...because of beautiful Begur......

 

 

 

 

...beautiful Begur on the Costa Brava, an hour and half north of Barcelona.  It is stunningly picturesque, with its old medieval castle overlooking the town, its medieval streets and 16th century towers and the majestic Pyrenees as its backdrop. And just down the hill are the beaches with their crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Summer bliss.

UN BESO: Begur, X

...because of the very picturesque Calella de Palafrugell....

 ...1.5 hours north of Barcelona, situated on the Costa Brava is the very picturesque little beachside  pueblo of Calella de Palafrugell.  Quiet, peaceful and scenic, it also has one of my favourite restaurants in the world.. Restaurant Fiego. Located on the beach and serving paella and fideua while your barefeet rest in the sand. Bliss!

UN BESO: Calella de Palafrugell, & Restaurant Fiego X 

...because of Martinez on Montjuic....

Martinez Restaurante, situated on Montjuic, is definitely the fanciest chiringuito in town.  From the deck outside where you can have a drink and play fussball to the fun but sophisticated restaurant inside that serves a delicious paella accompanied by a breath taking view over Barcelona. 

UN BESO: Martinez Restaurante, C de Miramar, 38,  X

http://www.martinezbarcelona.com/

..because now I know how to make fideua....

...my first homemade fideua (rice noodles with seafood) -  a lesson in the secrets of spanish cooking (from a Spaniard)... with a delicious result!  The added bonus being it could be eaten in the Winter sun and with a breathtaking view of Barcelona. 

Next stop: paella! 

UN BESO: home cooked fideua, X

...because I found 'fiduea'...

... fideua (paella with pasta instead of rice..delicious!), paella marisco and judías pochas con almejas (white beans and clams). Casa Amalia is an authentic traditional restaurant, situated in a picturesque cobblestone lane, which is the next best location for paella to the beach. Perfect for some Winter warming.  

UN BESO: Casa Amalia, Passatge Mercat 4, Eixample X

...because on a friend's birthday I get lunch and a gift...

...I like this!! This is not how it works in Oz.  
I had lunch with a friend for their birthday; not only did they treat me to my first fideua (delicious), but I also recieved a regalo (gift)...a book on Barceloneta, to fuel my fascination.  Gracias, another reason I am Besotted Barcelona!!


UN BESO: a Barcelona birthday (but not mine!), X

..because of the best little paella restaurant in (Barceloneta) town...

Barceloneta is the old fishing village of Barcelona and marisco (seafood) runs through the veins of the locals. There are many restaurants for paella and this quaint little restaurant serves the freshest and tastiest, made with love by Nini. It is authentic and a favourite little secret of the Barcelonese. 
Of course, the most best thing about paella is that it is not a meal for one, it is a dish that must be shared! 




UN BESO: Paella at Cheriff Ginebre 15, Barceloneta X

... Sant Pol de Mar... perfect for paella, playa, siesta...

Banys Lluis, on the beach at Sant Pol. Open everyday of the year!

Sant Pol de Mar is a picturesque seaside pueblo located north of Barcelona on the Costa Brava. It is a scenic one hour train ride along the coast to the beautiful beach.  
The restaurant Banys Lluis is fantastic because 
1.it is situated on the beach 
2. it serves delicious fresh paella and 
3. it is open on Fiesta days!


UN BESO: Sant Pol de Mar X