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El Bar

The definite article

By Brian Gallagher 16.03.16

Practically every neighbourhood in Barcelona has great restaurants and bars to choose from, some neighbourhoods offer a wider selection than others but nevertheless a simple investigation is usually rewarded with excellent food and wine. The Eixample Esquerre is no exception, this is the location of “El Bar” an excellent gourmet restaurante and wine bar, a collaboration between sommelier Sergi Giménez and chef Brian Matic, formerly of the Ohla hotel. Sergi who was responsible for the wine list at Colibrí (before it changed hands to César Pastor) acts is maitre d’ as well as sommelier and the wines precisely are one of the principal reasons to come to this restaurant.

With more than 90 different references that include Spanish D.O.s and other European wineries including lesser known choices such as Dagueneau y Marie-Noelle Ledru. Wine can be ordered by the glass, including whites, reds, cava and dessert wines. The restaurant is organised over two floors, with a privee (ideal for groups) on the first floor and a terrace on the chaflan directly outside.

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    The cheese trolley, one the gastronomic attractions of El Bar

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    The pototoes served with Ourense zorza

    The food offering here is designed for sharing with the choice of half-portions, the menu is updated every three months. Classic tapas and other more experimental dishes as well as a spectacular selection of cheeses.

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    Veal and foie Cannelloni

    Traditional bar snacks like the Banderillas (pickles) or the Bella di Cerignola y Kalamata olives; classic tapas with an added something, such as the bravas (potatoes), the homemade chicken and ham croquettes, the omelette made to order using organic eggs and seasonal ingredients, and the more experimental dishes like crispy ravioli prawn with ‘ponzu’ sauce, or the scallops with Macadamia nuts praline, Iberian bacon and lime gelatine.

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    Octopus served El Bar style

    For anyone looking for something more substantial "El Bar" offers choices such as the Acquerello rice or the beef and foie cannelloni. And to finish a selection of European cheeses, including an 18 month reserve Comté, a Pecorino wrapped in Rosso Conero grape skin and a D. O. P. gorgonzola. As far as desserts are concerned one of the chef specials is the Macedonia Chicle prepared with vanilla with blood orange sauce or the Yogurt Mousse with lime jelly and caramel.

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    Average price; 25 €. Tapas from 3 €. Glass of beer or aperif 2.10 €. Glass of wine or aperiti 3.50 €. Wine by the glass 3.10 €. Set lunch menu (Tuesday to Friday) 16 €. 4 cheese choices and glass of wine 12 €.

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    From Tuesday to Saturday 1 PM to 4 PM and from 7:30 PM till 11:30 PM. Sundays 1 PM till 4 PM. Closed Mondays.