Firecracker Red: March 2014

3.4.14

In honor of Mardi Gras, my first post on my trip to Barcelona will revolve around its yummy food. Enjoy!

If you've ever eaten with me, there have probably been times when my fork has not so subtly grabbed a bite of your food. Sorry- it's a family thing! We like to share food, and I like to try everything. Which made tapas style perfect for my brother and me. We'd browse the menu and choose at least 5 things to start, and inevitably have space for more food. So back to the menu for the next two items that caught our eye. All washed down with some wine or cava (Spain's version of champagne). He also introduced me to a sandwich shop called Bo de B'. Life changing. Imagine your favorite sandwich shop, mine's Potbelly's, add the freshness of Chipotle's ingredients and meats, plus the addition of Mediterranean toppings- think fresh feta, lentils, etc. and you get this sandwich shop. The shop is small but all of the sandwiches are made with TLC- there will be a line and you will thank me and whoever else suggested it when you take your first bite. And the churros! Find a small shop that is just a "churreria" and treat yourself for breakfast or an afternoon snack. And always get a cortado (espresso with a bit of steamed milk) or hot chocolate. The fried dough begs to be dipped!

One of our first meals was at an amazing restaurant called Sensi Bistro

traditional bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil

half vat of paella

cucumber, goat cheese, lightly fried with almonds and honey--need I say more?

duck, potato, parmesan

I spy a squid head

mussels with creme fraiche

I asked the gentleman next to us to take a picture...which turned into a photo shoot

no real "winners" but these are way better

back to food... and more traditional tapas

tuna with hearts of palm

that meat though!

spanish omlette

potatos bravas

cava in classic champagne coups

we did "cheat" one day and get a slightly american lunch...

this bad boy up close

chorizo and pickles with chimichurri= an amazing savory combo

all washed down with another cocktail

one serving of churros with a cortado

dip that baby

churros in the making

they're not cut until after cooking, who knew?

thick hot chocolate with a churro changes the game

And last but not least....

first timer

second time around I unwrapped it as I ate (burrito style)

all washed down with some fresh juice from the boqeria

Eat your heart's desire today and every time you travel!

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3.3.14

Last night confirmed my latest inspiration is more like a ~~obsession~~ crush. Lupita Nyong'o killed it last night in her custom Prada pastel blue gown. The baby blue made her smile sweeter, strut more graceful; she just had a glow about her even before she won an Oscar. Pastels have a captivating power. They have this ease about them, a brightness that isn't as harsh as neon, and a subtle sophistication unlike everyday navy, grey and black; they don't have to try too hard and it works. Clearly all this rambling means I've developed a crush....and am quickly falling in love with the pastels in my life: