It’s time for another trip to Spain! Follow the blog during the next week to find out what the gang is up to this time around. Our first post is from Sous Chef Roy Riedl of Barcelona West Hartford. Welcome to the blog, Roy!
Arriving at La Boqueria Mercado at 8am, my eyes are wide open in disbelief that this is actually real. I am in Barcelona, Spain at one of the most impressive markets on the planet. Walking into the entrance of el Mercado, I am hit by an aroma of ham that literally makes my eyes water. Not sure if my eyes are watering because of the actual smell of the 500 lbs of Pata Negra being hung. Or is it because of the overwhelming excitement I am experiencing that I am sure is equivalent to the feeling I might have on my eventual wedding day, or the moment my first born comes into the world?
Our friend Dominic, JP from Stamford, and Roy from West Hartford
Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried mushrooms, handmade candies, fruit smoothies and salt cod, I am truly a kid in a candy store. My stomach is now screaming at me “EAT,” and we did just that.
We sat down at Barcentral, a small tapas bar in the middle of the market. “Coffee or beer,” I am asked. Looked at my phone: 8:45 am. Wow, its early. Easy decision, “I’ll have a beer.” Tortilla, Padrones, Gambas y Juevos, Morcilla, Chistora, Motifara, Jamon, Pan con Tomate and an Ice cold Estrella = Breakfast of Champions.
Escamarla at the market (l.), Gretchen and Emily having some padron peppers (r.)
We stuffed out faces for about an hour and continued walking. I followed Adam with my tongue hanging out in amazement, and we came across “Pinotxo Bar.” I guess we weren’t done eating breakfast. Croquettes, Tripe and warm Chickpea Salad it is.
We eventually rolled ourselves out of the market and walked to the beach to wash our meal down with another beer.
Taking a deep breath and looking at the time, 9:45am, I am beginning to realize that this is going to be one hell of an experience. I can definitely see why these trips are so important for the company. It really helps me understand the whole concept our restaurant is trying to achieve: simple great tasting food that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
Brad and Dominic enjoying what the market has to offer (l.), Emily showing off the name of one of the tapas bars (Yum Yum) (r.)
I can truly say that when people sit in our restaurants, they are absolutely getting a realistic authentic Spanish tapas experience. The creaminess of the croquettes are amazing. The Tortillas are so soft and delicate that it melts in your mouth. The Patatas Bravas are crispy and creamy all at the same time. This is only day one and I feel like I have already changed as a chef and as a person. Everything I see here is inspiring. I am looking forward to the next five days and seeing how much more I can take in and apply it to my life and my job.