Photo by Tara Stevens
Food & Drink
Cosy Can Punyetes
Is it still possible to eat well on less than €25 in Barcelona? I say it is. OK, so that’s something of a sweeping statement I know, but for the first Metropolitan food blog I thought I’d give you something to sink your teeth into without breaking them on the bill.
And so to little El Atril (C/Carders 23, Tel. 93 310 1220, Tue-Fri 1.30-4pm, 7.30-midnight, Sat 1.30-midnight, Sun 2-midnight), which goes from strength to strength with the world’s most simple formula: good quality food at fair prices. That the terrace seems to have gotten just a little bit wider in time for summer is an added bonus.
Where else, especially in the Born, can you commandeer a terrace table for the afternoon, then feast on moules marinere followed by grilled quail on polenta with a vanilla infused balsamic jus, or sobrasada layered baked potato with roast salmon on coconut rice. And then have pudding, a bottle or two of organic Gandesa red because it is Sunday after all, and a coffee, and still come away with change from a €20 note? Yep, has me scratching my head too.
If you’re up town, pop into Can Punyetes (C/ Marià Cubí 189, 93 200 9159). It may not have the terrace advantage, but it does give a country atmosphere, all the while laying hidden on the swanky courses of Maria Cubí. I couldn’t believe it either darlings, but it’s there all right; has been for years. Catalan beams, wooden barrels holding fruity country wine, marble table tops sagging beneath generous portions of pa amb tomaquet topped with escalivada and l’Escala anchovies, huerta fresh salads, and yes, more grilled quail, along with local lamb chops, botifarra, and roast chicken with sides of mongetes blancs, baked potatoes, or chips. Throw in a couple of bottles of the local hooch and even by night you’ll be hard pressed to spend more than €25 a head.
Show me a price-quality-ratio better than these two, and I’ll take you!
Until next week. TS