La Catonada

Last date I was here: 05/27/2010

Restaurant: La Catonada

Location: Barrio Gothic-Barcelona, Spain

Total Rating: 3.85
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: After a busy morning of sightseeing, Keith researched and found this little restaurant to be in the area that we would end up, near the Picasso Museum. The reviews he read mentioned it to be another local gem with some crazy characters, but good food. Since we did well with the day before's lunch, we thought this might be a similar experience. As we entered, we were greeted by a loud smoking woman - the owner perhaps - who spoke no English, yet offered us a table by the door. We were the first lunch customers it appeared, even beating the waitress who soon entered after us. After finding some appealing items on the daily menu, the waitress took our order and then repeated each item to the owner lady who was very curious and pleased by our choices. One item on the menu that stood out was their house Cava - sparkling wine - usually reserved for special occasions, I decided to order it.

The owner brought out our Cava and served it - making some comments in Spanish and laughing - then placed it in an ice bucket on our table. The waitress brought out some bread and delicious Spanish olives while we waited for our appetizers. The food was surprisingly fresh and flavorful. This was probably one of the best meals we had and again a 3 course lunch for only 10 Euros each.

What I ate:

Melon and Jamon

slices of cantalope melon topped with slices of Iberico ham

Pollo Paella

traditional Spanish rice dish served with vegetables and chicken

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Plus Keith ate:

Spinach Empinada

Mariscas Paella

traditional Spanish rice dish served with mixed seafood

Flan