Insider knowledge
We're focusing on delicious food and drink in this round-up of what's hot in Barcelona: Italian ice-cream, delicious cocktails, chocolate with a conscience, exotic meats and cake-making essentials. And to top it off, a new website service that lets you make your own greetings cards
1. Make mine a large one
Ideal Cocktail Bar has been going strong since 1931, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Ideal has recently expanded its array of gins and now offers over 40 ways to spice up the original Gin and Tonic. Names like Bombay Sapphire, Citadelle and Raffles are mixed with tonic but other flavours are also available, from pink grapefruit to liquorice and mint. Aribau 89, www.idealcocktailbar.com
2. Sugarcraft
Sparkling sugar diamonds and real fruit fondants are only a click away. British retailer Squires Group offers over 4,000 cake decorating supplies and books, which can now be bought online and shipped here. Birthday parties will never be the same. Tel. 617 173 688, www.squires-shop.com
3. Eco cocoa
Organic Meltdown chocolate is doing its best to save the world; each bar of chocolate sold saves one tree in the Amazon rainforest. Fair trade certified and using only organic ingredients, the company offers five tempting flavours including an Indian Spice bar that benefits the Happy Children’s Home in India. Available in Bon and A Taste of Home. www.organicmeltdown.com
4. Taste of Italy
Stylish ice cream shop Amorino offers 15 flavours of traditional Italian ice cream and five flavours of fresh fruit sorbets. Each scoop is spatula-served in the shape of a flower, and prices range from €3 to €8 for various cone or tub sizes. Litres are also available for take-away, and Amorino has a selection of chocolates and other sweets. Gran de Gràcia 53, tel. 93 218 8305, www.amorino.es
5. Greetings!
New online store barçacards offers an easy way to send a quick thank you or get-well note. Choose from over 100 exclusive photos or upload your own; barçacards lets you personalise your message for a truly unique greeting. Each 145 mm x 104mm card is printed on recycled cardstock and costs €2.50 plus postage. www.barcacards.com
6. Meats from down under
For 12 years, Australian Gourmet has provided restaurants in Catalunya with kangaroo meat, wagyu beef and farm-raised venison and lamb imported directly from Australia and New Zealand. Now they also do home delivery meaning more people can enjoy the delicious meats. Vacuum-packed and frozen, each order is ready to cook. Tel. 93 415 0850, www.australiangourmets.com