Streetlife: Avinguda de Mistral
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M Kulture Barber
With exposed brick walls, incandescent lights and beer on tap, this barbershop exudes hipness from the decor to the service. “We offer modern styles, technical expertise and an informal experience,” said barber Felix. At M Kulture, customers are encouraged to kick back and relax while the highly-trained staff provide them with a precision cut, colour or straight razor shave. Regular client and Sant Antoni local Marc hit the nail on the head: “You can enjoy a beer while getting your hair cut—it doesn’t get much better than that.”
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Comín
It’s a family affair at this jewellery shop and gallery space. Opened in 1965 by jeweller Lluís Comín Peña, the store is now run by his son Lluís and granddaughter Elena, who design and create the majority of items on offer. You’ll find a range of handmade pieces from classic pendants to contemporary geometric earrings. They also restore and repair jewellery, and create personalised designs. “We like to work closely with our clients to make unique pieces that reflect their personality,” said Lluís. Meanwhile in the adjacent 66mistal gallery, visitors can view a permanent collection of contemporary jewellery by talented local artists.
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Gelatomania
At Gelatomania, Italian owner Roberta, a second-generation ice cream maker from Como, uses her father’s traditional recipes to produce smooth, creamy gelato with natural, additive-free ingredients. “It’s very important for me to use organic, local produce whenever possible,” she explained. Specials such as matcha green tea and ginger add flair to the more traditional selection of pistachio, dark chocolate and strawberry, all of which are made on site by Roberta herself. After school lets out, crowds of children gather around the shop to watch as the ice cream is churned out in front of their eyes. With fresh fruit sorbets and dairy-free ice creams too, there is something for everyone. However, Roberta suggests the brioche Siciliana con gelato (a soft, buttery Sicilian brioche, stuffed with your choice ofice cream)—a true Italian delicacy.
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Hoja Santa
Hoja Santa—named after the aromatic heart-shaped leaf used to make tamales and mole—opened in November 2014 to showcase the more traditional side of Mexican cooking. Here you’ll find beautifully presented classic dishes with a signature elBulli twist. “The spherified olives filled with salsa verde, tabasco, lime juice and cilantro are a must-try,” said customer Esteban, from Sevilla. Other more inventive dishes include oysters with cactus juice, grilled marrow bones and Wagyu veal. Whilst housed in the same building as Niño Viejo, the Michelin-starred restaurant occupies a much bigger space, with large round tables pivoted towards the buzzing kitchen so that patrons can watch the skilful chefs at work. Sleek hardwood floors and colourful Mexican hammocks give the decor the same elegant and creative touch showcased in the food. Choose the tasting menu for €110, which comes with 15 to 25 bite-sized snacks that are paired with tequila or mezcal, to try a little bit of everything.
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Niño Viejo
Born out of a desire to bring authentic Mexican gastronomy to Barcelona, Albert Adrià and elBulli chef Paco Méndez opened a pair of restaurants next door to each other, to provide a comprehensive representation of Mexico’s diverse cuisine. “I wanted to rescue its reputation from the blight of the Tex-Mex fusion that’s better known in Europe,” said Adrià. The more wallet-friendly option, Niño Viejo, which opened in July 2014, serves up typical street food found in Mexican cities. Think cactus ceviche, huitlacoche (corn smut) tacos, tequila-infused macarons and zingy guacamole garnished with an avocado stone. The majority of dishes are under €10, making this the ideal choice for those looking to experience an Adrià restaurant on a budget. The restaurant also features a full bar but specialises in margaritas—opt for the Margarita Montjoy, which is topped with aire de sal (salt foam). Service is attentive yet informal, and the decor channels the lively, laid-back theme, with floral Mexican oilcloths draped over the tables, a neon taqueria sign above the bar and colourful sombreros adorning the walls.