LEKU

Done! No more assignments on language acquisition, no more reports to write, no more waking up every weekend and turning on the computer early in the morning to get started on my writing. What a year it has been for me, working and attending school full-time.

But don't feel sorry for me because this noia got treated to a delectable meal at LEKU, a small  restaurant in Sants. Anyone passing by can easily miss this understated restaurant  and confuse it for a mediocre bar-restaurant. I can't begin to describe how DELICIOUS the food was. This restaurant is highly recommended for anyone wishing to eat delicious Basque cuisine. If you want to celebrate a special occasion or want to impress a first date, this is the place to dine.

The chef comes out  frequently to greet patrons delighting in his meals. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. This is a you-must-go-there-and-eat-place. 

Adeu!!

Bikini--toasted bread in butter and foie gras. Heavenly.

Croquettes made from oxtail. Flavorsome.

Taglattelli and calamari with all i oli, zucchini slivers, and quince. Mouthwatering and creamy.

The waiter cutting this delicacy for us. Creamy and sensuous.  

Mar y Montaña--a dish with chicken and large shrimp. This is a Catalan signature dish as it symbolizes the chickens that grow on land and freshly caught shrimp from the Mediterranean sea.

Absolutely savory.

Steak and potatoes for my husband. Smokey.

Espuma de mojito. Silky.

Lightness.

Pineapple soup with loquat and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Fruity and fresh.

Jamaican coffee on the house. Robust.

p.s. You MUST make a reservation before hand.

LEKU

Address: Carrer de Joan Güell, 189, 08028 Barcelona

Phone:934 90 38 10

Les Olives

Yesterday my husband and I drove to Granollers to pick up our kitten we adopted from Vilanimal. Right across from the veterinarian's office was this specialty store that sells pickled olives prepared in different marinades. They were stuffed or pickled with spicy peppers, garlic, spices to compliment a range of Spanish palates. I have not seen a store like this in Barcelona, though I am sure there some. We bought spicy  marinated olives with peppers that the owner said were  slightly spicy. Ho! The olives were beyond spicy, they were fire burning hot! Imagine eating chili peppers and olives together. We enjoyed them despite the fiery flavor. We couldn't skip buying "boquerones en vinagre," which are anchovies in vinegar. They were delicious!!! We'll be back for more olives and other delicacies at Les Olives.

p.s. I never use the date option on my photos, but somehow after recharging the battery camera it went back to default settings.

Adeu!!

Pickled garlic.

Olives in pico mojón.

We purchased some of these fiery olives.

Staff here were very friendly.

Salted cod without fish bones at 26,95 € the kilo or with bone at 9,90€ the kilo.

Ponç, the Saint of Herbalists

I never tire of the endless Saint celebrations bestowed on this fading Catholic country. Today was the celebration of Sant Ponç, the patron saint of Herbalists. Today’s excursion was planned weeks ago by my friend Teresa, who I think will become my official informant of all relevant activities of special interest happening in Barcelona. She took Ace and I to Carrer Hospital and we found stalls selling herbs used for remedies and cooking, dried fruit and fruit in syrup, and honey sold in different forms. This fair was  consigned to  Herbalists more than six centuries ago who every spring sold their healing herbs to the sickly.  The celebration became Christianized (surprise) in the 1600s and is now dedicated to Saint Pointus. 

I reveled in the colors and pleasant wafting aromas of herbs sold on the street. The official herb associated to Sant Ponç is rosemary. There will be a procession tonight that I will miss because I will be writing critical reviews and other assignments due this month.

Feliç Sant Ponç!

I burst out laughing when the vendor told my friend Teresa not to tell lies in front of the customers when she remarked that she thought the licorice root was to dry to buy.

Snake ointment for burns and other skin afflictions. 

Licorice root ready for chewing to settle digestive problems.

Licorice sold in gelatinous form.

Licorice

My candied fruit ready to go home.

We ended our excursion at Plaza del Rei where Teresa and Ace engaged in deep conversation.