The Silken Gran Havana Hotel

The Silken Gran Havana Hotel, the name itself is elegant, invoking thoughts of exotic vacations of days gone by. My first trip to Barcelona was preceded by months of researching. I wanted the perfect hotel for me, not outrageously expensive, yet also something very upscale. I felt I had found the perfect choice in the Silken Gran Havana, location, elegance, and a room rate that wouldn’t have me eating ramen noodles as I explored beautiful Barcelona! It was with confidence that I hit the book room button, and I was later to find my choice was very well made!

The staff when I arrived was very accommodating. I was on an early flight and was way too early for check in. They offered to hold my bags for me until time, allowing me to explore the city for a bit, and get my bearings. The hotel is located on Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, a major artery for Barcelona. I took an easy walk to Las Ramblas and had a bite to eat before checking in. Once in the room, I must say I was very happy. All very modern, yet comfortable. A coffee machine, most important, and the bed was super comfortable. I was there in a colder time of year, but did poke my head out to the roof and check out the pool. Definitely would hang there in warmer times.

Now, I didn’t pay the extra for the breakfast buffet. I did see it everyday, and it looked very nice. A continental style, breads, juices, etc. I guess this is convenient for the really busy businessman. But honestly, and this applies to all the hotels that offer this, for folks like me, it is much better to go out and get amongst the locals. I could get a coffee and roll at Pinochos or any local bar for a few euros. This was also a great way to start the day immersed in the ebb and flow of my wonderful Barcelona!

Again about the location. Silken Gran Havana /is a few blocks from Place de Catalunya, and Sagrada de Familia the other direction. So far enough away to be quiet, yet very convenient!

They do a cool jazz night on Fridays and the bar is nice. I must confess to not sitting down and enjoying the restaurant, I was really go go go when I was there. But the menu looked very tempting, and it’s definitely on the to do list for my next visit.

All in all, I would highly recommend the Silken Gran Havana Hotel. It is beautiful retreat, perfectly situated, with a staff that is probably the most hospitable you are likely to find. A big 2 thumbs up!

Not Gophers, I said I ate a Gofres!

They eat gophers!? No, not gophers, I said GOFRES, or in English, waffles. But not your run of the mill plain old waffle you took out of the freezer and popped into the toaster. No, not even the waffle you might have had from your local Waffle House back home, with chocalate chips added. I am talking waffles on steroids. Singular dishes that are sure to make even the most devoted dieter throw caution to the wind and imbibe.

Along the side of the Place de Catalunya is a shop, apparently part of a chain, named Farggi Café. Disguised as an ice cream store, it is much more the work of the Devil! For no matter how devoted you may have been to watching what you eat, you will not, CAN NOT resist the temptations the shop holds. Yes, yes they have ice cream, crepes, and coffees, but the true pinnacle of decadence that Farggi has reached is in lifting the pedestrian waffle, or gofres, and turning it into a dish Marie Antoinette would have approved of!

The display case is filled with samples and temptations. I can’t now even remember the exact name of the waffle I settled on, but it was the one with pretty much EVERYTHING on it. Ice cream, nuts, choco, whip cream….mmmm heaven. This is a monster, definitely something big enough to share, which also helps allay some of the guilty pleasure by getting someone else involved, lol

Barcelona is a town made for walking. My suggestion is before you start your day, get a cappucinno at Farggi Cafe. Peruse the display case. Drool, lol. Set this as your reward for a day well spent, and come back later once your day is over, and enjoy some wonderful desserts, especially a Gofres!
　

Pinocho's Bar early morning

My jet lag was in full swing a few days after landing in Barcelona. I would pop up at 3-4am local time wide awake. Not knowing what to do I wandered the streets from my hotel in a daze. After living in Las Vegas for many years, it takes awhile before one realizes that the rest of the world isn’t on the go 24/7! Still, I meandered through the darkened streets in search of a cup of coffee.

I eventually made my way to Placa de Catalunya, and the end of Las Ramblas. Seeing Las Ramblas other personality after all the trinket shops are closed is quite an eye opener, and to be honest, probably not for the mild mannered! Working girls of all genders ebbed and flowed out of the shadows, communicating by some code of whistling. I warded most off before turning a corner into three of them, near the opera house. Mistaking me for a late-night reveler, one tried to hug me, while the others distracted me, and I felt deft hands trying to lift my billfold. I grabbed her wrist while yelling “Policia” and her friends disappeared like mist, I released her and she did the same. I’ve been in a lot worse neighborhoods than this one sister, but travelers beware, lol

I eventually found myself in front of Mercat de Saint Josep also known as La Boqueria. The fish mongers were bringing in the nights catch and workers were off loading ice. It may have been 6am and nothing was open when I heard the sound of metal grating being pushed open. A small group of workers were huddled around world famous Pinocho’s bar, and I joined them as they grabbed seats. Pinocho himself was behind the bar, and made me a Cappuccino. I gratefully sat back on my stool and watched as one of the world’s most famous markets came to life. Pinocho holds a hallowed spot in this market, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a travel video that went to the Mercat de Saint Josep that didn’t visit his bar. I myself have gone several times on each visit to Barcelona.

I love seeing the real culture of a place, not the crap that is packaged for the masses. And yes, the market is a big tourist destination, being right on Las Ramblas. Yet, at 6am it was just me, the owner, and the constant stream of workers getting some coffee, and a pastry before starting their day. I quietly watched as folks who have probably been coming there all their adult lives, pressed against the bar and traded gossip with their neighbors.

I watched with interest as 2 young guys ordered some dish made with beans, and I assume squid, the ink turned the dish black, they shared it and then headed off to work. I loved the pastries! My favorite was something that looked like a sugar coated croissant and was filled with creamy custard, yum!
Pinocho’s is a Barcelona institution, and one not to be missed. It gets insanely busy once the market is in full swing, and I must admit to have most enjoyed those quiet moments in the early morning, as Barcelona and myself slowly woke up to yet another wonderful Catalan day.

Please enjoy this link to “Made in Spain” Jose’ visits La Boqueria and you get a good look at Pinocho’s

Made in Spain, Catalunya episode

Yum Yum! Good eats at "Taller de Tapas"

 So, where should I eat, you say? Barcelona is host to literally thousands of restaurants, and part of the whole travelling experience is exploring the places that catch your eye, or better yet, your nose with the scent of delicious local dishes!

Yet, there are some easy rules that seem almost universal. Most restaurants near a touristy area, such as the famous "Las Ramblas" will be more geared to getting them in and getting them out, sort of a restaurant row mentality. But, if you are willing to walk a block or two from Las Ramblas, down some of Barcelona's beautiful streets, you can find some real treasures.

In such a way my friends and I stumbled upon "Taller de Tapas" It seemed very busy, and a step or two above just a tapas bar so we made our way in to their most welcoming atmosphere. My very first impression was that as busy as the place was, it was immaculate!  I have spent a lifetime in the food and beverage industry, and that is one of the first things I look for. The setting is stone walls, and modern decor, and if I had to label the mood, I would say casual/fine. We sat at the bar, and we decided on a pitcher of Cava Sangria. The bartender, as well as all the staff were extremely friendly. The bar had quite a selection of tapas on display, and we chose some we saw, as well as some off the menu. I was delighted that we had to wait a few minutes as each dish was prepared fresh to order. My favorite was the bowl of Chorizo in cider. Simply delicious, I think we ordered a second of that to keep from fighting over it, lol

For reference, we were at the Saint Josep branch, which is located along a smart shopping street, a few blocks from Las Ramblas, or the gothic cathedral. I can't recommend this establishment strongly enough. We visited there twice on this trip, and it far surpassed our expectations each time. For a great dining experience visit  "Taller de Tapas"

Ola!

  I Heart Barcelona! She is my favorite city in the world, and I hope to visit her many more times before finally, God willing, I make her my home. So I am still working out this whole blog thing, but in the meantime, here is a skateboarder's view of my fave place on Earth!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/84fDGWoRtsU