First
and foremost, I would like to wish you all a new year filled with joy, success
and many blessings. Since we last left off, we were visiting Barcelona and the
many hotspots around town. From the moment I set foot in the heart of Catalunya, I quickly became infatuated
with its colourful people, an unbeatable football team (referencing the Culés), the breathtaking architecture
and a fabulous culinary diversity.
 |
| My old pal Pablo Zabaleta is number 4 |
Today,
we’ll look at cuisine and specifically, a triple threat to my general interests:
Argentina, fútbol and cattle. Within
my first month across the pond, I had the pleasure of living among some of my
favourite people, the Argentines, in the neighbourhood of Gràcia. You will have trouble finding a more passionate, affectionate,
polite and melodious-speaking bunch. Many of these South Americans have settled
in Barcelona taking roles in gastronomy, finance, high tech, hospitality and
sport – let’s not forget to mention, roommates! – escaping the rollercoaster
blues of recessions and crises of several sorts.
As
an individual originating from a proud beef culture, such as many Canadians and
Americans who can’t leave their home without a barbecue (that’s why we have so
many barbecue pits in our city parks), you will find that the best meat in La Madre Patria seems to limit itself to
pork and chicken. Most beef acquired in the Kingdom of Spain may trigger a
depression or serious iron deficiencies as it is tough, tasteless and quite
surprising, considering this is the country know for the Corrida de toros (the running of the bulls).
One
fine evening, the glorious hand of God (more of a metaphor for Maradona)
reached down, nudging my Argentine roommate to propose a fine asado dinner for his bovine-depraved
Canuck renter. We wandered strategically a couple of streets west of Carrer Gran de Gràcia, to Carrer Santaló 73. The target of this
adventure was Las Cuartetas, a true
leader in carnes, wines and deserts from the pristine Pampas. Not only can one have succulent chunks of beef, chorizo and morcilla that melt in your mouth, but the regulars at the time included
Lionel Messi, Gabriel Milito and other fine personas of the Albiceleste.
 |
| Las Cuartetas Hall of Visitors |
After
a delicious meal and several Euros properly invested, I made my way out and
bumped into Pablo Zabaleta who was enjoying his football with the local outfit
RCD Espanyol. Now, I will not say we hit it off and went clubbing, living the vida loca. Come on people, he was on his
cellphone! I had the distinct pleasure of interrupting his conversation, shook
his hand, gave him the old tap on the shoulder and made my way to further Olé around town. If in Barcelona, make Las Cuartetas a MUST for a fine dinner
and a small piece of Buenos Aires querido.
