If You're Ever In Barcelona

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If you're ever in Barcelona, you must stop at this hole in the wall tapas bar! The name is Quimet & Quimet located on Poeta Cabanyes 25. We discovered this gem through the travel section of The New York Times' website and I, admittedly, find myself dreaming of the concoctions that we tried there. We walked though seedy alleyways to find the walk-in closet size establishment and managed to wedge our bellies up to the bar. There were shelves from floor to ceiling packed with wine, house brewed beer, and jars of marinated meats, olives, and roasted peppers. Behind the bar were skilled tapas chefs that pulled from an array of items in front of them like that of a sushi chef. We read that you simply tell the tapas chef your likes and dislikes and he will artfully create something for you to try. After waiting and watching some amazing looking plates served to other patrons we pointed and asked "Que es esto?" and attempted to remember the names of all we wanted to try when he came to take our order. We managed to explain my shellfish allergy to the waiter, he nodded and delivered a meal that I'll never forget.

[1. mussels, caviar, sweet tomato salsa and olive oil on toasted bun 2. roasted red pepper, prawns, soft cheese and caviar on toasted bun (forefront), house brewed beer and smoked salmon, soft cheese, drizzled honey on toasted bun 3. roasted red pepper, and a bed of olive tempanade nestled in smoked anchovies on toasted bun (forefront). Pate with marinated mushrooms and reduced plum sauce on a toasted bun. 4. pungent artisan cheese selection (photo borrowed from New York Times website) 5. Antipasta platter of cured and smoked fish with olive tempanade and fava beans in olive oil 6. Quimet & Quimet storefront.]