Issue #9

6 April 2011

This issue of the AFB is coming to you from Lisbon, Portugal and is about Barcelona, Spain.

An entry in Lonely Planet: Spain 8th Edition led me to Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu in the El Raval area of Barcelona. The Lonely Planet lures its readers to the "architectural masterpiece from another age". What the guidebook omitted to tell me, but what I will tell you, is that nestled within the gardens of the central courtyard is an alfresco restaurant. Go to the El Jardi even if history and architecture are not your passion. Order un litro of sangria and watch the entertaining array of people who frequent the interior courtyard of what is now the Biblioteca de Catalunya (Catalonia's National Library).

Not a fan of sangria (theirs comes with large chunks of fruit in it)? Then eat! The menu has 'typical' Catalan tapas such as tomato bread or black pudding with onion and classics like Gazpacho Andaluz or Patatas Bravas. If you want more than one tapa, El Jordi offers combination plates called degustation on the menu, as well as salads and desserts.

The menu advises that on nights when there is live music prices increase by 1€. They are open from midday to midnight.