After a stressful day at work, some go for a much-needed foot massage. Others properly vent to the nearest half-hearted listener. I choose to go to Barcelona. Red hues and a rustic intimacy draping the place could subdue even the worst work-induced migraine.
So off I headed to Barcelona for several drinks in a classy setting. No cocktail, however, is fully dressed without a few appetizers. Our bartender, Aaron, had nothing but praise for the seafood at Barcelona. (He claims that the calamari, although cliché, is just the right mix of chewy and crispy). After considering the long list of tapas, I settled on a fruity to drink to start. And there certainly is nothing better than the…
Cosmocello
The first cocktail I ordered was a no-brainer, for cosmopolitans, limoncello and I make the best ménage a trois. Clearly a summer cocktail, the cosmocello is a blissful blend of vodka, limoncello, cranberry juice and a splash of sour. It was the perfect complement to…
Mejillones
I hate mussels. We have always been civil enemies, peacefully avoiding one another. Barcelona’s mussels, however, were out of this world. Delicately immersed in tomatoes and white wine, this delicacy is meant to be enjoyed slowly over comfortable conversation. But this appetizer was no match for…
Aguacates Rellenos con Queso
The tomato mozzarella basil salad is my go-to snack when I’m in a hurry or on a health kick. Barcelona’s avocado topped with goat cheese and sundried tomato vinaigrette was like a TBM 2.0 explosion. When asked if you would like pepper on top, the answer is always yes; pepper makes this tasty tapa go from impressive to WOW. What makes it go overboard, though, is pairing it with the…
Paloma
Who knew that mixing tequila, a pinch of salt, lime juice and citrus soda could produce a drink that combines the spiciness of the Caribbean with the refreshing taste of lemon and lime? This cocktail is all about creating a fiery mood and relaxing vibe. Cheers to drinks and…
Camarones
Tapas aren’t supposed to be filling; they’re supposed to be complementary to cocktails and conversation. So when we ordered a mix of sautéed shrimp, mushrooms and spinach soaked in white wine and rosemary cream sauce, I was pleasantly overwhelmed with how satisfying every bite was. It was a wonderful predecessor to the…
Smirnoff Martini
Smooth to the taste with hardly an aftertaste of vodka, this drink does just the trick when kicking off the end of a workday.
A medley of drinks and tapas at Barcelona makes for a successful evening, whether with coworkers, friends, or flying solo. Before leaving, Aaron makes a point that would have anyone rushing into Barcelona: there is something for everybody to enjoy.
Hold off on the foot massage, and save your friends the trouble of listening to your problems. Head on over to Barcelona Monday-Friday 4-7pm for the happiest hours of the week! $4 cocktails and $5 tapas make for an out-of-this-country experience.
