsWFtMYOaR7rMjI2MA5ngF5ql36zzSJU50acnoScl70fGPckJCyzSWpFr8rl-YzsBtYi3gqb9cr4ZLdpGItZW0COawR19Kdj5MIdTFZ29xPuifeynfTpnvdED3rd1g0a/s1600/BestofBarcelona-IkibanaBarc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r-mzFPfyH7iOwsWFtMYOaR7rMjI2MA5ngF5ql36zzSJU50acnoScl70fGPckJCyzSWpFr8rl-YzsBtYi3gqb9cr4ZLdpGItZW0COawR19Kdj5MIdTFZ29xPuifeynfTpnvdED3rd1g0a/s1600/BestofBarcelona-IkibanaBarc.png" height="118" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from www.ikibanagastroclub.es</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">More
Information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Ikibana Paralelo</b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.ikibanagastroclub.es/en/restaurant/">http://www.ikibanagastroclub.es/en/restaurant/</a></span><br />
Avinguda del Paral.lel 148<br />08015, Barcelona, España<br />
</span><a href="mailto:info@ikibana.com"><span lang="EN-US">info@ikibana.com</span></a><span lang="EN-US"><br />
Reservations: +34 934 244 648<br />
Open daily from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am and weekends from 1:00 pm till 3:00 am.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-16521106868901607432014-01-30T05:11:00.001-08:002014-02-06T03:05:15.522-08:00Barcelona, @re you ready?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - January/30/2014</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">It’s a promising new
year and as I write about all great things Barcelona, it wouldn’t be fair
to not mention the tech scene that has been blossoming
of late. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwpoBFEcbzwaEKge05kI9p_1L2hN-6dk73T7ljuIhMYQ0TJ0AATIXhG9Rvr8qZh9LdB2sIu5t1iH4Xk91dbkV-mijJA-3Qzc2mUoQiij1lW57DeAA-uuiZZOym6lSCjzCLzWZf4sUdqC8/s1600/Barcelona-2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwpoBFEcbzwaEKge05kI9p_1L2hN-6dk73T7ljuIhMYQ0TJ0AATIXhG9Rvr8qZh9LdB2sIu5t1iH4Xk91dbkV-mijJA-3Qzc2mUoQiij1lW57DeAA-uuiZZOym6lSCjzCLzWZf4sUdqC8/s1600/Barcelona-2014.png" height="276" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I’d go as far as to say that Barcelona is coming of age – steadfastly
climbing to that tipping point of becoming an influential and powerful confluence in
the world of tech. A wise man once said there is no progress without struggle
and Barcelona (as well as Spain in general) has had its share of it since </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9314_Spanish_financial_crisis" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">2008</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">.
Yet things do seem to be improving, at least on the surface. Now, this could be
the result of many ambitious and determined individuals trying to pave their
own paths due to the heavy local </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_unemployment_rate" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">unemployment rate</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> - or it could be the result
of several initiatives by the government to foster a technological landscape
such as the </span><a href="http://www.22barcelona.com/content/blogcategory/49/280/lang,en/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">@22 District</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">follows in the footsteps of other European
tech hotbeds such as Berlin, Dublin and Helsinki. Mostly likely it’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">the result
of both, and then some.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Last year in February, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/author/mike-butcher/" target="_blank">Mike Butcher</a> - <span style="background-color: white;">European Editor of <a href="http://techcrunch.com/" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a></span></span> - returned for a second time to Barcelona to host an event focused on <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/29/techcrunch-mobile-barcelona-come-to-our-mobile-meetup-feb-27/" target="_blank">Mobile Startups</a>. The event featured a panel of experts
discussing the possibilities of Barcelona emerging as an international tech hub
and the resources it needs and hurdles it must overcome to reach that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">goal. It was insightful and retrospective, and very much needed. Shortly thereafter </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><a href="http://thenextweb.com/author/robin/" target="_blank">Robin Wauters</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> of </span><a href="http://thenextweb.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">The Next Web</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">wrote a deep and thought-provoking </span><a href="http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/05/01/barcelona-startup-ecosystem-deep-dive/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">piece highlighting the Barcelona tech ecosystem</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">, and pretty much nailed it. Locally, the government</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> has done its part
to try and spark the entrepreneurial flame by easing startup costs and time
constraints through passing recent </span><a href="http://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2013-10074" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">legislature</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">This trend of progress and innovation promises to continue this year, and rightfully so. In fact, tomorrow <a href="http://smash-tech.com/barcelona/event/details/mobile-business/" target="_blank">Smashtech</a> returns to
Barcelona with an event covering the Mobile Business industry and offering a
Master </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Class on App
Marketing. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In February get ready
for the <a href="http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/" target="_blank">Mobile World Congress</a> that will be back for its 3rd year to host the
world’s greatest mobile event. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Zuckerberg" target="_blank">Zuck</a> will be present this time around and will partake as one of the
keynote speakers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Still not enough? Then in March prepare
yourselves for <a href="http://www.biztradeshows.com/eshow-barcelona/" target="_blank">Eshow Barcelona</a> an international trade show focusing on the e-</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">commerce industry
bringing together the latest and greatest developments taking place in this
sector.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Looking for sources
to tap into the local tech culture and learn more? Check out <a href="http://barcelona.io/">Barcelona.io</a> a great platform helping connect companies, entrepreneurs and </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">business-minded folk;
or wander over to<a href="http://www.barcelonalovesentrepreneurs.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.barcelonalovesentrepreneurs.com/" target="_blank">Barcelona Loves Entrepreneurs (BLE)</a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> where their
socially-based initiative is to put Barcelona on the map as an entrepreneurial </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">destination. Another
wonderful source bringing together the burgeoning tech startup space and promoting
networking is </span><a href="http://www.barcelonatechnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Barcelona Tech Network</a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> . And if you want some relative news sources regarding innovation, technology and business in the
Catalan capital, a must follow is <a href="http://www.barcinno.com/" target="_blank">Barcinno</a>. Want to get off
your computer, ipad or handheld device and do some proper face-to-face time or
simply prefer informal get-togethers with other like-minded entrepreneurs and
techies? Then your cup of tea might be <a href="http://www.meetup.com/barcelonastartups/" target="_blank">Barcelonastartups</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking for work?
Check out locally-based <a href="http://www.jobfluent.com/?s=&location=barcelona" target="_blank">JobFluent</a> a terrific platform for connecting aspiring startups with the talent they
need and vice versa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">And if you possess the
passion and drive and want to set up your own venture, you might want to take a look at
<a href="http://www.barcelonanetactiva.com/barcelonanetactiva/en/index.jsp" target="_blank">Barcelona Activa</a> which can guide you and provide the necessary resources to get
you on track. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">For help setting up
your own company read my past article </span><i style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bestofbarcelona.es/2011_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">So You Want To Start Your Own Business in Spain? </a></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as we head into
this new year, Barcelona edges ever closer to becoming a tech hub reference, something
that it’s been yearning for the last several years. Over a century ago it was
one of the epicenters of art and Modernism – an emblematic period that
continues to define the city. There is no reason, then, to believe that <span style="background-color: white;">Barcelona can’t achieve another renaissance
– a renaissance of a different art form, one based on a new culture of digital
technology, innovation and continued optimism. Barcelona @re you ready? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157422586916122424.post-10311821250557376652013-12-30T11:00:00.003-08:002014-04-30T15:19:38.270-07:00Biercab - A Dream Come True for Beer Aficionados<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">By Javier Castillo - December/30/2013</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Imagine a place with 30 glorious beers from around the world, crisp, cold and on tap. Image this place with another 400 or so varieties of bottled beers. Now, imagine this place warmly lit, cozy, friendly and with some awesome tapas that pair
perfectly with whichever cold one you are knocking back. If dreams do come true
for beer aficionados, then <b><a href="http://biercab.com/" target="_blank">Biercab</a></b> is one of them. The “cab” in Biercab, upon talking to owner
and principal barkeep Manuel Baltasar, means “Cervezas Artesanas de Barcelona”. I
thought it was a reference to the form of transportation I might have to take
home after a few pints. In any regard, Biercab is the kind of place you want to
be at with your colleagues after a hard days’ work. Go ahead, loosen that tie. It’s
the kind of place you want to be at while your significant other is busy
shopping away somewhere close by. It’s the kind of place you want to be at
altogether. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Inaugurated September 2013, this gastro-pub h</span>as been an instant hit since opening its doors.
“I want to create a unique space where people can come and enjoy great and unique
beers from all over the world and also provide some food offerings that
compliment and go elegantly with them” says Manuel when I ask him about his beer
and food selections. Having been there now on several occasions, some of my
favorite tapas are the homemade <i>Croquetas</i> and the <i>Patatas Bravas</i>, which come
in a shape, taste and presentation that I haven’t seen in any other restaurant in
Barcelona. Highly recommended. Another
interesting sight are the two giant plasma screens behind the bar. The
screens - according to Manuel - were imported from The United States and display the 30
beers on tap - providing information about each one, such as origin, alcohol
content and price. And if social networks are your forte, if you check in on
Foursquare or post to Instagram or twitter, your pretty profile picture will
scroll at the top of the screens - for everyone’s delight. As for beers, the
choices are endless and its quite certain you will need
assistance or recommendations from the helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Remember, these guys breath and live this stuff. Want a nice IPA from England?
They have it. Want a chocolatey American Stout? Done. There is a plethora of
offerings to quench any thirst or craving. So here’s to the beers of the world and the wonderful places that offer them. Salud!</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Biercab</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Address: </span>Muntaner 55</div>
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08011 Barcelona, Spain</div>
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+34 644 68 90 45</div>
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<a href="http://biercab.com/">http://biercab.com/</a></div>
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Hours: </div>
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Mon - Thu: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am</div>
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Fri - Sat: 12:00 pm - 2:00 am</div>
Javier Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940927987340670601noreply@blogger.com1