Streetlife: Rambla del Poblenou
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Ecobotiga
Don’t panic, it’s organic!’ reads the sign outside this fruiteria ecològica, which has a second location in Gràcia. The fresh fruit and veg on offer are noticeably different to that which you find in a supermarket—not so shiny, ever so slightly smaller and more vibrant in both colour and taste. Regular customer, Julio, wouldn’t go anywhere else for his fresh produce: “Everything here is made under the sun, literally—the chickens that lay their eggs and the pesticide-free vegetables all live and grow in the open air and sunshine.”
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El Tío Che
It’s had a couple of relocations, first in the Born and then Barceloneta, but this horchatería finally settled in Poblenou in the Forties. During the summer it’s open until 2am, and offers a delightful range of ice cream, slushies, sandwiches and their famous horchata—a traditional Valencian drink made from water, sugar and tigernuts.
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El 58
As the shopfront suggests, there’s a touch of French flair on both the wine and food menu at this tapas restaurant, and their tarte au flet (a cheesy potato bake) is a favourite amongst the locals. Fabián, the manager, explained: “The restaurant is part of the ‘km 0’ movement. We only source our produce from local markets and vendors, as we hold the local community close to our hearts.”
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El Vinyet
At the front of this shop, you can’t help but notice the wine barrels where you can fill up on vino a granel (wine on tap)—both local and international wines. “It makes the wine cheaper for the customer and it’s better for the environment,” explained Catalan owner, Montse. There’s an array of bottles on offer too at very reasonable prices.
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Monopol
Although no longer the social club for local football team Monopol, trophies and team photographs adorn the walls of the interior, which has a church hall feel to it. With a table football corner, ample space for swing and jazz nights, a big screen TV to watch matches and a laid-back roof terrace, Monopol is an authentic, timeless hub that exudes community spirit. It serves up a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and attracts both young and old crowds, as well as some former Monopol players who gather in the patio every few days to play cards or dominoes.
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Madeleine Mon Amour
Described by 20th-century writer Marcel Proust as the ‘ultimate treat for the senses’, this intimate two-storey restaurant pays homage to the madeleine—a small, shell-shaped French cake. Inspired by La Belle Époque of 19th-century Paris and its boudoir elegance, this cafe-restaurant offers both sweet and savoury versions of the cake. “I tried to imagine what sort of place Marcel Proust would visit nowadays,” explained manager and designer, Luigi Masala.
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Palazzolo
A sugary, vanilla smell fills this ice cream parlour. Italian-Australian owner, Jack, is a third-generation pastry and ice-cream maker from Sicily, and is the nephew of the renowned pastry masterchef, Santi Palazzolo. For authentic Italian ice cream, as well as pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes served at the weekend, Palazzolo is second to none.