Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 222 by Barcelona Metropolitan

JULY 2015 Nº 222

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A PLACE OF MY OWN

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contents

METROPOLITAN contributors

{ISSUE 222} JULY 2015 F E A T UR E S

R E G ULA R S

12 REPORT: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

06 08 10 33 34 36 49 50

Sam Mednick shows us how to jump on the property ladder while the going’s good.

18 A HERBIVORE’S HEAVEN Vegetarianism is in vogue around town.

29 HIDDEN TREASURES Three handmade jewellery shops.

30 GREC FESTIVAL Find out what’s on the lineup this year.

New in Town In the City A Place of My Own Fashion Travel Food & Drink Coaching column Interview

W H A T ’S O N 20 22 24 26

Music Art Misc. Pullout Calendar

D IR E C T O R IE S 41 43 44 49

Food & Drink Health & Beauty Business Jobs

ROELIEN PRINZEN Originally from Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Roelien Prinzen is a third-year business student in Groningen. She has been living in Barcelona for almost five months and loves everything about it—the language, the food, the people and the music—and working at Metropolitan has given her the opportunity to quickly become familiar with the city. Her latest hobby is video blogging—something she hopes to turn into a job in the future, so she can travel the world and tell others about the places she sees and the people she meets.

ERIKA SAVANDER A media and communications student from Stockholm, Erika is currently studying in Barcelona. She is working on her movie-making, language and photography skills. In her free time, she likes to discover hidden places in the city and capture them on camera, and she has had the perfect opportunity to do so whilst working for Metropolitan.

rachel huffman Originally from St. Louis,

Publisher Creative Media Group, S.L. Managing Director Andrea Moreno Consulting Editor Esther Jones Editor Carol Moran Art Director Aisling Quigley Account Executives Jalil Alui, Richard Cardwell, Nicolás Zdravko Reyes Sales Assistant Roelien Prinzen Editorial Assistants Rachel Huffman, Kirsten Sylvain, Isabelle Ohlson, Kathryn Todd Design Assistant Kirsty Moore Contributors Jay Collins, Abigail Davies, Miquel Hudin, Melissa Leighty, Sam Mednick, Tatiana Omran, Toni Rocamora, Tori Sparks, Daniel Whitehead, Sam Zucker Photographers Yan Pekar, Erika Savander, Alicia Michavila Illustrator Ben Rowdon Editorial: editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com Advertising: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com General: info@barcelona-metropolitan.com Carrer de la Ciutat 7 2ª-4ª, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486 www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

Rachel studied writing, literature and publishing in Boston. Not quite ready to start a career at a book publisher, she moved to Barcelona to teach English, travel and write. She has always wanted travel to be a part of her life, from trekking around the US for gymnastics to gallivanting around Europe when she studied abroad. Barcelona has proven to be an incredible home base while she absorbs inspiration and information from the city and other European cities she explores on weekend trips.

The views expressed in Barcelona Metropolitan are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction, or use, of advertising or editorial content herein, without express permission, is prohibited. Depósito legal: B35159-96

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IN THE CITY

new IN TOWN

CABALLA CANALLA

NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL

NI CHICHA, NI LIMONÁ. PASSEIG SANT JOAN 80. WWW.CHICHALIMONA.COM. The name Ni Chicha, Ni Limoná neatly summarises this new restaurant––it’s not quite this, but not quite that either. There are two spaces, each with their own entrance on the street, but matching funky signs over the doors clearly indicate that they are part of the same establishment. One side is a casual cafe-pizzeria with homemade bread and pizzas, bocadillos, soups and pastries, while the other, a vermutería, caters more to the lunch and dinner crowd. Sara Reixach Masegu and Victor Burgués Palmés, a local couple, opened the restaurant’s doors in early June after months of preparation. They explained that they wanted to create two distinct spaces where everyone can find something to eat, whether they’re looking for a quick bite or an evening out. The ‘chicha’ side of the restaurant also features a selection of high-end, but littleknown, goods from small producers around Europe—Masegu and Palmés have stocked their shelves with 100 varieties of canned fish and seafood, as well as an impressive collection of organic and sulphite-free wines and artisan beers. There’s a lot going on here, but thanks to its clever decor and setup, this cafe, pizza shop, vermutería and store all come together just fine.

MARKET FRESH NI CHICHA, NI LIMONÁ

ITALIAN CHIC

OPERA. MALLORCA 193. WWW.OPERALOUNGE.ES Art, beauty and culture, that’s how Opera— the newest addition to the Eixample’s many quirky spaces—presents itself. The brainchild of Italian-born Giovanni Lavorante and Mauro Morando, Opera is an oasis of creativity, bringing a touch of Italian glamour to the streets of the city. Their vision was to create a space that ‘stimulates the imagination and feeds the soul, where artists can express themselves, beauty is nurtured and culture is made exciting and accessible’. As well as housing a mini gallery and event space that showcases the work of local and international artists, Opera also has a beauty salon where experienced stylist Giovanni offers hair styling, colouring and texturing worthy of the catwalk. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for regular updates and event information.

CABALLA CANALLA. PLAÇA POETA BOSCÀ 1. WWW.CABALLACANALLA.COM Caballa Canalla is the latest eatery on Barceloneta’s bustling food scene, and it’s the creation of former Director of Tourism for Catalunya, Isabel Galobardes, and her son, Guillem Rofes. This spacious, openplan restaurant forms part of the neighbourhood market, which is located on the expansive Plaça Poeta Boscà, and boasts a menu of fresh tapas and Mediterranean dishes served throughout the day. The owners have successfully created a comfortable, minimalistic environment where customers can sample the extensive cocktail menu and wine list, to wash down freshly-cooked delights made with local market produce. The bright, inviting interior is spread over two floors and includes a sunny terrace—the perfect stop-off after a day on the beach.

THINGS TO DO IN JULY

TAKE A DIP Cool off this July in the outdoor paddling pool in the Creueta del Coll park. This is where locals in the know head for a refreshing dip and to lie on the grass and soak up some rays. If you’re feeling active, there’s also a little boating pool.

STARRY-EYED DINNERS Treat yourself to a dinner under the stars at the Fabra Observatory on Collserola. Take a look at the night sky with the experts, then feast on some space-inspired gourmet fare on the terrace. www.soparsambestrelles.cat

COCKTAILS WITH GAUDÍ

OPERA

Enjoy a Gaudí-inspired evening at one of the architect’s lesser-known works, the Torre Bellesguard in Bonanova. Every week, from Wednesday to Saturday, there’s live music and cocktails in the gardens of this castle-like Modernista home. www.nitsgaudi.com

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TO THE BEAT

SWEDISH FIT. GYM SANT PAU (RONDA SANT PAU 46) & CIED (LLANÇA 31). WWW.SWEDISHFIT.ES ‘Fitness for everyone’—that’s the motto at Swedish Fit. The concept of these intense workouts involves attendees circling around an instructor and mimicking movements to the beat of the music. Think dancing to the rhythm of French Eighties pop, followed by press ups to Muse and crunches to Britney—whether you’re a seasoned athlete or couch potato, there’s no doubt it’ll get your blood pumping. It has been developed from the Swedish concept of Friskis, combining muscle building, cardio, stretching, balance and coordination, all rolled into one, endorphin-filled hour. This latest fitness craze is reaching Zumba-esque proportions in popularity, starting in France and spreading to London, Zurich, Montreal and Geneva. French native, Chloé Mayer, is responsible for bringing it to Barcelona. Since their launch in February, the classes have developed a loyal international fan base returning week after week. “It is always a pleasure to see that people appreciate what we do,” said Mayer, observing that many can’t stay away after their first visit. Swedish Fit has two locations in the city, and the first class is free—so what’s your excuse?

RUMBA AND SARDINES It’s a classic on the Barcelona summer schedule; an evening of sardines and rumba up at the Caseta restaurant on Montjüic. Every Wednesday evening, you can gaze over the city and the Med whilst tucking into a traditional sardine dinner accompanied by live rumba. By reservation only. www.lacaseta.org

PADDLE POWER As far as sea sports go, stand up paddle (SUP) looks like one of the calmer ways to enjoy the Mediterranean and has the advantage that you don’t need a windy day to take part. Stand up Paddle Barcelona offers a 90-minute initiation class for € 35, individualised sessions and equipment hire. www.supbarcelona.es

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IN THE CITY

streetlife

ALSUR CAFÉ.

CARDERS

Plaça de Sant Cugat 1. www.alsurcafe.com As their slogan insists, “Food you want, when you want it.” At Alsur Café there is something to please all palates. Choose from a delicious variety of eggs, woks, toasts, sweets and more, not to mention a plethora of beverages for any appetite. This Barcelona chain is not just about satisfying the munchies, however. It has a corner for every occasion. The endless array of patterned throw pillows along the sunlit window bench allow solo customers to comfortably read a book and sip their coffee, while a spacious terrace calls for friendly banter over burgers, and an extra dining area, lit with strands of bare light bulbs, is peaceful enough to get down to work with a colleague.

A STREET OF MANY NAMES, THIS NARROW LANE CUTS STRAIGHT ACROSS THE BORN AND HAS SEEN A NEW, UPBEAT STREAM OF DYNAMIC BUSINESSES MOVE IN OVER RECENT YEARS.

¡HOLA CRISTO!

Corders 13. info@hola-cristo.com Picture this: Snow White dressed in all black, a red bandana over her nose and mouth, carrying a machine gun up an escalator with the hats of her seven dwarf accomplices lined up behind her and a bank sign in the background. That is one of Hola Cristo’s bestselling t-shirts. “The concept of the store is fun,” said co-owner Simon. “We collaborate with designers to print our own shirts, but also feature collections from France, Japan, etc.” Each shirt—the majority of which Simon admitted are geared towards men—is a comical diversion from society’s expectations. No one anticipates Cookie Monster in place of Jesus at The Last Cookie.

WAWAS.

Carders 14. Run by sisters Silvia and Anna, Wawas Barcelona is “a different souvenir shop from the ones you tend to see in the city,” as Kathleen, a visitor from Berlin, put it. Originally, the sisters were producing vintage photos of daily life as postcards and selling them in museums and other tourist outlets. Eight years ago, they decided to open their shop in Born to showcase their brand’s expanding product lines, while also giving local businesses and artists a place to display their unique souvenirs. For those of you who pride yourself on finding the most distinctive souvenirs, this is the spot to shop. Maybe you’ll take home a jamón leg pillow, hand-drawn recipes for sangría and paella, a book on Barcelona street art or a ‘be Cool, be Catalan’ t-shirt.

METROPOLITAN PEOPLE

GALERÍA MAXÓ.

Carders 29. www.galeriamaxo.com In May 2009, Argentinian artist Maxó Rennella decided that the Born was the best place to showcase his work and open his first gallery. This space on Carders is his second and follows Maxó’s original objective to promote the modern artistic expression of European artists. One of Maxó’s friends explained, “Maxó was trying to find himself, his place, in Barcelona for a long time. Now that he has settled in the Born, not only does his art reflect his state of contentment, but he has taken a genuine role in making the neighbourhood a better place—somewhere people love to live.” And he keeps his neighbours in mind with each piece he creates, making art for people who love art, but can’t afford a €4000 canvas.

WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LIVE IN THE CITY?

ÁLVARO

ELISABET

BLAIR

21, FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

33, WAITRESS

22, SALES MANAGER

Gràcia. I think it feels more Catalan rather than touristy. There are lots of activities and it’s a chilledout neighbourhood. 08

Barceloneta. It’s near the beach but still close to the centre. It’s a nice mix between foreign people and locals. Good bars, good food, good vibes.

Born. It’s close to the centre, it has lovely buildings and the streets feel safe because there are a lot of restaurants, bars and activity.

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THE LIME HOUSE.

Carders 31. www.facebook.com/ thelimehousebarcelona Open every night from 7.30pm, The Lime House is a place where everyone fits in. With a young atmosphere and cool staff, you’ll find yourself making this place a regular starting point for a night of bar hopping. Frequent customer, Adrià, 28, from Catalunya, said he likes The Lime House for its “cheap, loaded mojitos that help you loosen up and have fun with the international crowd.” There’s always someone new to meet and another drink to be had.

ANTHONY LLOBET.

Carders 34. www.anthonyllobet.com ‘Don’t let your Spanish come between you and your hair’—that’s their slogan. After over 14 years in business and five branches, Anthony Llobet English Hair Salons have become somewhat of an institution in Barcelona. Their quirky, retro interiors, filled with hairdressing antiques, and a multi-lingual team attract a clientele of foreign residents and locals alike. Anthony himself grew up in London, later moving to Barcelona, and is now the ambassador for TRESemmé Spain. So if you haven’t yet found the perfect hairdresser to trust with your shiny locks, look no further.

RAMONAS BARCELONA.

Carders 51. www.ramonasbarcelona.com For those who want to cycle with a bit more flair, this is the shop for you. “We offer products to outfit urban bikers and their bikes,” explained Llúcia Bernet, part owner of Ramonas Barcelona. Each product, from wicker baskets in varying shades of brown and eco-leather seats in matching colours to saddlebags and bells, combines functionality and aesthetics in equal parts. “We think you can still be stylish while riding your bike,” Llúcia said. The store even offers skirt clips to protect your modesty as you breeze by pedestrians on the streets.

JOÃO 23, BARTENDER

Barceloneta, as it’s close to my work and the beach. It’s nice to see a lot of sun and beautiful people.

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IN THE CITY

A place of MY OWN IRISH COUPLE AISLING AND COLM QUIGLEY CREATED THE PERFECT HOME FROM HOME FOR THEIR YOUNG FAMILY IN SANT PERE DE RIBES. TEXT BY RACHEL HUFFMAN.

isling Quigley has transformed a rented house in Sant Pere de Ribes into a oneof-a-kind home with her own two hands—plus some spools of thread, a bit of clay and a rainbow palette of colours. “I’m such a homemaker,” she laughed. When you consider that the majority of the decorations, and even some furniture, are the result of her craftiness and creativity, that seems like an understatement. She moved to Sant Pere with her family six years ago, around the time her second son, Alex, was born, and they’ve been living in this white, two-storey house for two years. A while back she lived in Barcelona, “but we were always heading out this way, to see friends or go to the beach, so we thought why not just move here.” And she’s never looked back. “I love it here,” she beamed. “It’s really become a commuter town, so I have an easy way to get into the city but reap the benefits of living away from it in this great community.” As you step through the sliding glass doors on the side of the house, you enter the dining area. Although the four-person dining room table is from Ikea, Aisling has added her own touch with some colourful chalk paint. A plethora of secondhand pieces have been converted in the same way, including an elegant, white chest covered in stylish engravings that, contradictorily, stores her boys’ plastic toys. The dining room is connected to the living room where there is a fireplace that Aisling admits stays on all winter. Scattered on her grey, corduroy sofa are over half a dozen cushions of differing orange, yellow and pink patterns. “Oh yeah, I make couch cushions, too,” Aisling said humbly. On the walls and practically every flat surface—from the mantle over the fireplace to the bookshelves and a bright yellow, chalkpainted, secondhand entryway table—are family photos and images to remind them of where they came from. Each photo has captured a special moment, displaying memories and family ties. Gorgeous black and white shots from Aisling and Colm’s wedding. Old, sepia portraits of their parents. Aisling smiling with

her four siblings on the youngest sister’s 21st birthday. And a personal favourite of everyone’s: a photo of Aisling’s whole family from 1986, when they were at Bunratty Castle, dressed in old-fashioned costumes, gazing out with rather solemn expressions. Aisling’s mother, who was visiting for a week in June, explained, “the photographer told us that decades before, in these types of photos, people did not smile. To have the picture look authentic, we had to be serious.” So what did her family immediately do after receiving these instructions? They started laughing. “As soon as one stopped, another would start,” she said. “I didn’t think we would ever get that photo taken.” There are also a few screen prints of the town in Ireland where Colm is from and an Irish wall hanging that symbolises ‘happiness’. From this area of the house you can head into the ordinary kitchen where Aisling whips up extraordinary meals from recipes in a series of The Hairy Dieters cookbooks. Then it’s past the traditional Spanish front door—the kind where the glass swings out of the frame to circulate fresh air throughout the breezy house—and upstairs to the bedrooms. In the bedrooms, it’s not the bedspreads or the wardrobes that stand out, but the small things that Aisling takes pride in and cheerfully draws attention to. In her bedroom, she has little bowls with rippled edges in different colours and sizes, which hold jewellery, spare change and other loose items. These, along with a fruit bowl, butter dish and vase downstairs, she made in a year-long pottery class. “I went every Thursday for three hours,” said Aisling. “It was a couple of us women, and some nights we would have a few glasses of cava and get chatting, and time would just fly by.” From the balcony off the room that Aisling uses as her office/guest room, you can see the outdoor swimming pool across the street, which is connected to a gym, and an expanse of leafy green vineyards beyond. Aisling gestured up the street and said there’s a children’s park just out of sight. “We have it all right here.” After we looked into her boys’ rooms— typically littered with toys and adolescent

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clutter—Aisling exclaimed, “Let me show you the garden. It’s really the best part.” The sun-drenched yard has a tree house, which was built before they moved in, with a slide that the boys still use, and a doghouse, currently vacant. “We’re trying to find a rescue dog to adopt,” Aisling said, but they haven’t had any luck so far. “Alex keeps asking for one, so hopefully that doghouse will soon be occupied.” They also grow potatoes, spring onions and herbs in their garden. The spacious yard is the perfect place to soak up some rays on comfy lounge chairs—the cushions of which Aisling sewed, of course—or slip into the shade with a nice cup of tea. Aisling works hard to keep her household running— entertaining her two active boys during the long summer days with no school, always having a new, artsy project in the works, playing hostess to the assortment of guests that come to visit. But it pays off. She has a happy, close-knit family and a home that is the epitome of cosiness, all of it created with love.

If you have made yourself an interesting home from home and would like to appear in our Place of My Own feature, please send an email to editorial@ barcelona-metropolitan.com.

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EMERGING FROM

A GENERAL VIEW OF WHAT’S ON OFFER IN THE CITY

Two bedroom, renovated apartment in a prime location, from between €160,000 to €220,000.

Include a private terrace and the value can increase from anywhere between 30%-50% depending on the size and location (directly off the apartment or up a flight of steps).

n home

sweet home

dd x

One-bedroom apartments or studios are around €130,000 to €140,000.

€€

FOR SALE €50,000 for each extra bedroom

THE FOG BARCELONA’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IS ON THE MEND. TEXT BY SAM MEDNICK

“M

y job pays my bills, but properties have made me my money,” smiled real estate aficionada, Shay O’Malley. Having recently sold a few of her London apartments in order to invest in Barcelona, the Australian realestate jun ie confirmed what’s been bu ing around the city of late. Barcelona’s property hangover is slowly coming to an end. It’s been a long and challenging time for Spanish real estate. With the onset of the economic crisis in 2008, the country’s property market took a tumultuous hit affecting millions in its wake. “ pain’s real estate fro e and crashed. here were almost no buyers,” recounted Yoram Meshulam, founder of Homesearch (homesearchbarcelona.com), one of Barcelona’s first nglish spea ing real estate agencies. “ he drop in prices was very fast. People were afraid—they didn’t know where the economy was headed. here was huge uncertainty, and that’s the worst case scenario in the real estate sector.” Now, almost seven years later, the tide is turning and people’s faith in the market is slowly being renewed. Over the past few years, O’Malley and her partner have invested in several properties, including a one-bedroom, 40m2 apartment in the Born (€130,000) which they rent out, and a 100m2 house in Viladrau, approximately an hour outside the city , . hey’re currently in the process of closing a third deal on a 140m2 apartment in the Raval, which they plan on calling home (€380,000). “I came here from London and noticed that the city centre properties were quite cheap in comparison. It was a really good opportunity to come in and buy,” said O’Malley. Decidedly more and more people are feeling the same way. “ he mar et at the moment is recovering,” said Ale Vaughan, founding partner of Lucas Fox (lucasfox.com), a real estate agency with a focus on high end property. “ here’s more confidence transaction numbers are going up, and prices are levelling out. ow is definitely the time to buy.” SO, WHERE TO INVEST? “ ocation, location, location,” stated aughan. “ he ey to a successful investment is knowing where to buy.” Luckily, Barcelona is a city full of options in terms of viable locations. For those looking at a lower risk endeavour, it’s best to buy as centrally as possible. Since prices in Barcelona’s prime areas have already hit bottom and are slowly on the rise, there’s increasing demand for places between €100,000 and , . eal estate in neighbourhoods such as the i ample and Ciutat Vella are currently solid ventures.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING Are there any issues with the neighbours? Are there any current tenants? If so, what are the conditions of their rental contract? Be clear on the situation with regards to the loans on the apartment. Are there any outstanding debts? Are there any fines/issues with the council? Find out the status of the electricity and make sure it complies with current regulations. Are there re-zoning commitments in the city’s urban design plans?

Shay O'Malley has made property investments in the city and its surroundings

People who want to invest for the longer term, however, should consider Sant Antoni and Poblenou, as well as parts of the Raval and Poble Sec. hese are considered by some e perts as secondary locations —areas that are expected to increase in value in the future. In addition to where a property is situated, there are plenty of other factors to consider when investing in real estate, particularly buyer’s intent. Is this a place to live in or to rent out? Is this a long-term deal, or do you want a quicker return on your investment?

ou have to do the numbers, figure out costs and do your research, especially in a city like Barcelona where pricing ‘transparency’ can often be fairly non-transparent. “It’s so different buying a property for investment versus buying one you want to use for yourself,” explained O’Malley. “If you’re investing to let, you have to thin about who’s going to be renting the flat and who your target audience is. If you’re looking for a return on investment, keep in mind that property normally doubles every 10 years. And if you’re planning on living in it for the next 15 years, you might get more emotional about it.” Yet, on the whole, O’Malley maintained that when it comes to property, it’s best to leave your emotions at the door. n order to be smart, you have to do the numbers, figure out costs and, above all, do your research, especially in a city like Barcelona where pricing ‘transparency’ can often be fairly non-transparent.

KNOWING WHEN THE PRICE IS RIGHT nli e many other cities, where you can easily find a general reference list for property prices, it’s not as easy to pin down in Barcelona. Sellers and agencies usually set the bar, which often leads to a property being valued differently depending on the platform. t’s not uncommon to find the same apartment on Fotocasa.es and Idealista.com (popular property websites) set at varying price points. If you don’t do your research, you could end up spending a lot more than necessary. “ here is no specific price per s uare metre,” said eshulam. “ rices can change a lot from one area to another, especially within Ciutat Vella. In order to know that you’re getting good value for money, you have to now the city or use an independent real estate agency.” his is an agency that works on behalf of the buyer, not the owner, which is exactly what Homesearch specialises in. Meshulam emphasises that when someone’s working for you, everything runs a lot smoother as they have your interests at heart. However, if you’re willing to go it alone, it sometimes helps to contact the seller directly. Mónica Miró has been living in Barcelona her entire life and says that when possible, she tries to go directly through the owner. “I want to know who I’m buying from and if they’re hiding anything,” said Miró. Having grown up in the i ample in a rented flat, she didn’t li e the idea of paying rent her entire life, only to “end up with nothing”. Sixteen years ago, right before prices skyrocketed, she bought a 75m2, four-bedroom apartment with a private terrace on the outskirts of town in Carmel for €75,000. At the height of the property bubble in 2006, her place was valued at , . oday, ir has had a hard time selling it for €140,000. “As part of the hangover of the property crisis, there’s a lot of cheap property in secondary locations, and that stuff will recover more slowly,” said Vaughan.

PRACTICAL TIPS WHEN BUYING PROPERTY

> Visit the place at various times of day, including morning, noon and

> Research the market so you know what you’re talking about. > Understand the basics of the process. > Get independent legal advice. > Look at the state of the building—if it looks like it’s going to fall apart it

> Don’t be pressured by sellers or agents, this is a decision that can’t

probably is.

> Talk to the neighbours and the president of the building's community and ask them questions that the owner might not be 100 percent upfront about.

> Check the construction and the walls, as they can often be paper thin, which might be a deal breaker.

night, and don’t be afraid to ask the owner or agency to let you in; this is a big commitment. be rushed.

> Remain detached—if you lose the place you’ll find another. > Use people you trust, whether it’s the lawyer or the agent. > Try to go for the worst house on the best street. > Think twice before buying across from a cemetery, as it’ll be harder to resell in the future.

> In general, a good time to buy is from November until the beginning of April. The market is slower so sellers and agents are more willing to negotiate.

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Yet, Miró says she doesn’t regret her decision to buy out of the city centre, because at the time it was what she could afford. Her apartment is currently being rented out, which pays the mortgage on her new fourbedroom house in Horta-Guinardó, which she purchased in 2013. A particular steal, as she stuck to her guns and managed to bargain it down from €375,000 to €340,000.

"We’d like to see a gradual, sustainable recovery rather than some cra y boom and bust.

MORTGAGE TIPS > Read the fine print. Banks can offer amazing rates, but they come with conditions. > Know what you’re entitled to, what you’re obliged to do and what’s optional. > Shop around. > Read everything properly and if there’s something you don’t understand then inquire. > Ask a lot of questions and do it by email so there’s a written record. > Get the conditions sent to you and read them before signing. > Take advantage of the online trials with various banks to see if you’re eligible for a mortgage and how much you can realistically get.

DOES NEGOTIATING WORK? When it comes to the culture of bargaining in Barcelona the consensus is unanimous—Always negotiate just ma e sure you now what you’re doing. “ he mentality here isn’t a ur ish ba aar,” laughed eshulam. “ f your plan is to come and buy 20 percent below the asking price, you’ll need a lot of patience and will have to see plenty of properties.” As Barcelona’s real estate landscape is on the mend with places selling more quickly, Meshulam recommends going for it as soon as you identify the opportunity. If you find a property you li e, even if you’re paying five to ten percent more, jump on it, as there are a lot more buyers on the market now than there used to be. n addition to coinciding with the official end of the crisis, this increase in demand is also due to banks lending much more actively than before. With low interest rates, the banks have become more competitive bringing hesitant potential buyers back into the game. WHAT ABOUT THE MORTGAGE? It’s important to note that although banks are lending more enthusiastically than in previous years, they still err on the side of caution, and most will not lend more than 80 percent of the property value. Furthermore, this is based on the property value according to the bank’s own valuation, not of the actual agreed price, and erring on the side of caution, properties are currently being valued very conservatively. “ hey’re uite selective about who they lend to,” said aughan. “ efore, anyone could get a mortgage. Now they look at your balance to see if you can actually repay it.” For those who are eligible, however, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on a mortgage (see below). Something else to consider when speaking to the bank is the possibility of buying a bank repossession. Due to the recession, a lot of properties were repossessed and are now being sold more cheaply and with special offers attached lower mortgages, free mortgage for the first year, etc. . As well, an incredible plus of buying a bank property is that most of the time you don’t have to pay the Arras (10 percent initial deposit). “Our aval flat was a ban repossession,” e plained O’ alley. “We only had to put , euros on it as opposed to around , . his gave us time to sell our London property and not worry that we’d lose too much if we had to pull out.”

ADDED COSTS TO BE AWARE OF: Purchase tax: 10 percent of the asking price Notary fee: €600-1200 Registry office: €200-300 Community fees: Will vary Bank fees for arranging the mortgage: Can vary up to €15,000 IBI: Yearly property tax (depends on the property size and location. Look out for things such as a larger lawn, which translates into higher taxes) Unexpected costs: Electricity updates (especially if it doesn’t comply with current regulations)

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Gràcia

Sant Gervasi

€5,634 €3,328

€6,564 €4,075

Sagrada Familia

Pedralbes/ Sarrià

Poblenou/Vila Olímpica

€5,697 €2,995

€7,271 €4,4945

€5,482 €3,736

Eixample Dreta Eixample Esquerra €5,817 €3,470

€6,359 €4,636

Gòtic €5,269 €4,232

Barceloneta/Born

€5,593 €3,558

Poble Sec/Montjuïc €5,129 €2,571

PROPERTY PRICE MAP Property prices have fluctuated greatly over the last ten years. This map portrays the highs (pre-2008) and lows (2013 approx) of prices per square metre by area.

WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE SHORT TO LONG TERM As Barcelona’s real estate embarks on the road to recovery, pundits, connoisseurs and potential buyers alike are remaining cautiously optimistic. “What we’d like to see is a gradual, sustainable recovery rather than some cra y boom and bust happening again,” said Vaughan. ven though local, as well as international, interest in the market is increasing, things are still slow going with a strong, yet very specific demand. ower end properties are on the rise, so if someone purchased an apartment several years ago for approximately €70,000, that same apartment today could be sold for around €130,000. “But if you try to sell something purchased at €300,000, you might not notice an increase in value,” explained Meshulam. hose properties are best to hang on to for a little while longer. From a buyer’s perspective, as prices are gradually swelling, they’re still quite reasonable with plenty of variety, in both primary and secondary locations. It’s all about having the patience to look and knowing what’s right for you. As O’ alley loo s forward to finalising the deal on her aval flat, she said as much as she tries to eep her emotions in check when making important property decisions, the most important thing is to trust your gut. “You know within the first seconds of wal ing into a place if you li e it,” she said. Above all, when investing in real estate, it just has to feel right.

STEPS TO BUYING PROPERTY IN BARCELONA: Many people turn to real estate agents as a first step. If you do, keep the following in mind:

> Find one who’s acting in your interest as the buyer, not the seller > Find out about the legal situation on the property at the Registro de la Propiedad > Ask for the Nota Simple report or do it directly online at: http://www.registradores. org/nota_simple.jsp using an ID number which needs to be given by the seller

> Make sure the owners selling are the real owners and are registered > Check that there are no inheritance issues with the property > Ensure that the property has the cedula de habitabilidad, which is an official certificate stating that that property is suitable for living (and not meant to be used as an office or for commercial use)

> Pay the deposit (arras): Once you’ve decided to buy the property, in order to secure the purchase you need to pay a 10 percent deposit to the seller, called the arras

> If getting a mortgage, make sure it’s approved. It’s important to check first with the bank to make sure you’re eligible for a mortgage before paying the arras or have a backup plan in case you can’t get the mortgage

> Pay in full and sign with a notary 16

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VEG OUT! CENTRIC MENUS ACROSS TOWN, VEGETARIANS HAVE NEVER HAD IT EASY HERE, BUT BARCELONA IS FINALLY EMBRACING ITS HERBIVORE INHABITANTS. BY MELISSA LEIGHTY.

Juice House

eing a vegetarian in Barcelona is a trial no more. In the last decade or so, the food scene in Barcelona has boomed and so have the options for the city’s vegetarians. Vegetarians used to be relegated to a handful of veggie restaurants or to the pasta list on meat-heavy menus. Moreover, foraging for a veggie-friendly meal used to be a trial in the tapas bars where diners faced a rotation of the same meat-free dishes like patatas bravas and pimientos de padrón. Allison Davis, an American living in Barcelona, acknowledges this challenge. “Being the only vegetarian in your group of friends can feel isolating,” she explained. “Friends can’t share paella or tapas with you, and they don’t always want to go to completely vegetarian restaurants. That’s why my favourite places to eat are restaurants with a wide variety of options on the menu.” Luckily for Davis and others like her, shifting trends are bringing healthier and more creative cuisine to the forefront, and the city finally has a booming veggie friendly scene that looks like it is here to stay. The growing list of places with plenty of meat-free options around town means it’s possible for vegetarians to finally escape the routine of eating out on a limited menu while their carnivorous companions have it made. Here’s a list of some herbivore havens that will give all veggies out there some food for thought. THE JUICE HOUSE This sweet little café in Sant Antoni offers a reasonably priced menú del día, which changes daily and favours the vegetarian crowd. The menu includes starters such as watermelon and strawberry gazpacho and main plates like veggie burgers, vegetable and garbanzo bean curry or grilled salmon, as well as a tasty selection of homemade juices. Parlament 12. KOKU KITCHEN If you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of ramen, this is a good choice for both vegetarians and their meat-eating friends. There is only one vegetarian ramen on the menu, but between edamame, vegetarian gyoza, cucumber salad and kimchi starters, you won’t leave hungry. Carrer d’en Carabassa 19.

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FRAGMENTS If you want the tapas experience, Fragments in Les Corts provides an upscale approach to traditional local fare. They have a good list of options for vegetarians that include fragrant roasted aubergine, manchego cheese drenched in pink peppercorn-infused olive oil, excellent patatas bravas, and some of the best pa amb tomàquet in town. Plaça de la Concòrdia 12. NANIT Nanit touts itself as a traditional Chinese restaurant offering dishes from various regions of China. Their Hong Kong-style dumplings are what they’re nown for, but vegetarians will find a number of other items on the menu, including rice and noodles with vegetables, dumplings and tofu-based woks. Balmes 79.

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CARAVELLE The face of Caravelle continues to shift as the team experiments with new and exciting ingredients, yet the tacos will keep bringing you back because they’re just so good. Even better, the rotating vegetarian options—mushroom, pump in and cauliflower, among others—go head-to-head with the meat options, ensuring that all parties at the table will leave satisfied. Pintor Fortuny 31.

ARCO IRIS If you head here for lunch, be prepared for a wait. This small vegetarian restaurant is a popular stop for the locals who are treated to a well-priced menú del día and exceptionally hearty portions. The menu includes traditional Spanish items like gazpacho and vegetable cream soups, but also brings in touches of other cuisines with dishes like moussaka and mushroom risotto. Roger de Flor 216.

FLAX AND KALE he fle itarian’ menu at la and ale will please both vegetarians and their pescatarian friends. The menu is chock-full of veggie goodness— hearty salads, flavoursome pastas and raw dishes abound—with a dose of blue fish based dishes for those looking to stock up on their omega 3s. Tallers 74.

ALE AND HOP This is the place for beer lovers, where you can get a craft beer served up alongside a host of vegetarian and vegan snacks made from organic and seasonal products, sourced from the owners’ farm. It’s hard to resist the breads baked in the stone oven and the Basque-style tapas that hit the bar counter each Thursday from 8pm onwards. Carrer de les Basses de Sant Pere 10.

LA CERERIA This restaurant has two branches, one in the Gothic Quarter and one in the Born (La Báscula), each serving up a similar fare of healthy vegetarian food. The piadinas are made from delicious kamut and spelt doughs and there are salads to swoon over. The cooperative of owners puts real love into their work, recreating many of their own grandmothers’ recipes, like tamales from Oaxaca. “You can feel the hands of the people working here,” said co-owner Felipe. From the building to the menu, every detail contributes to the space. Baixada de Sant Miquel 3. OVAL There may only be one veggie burger on the menu at Oval, but unlike other burger joints, its brilliance comes in the form of a DIY topping list that offers so many options, the combinations are endless. The nachos and sweet potato fries are both great sides, and the small craft beer list is a nice addition. It’s too easy to never tire of this place. València 199.

and aravelle right

NEW VEGGIE HOTSPOTS HAPPY DAY VEGETARIANO Pau Claris 143

HUMMUS BARCELONA València 227

SESAMO This is an old friend in Barcelona’s vegetarian restaurant world, although it’s easy to forget it’s meat free. The creative menu shifts daily according to what’s available. The chef sources the best ingredients directly from the Boqueria mar et and turns them into full flavoured dishes like gnocchi with beetroot and hazelnut sauce, and smoked lentils in a wild mushroom broth. Sant Antoni Abat 52. TAQUERÍAS TAMARINDO This is a good quick stop for lunch or dinner, and while the menu appears to have only a few options for vegetarians, they can make almost anything with seitan instead of meat. According to Mexican owner Claudia Borrego Gonzales, vegetarian culture is not so popular in her homeland, but she is trying to appeal to what she sees as an important part of the lifestyle here. Aragó 236.

le and op

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WHAT’S ON

MUSIC 2nd. Paul Weller. Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 4th. Bob Dylan Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 6th. Anastacia Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 7th. Counting Crows Sala Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 7th. Angus & Julia Stone Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 8th. Slash Sant Jordi Club. Pg. Olímpic 5-7. 10th. Barbott Sala Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 10th. Jamie Cullum Cruïlla Festival. Parc del Fòrum. Diagonal 1. 10th. Kendrick Lamar Cruïlla Festival. Parc del Fòrum. Diagonal 1. 10th. MIKA Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 11th. Jose James BARTS. Paral·lel 62. 11th. Lauryn Hill Cruïlla Festival. Parc del Fòrum. Diagonal 1.

ONE NIGHT ONLY

BJÖRK. POBLE ESPANYOL. FRANCESC FERRER I GUARDIA 13. JULY 24TH. After some uncertainty, Björk has confirmed that she will perform in Spain this year, but she’ll do one show and one show only––in Barcelona’s Poble Espanyol. The Icelandic experimental singer/songwriter is known for her eccentricity, from her elastic sound and original lyrics to her whimsical getup. Starting out in the Eighties with alternative rock band, the Sugarcubes, she went solo in 1993 and has only seen more positive feedback since. She’s had more than 30 singles in the Top 40, been nominated for 13 Grammys and was chosen as one of Rolling Stone’s Top 100 singers of all time. This month, she’ll present songs from her newest album, Vulnicura, released earlier this year. The album, which was leaked online before its release, is an emotional reflection on love and heartbreak, following her breakup with her former partner, artist Matthew Barney. In stark contrast with her previous more abstract, conceptual albums, Vulnicura has been widely acclaimed by critics so far, and with Bjöork’s usual flare on stage, it’ll surely be a show to remember.

18th. Axwell Ingrosso Barcelona Beach Festival. Platja del Fòrum i Parc de la Pau. 19th. Juan Luis Guerra Palau Sant Jordi. Pg. Olímpic 5-7. 21st. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 24th. Lila Downs BARTS. Paral·lel 62. 24th. Kings of Leon Hard Rock Rising. Platja del Fòrum i Parc de la Pau. 23rd. Ton Koopman Festival Bach de Barcelona. Palau de la Música 4-6. 31st. Mark Knopfler Poble Espanyol. Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13.

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BIG NAMES

CRUÏLLA. PARC DEL FÒRUM. DIAGONAL 1. JULY 10TH – 12TH. The summer months in Barcelona boast an impressive line-up of festivals and concert series that bring in the big names. Cruïlla is no exception. Starting on the 10th, this three-day festival will host 42 artists, including international acts like American hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar, English jazz pianist and singer Jamie Cullum, American soul singer Lauryn Hill and Icelandic folk band Of Monsters and Men. If you’re looking for some local sounds as well, not to worry––the festival will also feature performances from a number of local groups, like Coriola, Ferran Palau, Anna Roig i L’hombre de ton chien and more. It’s a varied list—from pop, jazz and folk to Brazilian and funk. With its diverse blend of genres and artists, this festival has something for everyone. www.cruillabarcelona.com.

FOR MORE MUSIC EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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N.COM

HIGHLIGHT

RISE UP

HARD ROCK RISING. LA PLATJA DEL FÒRUM AND PARC DE LA PAU. JULY 24TH-25TH. Barcelona has been chosen as the next destination for the Hard Rock Rising Festival, and the first edition lands this month with a star-studded line-up. Born in London, home of the Hard Rock Cafe, the festival has become a popular fixture on London’s music calendar since it began in 2006. This time round, it comes to the Platja del Fòrum, overlooking the Mediterranean, and will bring 16 hours of live music over two days, including British pop rock star Robbie Williams; Swedish electronic dance music DJ, Avicii; American rock band, Kings of Leon; American rock singer-songwriter, Lenny Kravitz; Latin rock superstar, Juanes; DJ-producer and former member of Swedish House Mafia, Steve Angello; and Spanish revelation rock band, Vetusta Morla—completing an impressive line-up for a truly global festival.

TICKET GIVEAWAY! Information available on our website

barcelona-metropolitan.com

AT IT AGAIN

COUNTING CROWS. RAZZMATAZZ. PAMPLONA 88. JULY 7TH. For the first time in six years, popular Nineties folk rock band Counting Crows has released an album, and they’ll be presenting it to audiences in Barcelona this month. After breaking with their previous record label in 2008, the band produced cover albums, split to work on independent projects and played with a travelling festival. During that tour, lead singer Adam Duritz was inspired to write ‘God of Ocean Tides’–– one of the first original songs he had written in years. That track, and others penned by the reunited group, are on the 2014 album, Somewhere Under Wonderland. Reception of the album has been positive so far. Rolling Stone praised Duritz as “the same dreadlocked dreamer you remember from the Nineties, channelling Van Morrison, R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen”. The narrative that the band started in the Nineties continues today with Duritz’s distinctive rasp and the group’s lyrical songs.

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WHAT’S ON

ART OPENING CAIXA FORUM 19th FotoPres la Caixa. Nueva imagen documental. This exhibition gathers 10 new documentary image projects that tackle different ideas––identity, borders, territory and violence––highlighting the aesthetic and social value of photography. July 8th to October 18th. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8. LA CAPELLA Mar García Albert: 75 º. Part painting, part sculpture and part performance, this exhibition explores the process of painting, showing a series of works from when they are freshly painted through until they dry. July 15th until September 6th. Hospital 56. MACBA Species of Spaces. This collection acts as an interpretation of French novelist Georges Perec’s book by the same name. It looks into our public and private spaces, our intimate moments and social lives, and the notions of what we are and what others see in us. July 16th to January 31th. Plaça dels Àngels 1.

ODE TO THE SEA

LA BESTIA REINVENTADA. MUSEU MARÍTIM DE BARCELONA. AV. DE LES DRASSANES. UNTIL SEPTEMBER 6TH. Danger, beauty and serenity—the sea can conjure up many emotions and has been a major source of inspiration in the life of Dublin-born artist Mark Redden. After studying sculpture and painting, Redden worked as an apprentice to a boat-builder in Galway and later mastered the art of building currachs—traditional skin-onframe boats that come from the west coast of Ireland—an art he continues here in Barcelona. Redden’s work has a direct relationship with the sea: the concepts and titles make reference to maritime literature; his sculptural work is made from wood and materials leftover from the boat-building process; and the sculptural forms he creates are also derived from boat-building techniques. Fitting then, that his first major exhibition should be showcased in the city’s maritime museum. La Bestia Reinventada presents a series of sea-inspired pieces that draw upon Redden’s diverse artistic and boat-building skills, all created specifically for this exhibition and many of them inspired by permanent exhibits of the museum. “When I visited the museum earlier in the year, I felt there was a relationship between the maps of the 15th century and my paintings,” explained Redden. “I work like a cartographer gathering information and describing it visually, so that one can be transported to unknown places.”

LAST CHANCE LA VIRREINA Writing diffraction. As part of the LOOP 15 video art festival, these dynamic works from the Leal Rios Foundation Contemporary Art Collection are on display, showing the relationships between sound, moving images, language and contemporary sculpture. Until July 5th. La Rambla 99. LA PEDRERA Leopoldo Pomés: Flashback. As part of the DocField>15 celebration of documentary photography, more than 100 works from this well-known, contemporary Catalan photographer are on display. Until July 12th. Passeig de Gràcia 92. GALERIA JOAN PRATS Annika Kahrs. Solid Surface. Video and photography artist, Kahrs, will present her first Barcelona exhibition, in which she plays with the juxtaposition of the imagined versus the real, using Pluto’s dwarf moon as her setting. Until July 24th. Balmes 54.

PHOTO OP

OJODEPEZ PHOTO MEETING. LA VIRREINA. LA RAMBLA 99. JULY 15TH–17TH. For the aspiring photographer, this three-day conference is a rare chance to get some feedback from some of the greats of the photography world, including American photographer Nan Goldin and British documentary photographer Olivia Arthur. In the fifth installment of this annual photography conference, the focus is on publishing, multimedia, exhibitions and methods of distribution and promotion. The events also include roundtable discussions, portfolio presentations and workshops in which professional photographers coach participants on selecting, editing and presenting their works in a publication. The photographers-in-residence will be on hand to share their experiences and techniques with attendees. In addition, participants can also submit their work to be displayed in La Virreina’s courtyard or join another later photography workshop.

CCCB Sebald Variations. Sebald’s images with texts explore some of the great themes of the 20th century, such as migration, historical discourse, politics and the role of the author. This exhibition invites a critical reflection of the writer’s work and observes the artist’s ongoing impact on contemporary arts. Until July 26th. Montalegre 5.

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FOR MORE ART EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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HIGHLIGHT

CATALAN CREATION

DEL SEGUNDO ORIGEN. MNAC. PARC DE MONTJUÏC. JULY 2ND TO OCTOBER 25TH. The precursor to a new permanent collection at MNAC, this exhibition follows the evolution of Catalan art from 1950 to 1975––a crucial period in the development of modern Catalan art. The exhibition seeks to highlight this important period and to display works that previously have gone without a museum space of their own. The exhibition begins after Dau al Set, the first artistic movement in Catalunya following WWII, and continues until the end of Franco’s era, chronologically cataloging the details of those 25 years, tracing cultural and political developments alongside the works and showing how they affected artists of the time. Each room is dedicated to a different year, displaying sculptures, paintings, documentaries and illustrations from the period’s artists. It’s an eclectic collection, from Antoni Clavé’s Hollywood film sets and costumes, and designs from the Sixties magazine Cavall Fort, to pieces from internationally recognised artists such as Miró and Tàpies. Room by room, this exhibition takes you on a trip through the history of a fascinating period in Catalan art .

ABSTRACT THINKING

ALFONS BORRELL: WORKS AND DAYS. FUNDACIÓ JOAN MIRÓ. PARC DE MONTJUÏC. JULY 3RD TO SEPTEMBER 27TH. This exhibition features more than 100 paintings by Catalan abstract painter Alfons Borrell. Adopting the format and methodology of an essay, the exhibition is arranged in seven sections that seek to examine Borrell’s attitudes towards art as a life experience with each section featuring a different reading of the artist’s views. Alfons Borrell: Works and Days catalogues 60 years of Borrell’s relentless dedication to his work. His works were regularly exhibited in the Galería Joan Prats in the Eighties and Nineties, and they’ve also been featured in exhibitions in Paris, the United States and Japan. Borrell’s simple yet bold paintings have become known for the rare intensity they convey.

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WHAT’S ON

MISC. HIGHLIGHT

SUPERSTAR DJS

BARCELONA BEACH FESTIVAL. PLATJA DEL FÒRUM I PARC DE LA PAU. JULY 18TH. Forget sun loungers and sand castles—the Barcelona Beach Festival hits the city’s shores mid month with an impressive roster of dance music’s finest talents. Headlining the proceedings will be super-producer and EDM pioneer David Guetta. His latest chart topper ‘Lovers on the sun’ sold over 800,000 copies, and his collaborations with big music names, such as Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj and Sia, have seen worldwide success. Also on the line up are Swedish duo Axwell and Ingrosso. Previously two thirds of Swedish House Mafia, this pair burst onto the scene in 2014 under the guidance of industry giants Def Jam Recordings. Festivalgoers can look forward to dancing the night away to their hits ‘Something new’ and ‘On my way’ which showcase a new and unrestrained sound. Other acts on the bill include fresh talents Martin Garrix and Hardwell, as well as local DJ Raul Rodriguez. For the full line-up visit www.bcnbeachfestival.com

PICNIC WITH A TWIST

PIKNIC ELECTRONIK. JARDINS DE JOAN BROSSA, MONTJUÏC. EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 20TH. Piknic Electronik does exactly what it says on the tin: the event combines a traditional afternoon picnic with the best in electronic music. And, with locations in Barcelona, Montréal, Melbourne, Dubai, Paris and Cannes, the Piknic brand is making its mark on the electronic music scene globally. The Barcelona edition of the festival is in its fourth year and hosts an eclectic programme of electronic music every Sunday throughout the summer. Set in the natural surroundings of Montjuïc’s Jardins de Joan Brossa, the picnic has a cheerful festival vibe. This year, the lineup features a variety of techno and house veterans and emerging artists, including Derrick May, Jesse Rose b2b Justin Martin, Detroit Swindle and local MOOG resident Gus Van Sound. Not only does Piknic Electronik boast good music, there is also a range of Barcelona’s best food and drink trucks, a vintage market and, as of 2015, a separate ‘Petit Piknic’ area for families offering activities, games and workshops for the little ones. Who ever said Sundays were boring?

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FILMS AL FRESCO

CASTELL DE MONTJUÏC, PLATJA DE SANT SEBASTIÀ, POBLE ESPANYOL. THROUGHOUT JULY AND AUGUST July is upon us once again, which can only mean one thing—it’s time for your annual dose of al fresco film action. Whether it’s down by the beach, on top of a mountain, or in the courtyard of a museum, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to open air cinema this summer. From July 3rd until August 7th, Sala Montjuïc (salamontjuic.org) sets up shop once more in the lovely grounds of the Montjuïc castle for 16 nights with a selection of old favourites, including Reservoir Dogs and Moulin Rouge, and more recent, Oscar-nominated flicks, Grand Budapest Hotel and Boyhood. This is accompanied by concerts, picnics and short films, with three themed nights to get involved in and a surprise film on the last night. All films are screened in their original language. Meanwhile, down by the beach, the Cinema Lliure a la Platja (www.cinemalliure.com) offers a similar format and runs every Thursday and Sunday from July 9th until August 16th, with free entrance. Finally, the best short films to emerge from Mecal—the International Festival of Short Films and Animation of Barcelona—will be screened outdoor in the Poble Espanyol and on the rooftop of the Hotel Silken Diagonal throughout the summer. So, rustle up a tasty packed lunch, dig out your picnic blanket, or better still, a deck chair, and join the audience for a chilled way to spend the long summer evenings.

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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NIGHT AT THE OPERA

LA TRAVIATA GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU. LA RAMBLA 51-59. JULY 8TH-18TH. One of Giuseppe Verdi’s most popular operas, La Traviata portrays the semi-autobiographical tale of The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas Fils. It tells the story of Violetta, a high-society Parisian courtesan, as she reflects on her life from her deathbed. Through the themes of love and death, the performance transports viewers back to the 19th century, with its entrenched class system and bourgeois double standards. In the opera’s first Liceu production since 2002, Evelino Pidò will conduct the orchestra and David McVicar will direct the staging, with the aim of stripping La Traviata of its traditional decorative production. So, if you’re looking for a darker interpretation of this Verdi classic, this is the one for you.

MEDHOUSE

BARCELONA TRENDS FAIR. FABRA I COATS. SANT ADRIÀ 20. JULY 10TH-12TH. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or emerging designer, the trends fair by Medhouse is not to be missed. The first edition of this creative festival aims to showcase Barcelona’s diverse and innovative design industry. There’s something to satisfy every taste, with fashion, decoration, food, beauty, and technology, and even some activities for the little ones if you want to make it a family affair. On Friday June 10th, the spotlight will be on the professionals with discussions about communication, production, sustainability and funding issues. Meanwhile, the Medsquare (outside Fabra i Coats) will play host to musical performances, theatre, dance, circus, DJ sessions and food trucks throughout the weekend. The perfect place to network and get inspired.

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DUO BRUCH. This classical duo of flute and harp will play as part of the

DANIEL BARENBOIM. Barenboim gives us Wagner. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música Catalana. La Palau de la Música

TUESDAY

080 BARCELONA FASHION

SANT JOAN MONDAY

JULY 2015

WHAT'S ON

NITS DE BLUES. Every Thursday night in July, enjoy an open-air blues concert. 9pm. Poble Espanyol. Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13. Until August 29th.

080 BARCELONA FASHION. Big names in Barcelona fashion show off their summer looks. Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Paseo Olímpico 17-19. 1st-3rd. www.080barcelonafashion.cat.

LA TRAVIATA. Verdi’s famous opera hits the stage at Liceu. 8pm. Until July

CONTINUUM. An innovative concert series, reinterpreting traditional instru-

EL GREC. Barcelona’s huge theatre, dance, music and circus festival. Various locations. Until August 6th. www. barcelona.cat/grec.

VIP This theatrical comedy troupe reflects on the task of raising children. 9pm. Barts. Paralell 62. Until July 8th.

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

FESTIVAL CRUILLA. An impressive music lineup, including Jamie Cullum and Of

MECAL AIR. The best short films from the Mecal Pro film festival. 8pm. Hotel Silken and Poble Espanyol. Fridays until September. www. mecalbcn.org.

BARCELONA HARLEY DAYS. Check out the biggest urban Harley Davidson event in Europe. 11am. Plaça Espanya. 3rd-5th. www.barcelonaharleydays.com.

FRIDAY

BE PROG! MY FRIEND. Love Prog rock? Then this festival is for you. 4.30pm. Poble

FESTIVAL’ERA. An electronic festival in a pastoral setting. 5pm-6am. Masia Can Gascons, Llagostera. Check www.festivalera.com for buses from Barcelona.

BOB DYLAN. The American folk legend performs as part of the Pedralbes Festival. 10pm. Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes.

SATURDAY

PIKNIC ELECTRONIK. Every Sunday you can head outside to enjoy this popular music

PALO ALTO. There’s a lot more than shopping to this eclectic market. 11am9pm. Pellaires, 30-38. 4th-5th.

TWO MARKET. Everything at this market is one Euro. Prepare yourself for some great deals. 10am-5pm. L’Ovella Negra. Zamora 78.

SUNDAY

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

For more information visit our website

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CAMILA BRASILIANO. Brazilian artists Camila Brasiliano and Felipe Borim bring Brazil to Barcelona. 10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Sobradiel 8.

ROSELAND MUSICAL. Based on one of Jules Verne’s most famous novels, in this theatrical dance performance the characters journey under the Earth’s surface. 6pm. Mercat de les Flors. Lleida 59. Until July 30th.

NITS DE GAUDÍ: MISHIMA. The Catalan pop group will play under the stars. 9.30pm. Torres Bellesguard. Bellesguard 16.

STORIES FROM THE WATERFRONT. Part of Docfield15, this exhibition reflects on the Earth’s dwindling water resources. Roca Barcelona Gallery. Joan Güell 211-213. Until July 31st.

JAM SESSION. Join this weekly rock, blues and pop jam session. 6.30pm. Jazz Sí. Segre 24-32.

AZAHARA. Starting off the Mas i Mas summer jazz festival with some Flamenco. 8.30pm and 9.30pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17. Until August 2nd.

MECAL AIR. All the best short films from the ‘Gangster’ category. Hotel Diagonal Silken. Diagonal 205. www. mecalbcn.org.

BONANIT BARCELONA

PAQUITO D’RIVERA. Latin jazz Grammy winner and popular Brazilian group, Trio Corriente, take to the stage in Barcelona. 8pm and 10pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

CARMEN. A concert of the music from Bizet’s acclaimed opera with a full orchestra and choir. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música Catalana. Palau de la Música 4-6.

MARK KNOPFLER. The former Dire Straits band leader will play from his new solo album Tracker. 9.30pm. Poble Espanyol. Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13.

SKETCHES OF CATALUNYA. The Barcelona Miles Davis tribute band celebrates Sketches of Spain. 9pm. Palau de la Música Catalana. Palau de la Música 4-6.

BACHCELONA. The Bach festival is to celebrate J.S. Bach. Various Locations. Until July 28th. www.bachcelona.com.

ROCKFEST. Big names in rock come to Barcelona including Twisted Sister and Scorpions. Parc de Can Zam. July 23rd-25th. www.rockfestbarcelona.com.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI. An open-air screening of the Coen brothers’ cult classic. Original version. 10pm. Sala Montjuïc. Castell de Montjuïc.

WHOOOOKAM. Enjoy the sounds of this local jazz quartet on the terrace of La Pedrera. 9.45pm. La Pedrera. Provença 261. 18th-20th.

A NIGHT OF BOND. London singer Janine Johnson gives James Bond classics a sophisticated jazz twist. 8pm and 10pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

GUIRI BUSINESS. Network the night away. First drink and tapas are covered. 7-9pm. Quito Quinta. Gran Vía 373.

SÓCRATES. The story of the Greek philosopher brought to life. Teatre Romea. Carrer de l’Hospital 51. Until August 2nd.

JONC & JAZZ. Trumpet player Manuel Blanco plays with the Jove Orquesta Nacional de Catalunya. 9.30pm. Palau de la Música Catalana. Palau de la Música 4-6.

AMERICAN HUSTLE. Montjuïc’s open-air film festival features the original language version of this popular 2013 release. 10pm. Sala Montjuïc. Castell de Montjuïc.

PEEPING TOM. Part of the El Grec festival, this theatrical dance piece tells the story of a bourgeois family in decline. 10pm. Mercat de les Flors. Lleida 59. Until July 17th.

BARCELONA TRENDS FAIR New designers from across the creative industry show their work. Fabra i Coats. Sant Adrià, 20. Until July 12th.

FESTIVAL CRUILLA. An impressive music lineup, including Jamie Cullum and Of Monsters and Men. Parc del Forum. Diagonal 1. Until July 12th. www.cruillabarcelona.com.

TRIO CRESCENDO. A trio of clarinet, cello and piano as part of the Música als Parcs. 9pm. Parc Central de Nou Barris. Plaça de Cèsar Vallejo.

BABELIA BOOK CLUB. Discuss the pick of the month. July is What I loved by Siri Hustvedt. 7.30pm. Babelia Books & Coffee. Villarroel 27.

NIGHTS OF DUENDE. Paula Domínguez performs Flamenco as part of this summer Flamenco series. 8pm and 10pm. La Pedrera. Provença 261.

CONTINUUM. An innovative concert series, reinterpreting traditional instruments and ideas with new technology. 7.30pm. MACBA. Placa dels Angels 1. Until July 30th.

XAVIER SABATA. This internationally recognised contratenor will sing Handel, Hasse and Ariosti. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música Catalana. Palau de la Música 4-6.

AMERICAN SOCIETY HAPPY HOUR. Mix and mingle at this social event. 8pm-11.30pm. La Pomarada. Passeig de Gràcia 78.

LA TRAVIATA. Verdi’s famous opera hits the stage at Liceu. 8pm. Until July 18th. El Gran Teatre de Liceu. La Rambla 51-59.

THE BUSINESS LUNCH. Join English-speaking business people for this monthly event, this time aboard the Catamaran Orsom. 1.30pm. www.thebizlunch.com.

BLUES & SWING JAM SESSION. Let all your blues out at this weekly jam session.10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Sobradiel 8.

DUO BRUCH. This classical duo of flute and harp will play as part of the Música als Parcs series. 9pm. Jardins de la Primavera. Nou de la Rambla 203.

DANIEL BARENBOIM. Barenboim gives us Wagner. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música Catalana. La Palau de la Música 4-6. July 6th and 7th.

YOGA CONFERENCE. Hone your yoga skills with the professionals. Escola del Sagrat Cor. Ramon Miquel i Planas 4038. July 2nd-6th. www.barcelonayogaconference.cat.

TRENDS FAIR.

HARD ROCK RISING FESTIVAL. Kings of Leon, Robbie Williams and Avicii are among those performing over this two-day rock celebration. 6.30pm. Platja del Forum i Parc de la Pau. Sant Adria de Besos. 24th-25th.

BONA NIT BARCELONA. An environmentally friendly music festival celebrates the changing face of the city’s new hub. 2pm.Plaça de les Glòries.

BARCELONA BEACH FESTIVAL. The biggest names in dance music come together for this summer beach party. Platja Del Forum. Sant Adriá de Besos.

DAVID PASTOR & NU-ROOTS. Valencian-trained trumpeter Pastor will light up La Pedrera accompanied by trio Nu-Roots. 9.45pm. La Pedrera. Provença 261. 11th-13th.

BE PROG! MY FRIEND. Love Prog rock? Then this festival is for you. 4.30pm. Poble Espanyol. Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13.

POETRY SLAM BARCELONA. This artistic contest is half poem and half performance. 6pm. CCCB. Montalegre 5.

ZAZ. The musician will perform her new album Paris to close the 26th Barcelona Guitar Festival. 9pm. Poble Espanyol. Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia 13.

WEIRD ANIMALS. Artist Sandra Sarda makes weird animals out of recycled materials Civic Centre Can Basté. Fabra i Puig 274-276. Unly July 31st.

JUAN LUIS GUERRA. This internationally recognised Dominican singer is back in Spain playing his biggest hits and newest songs. 9.30pm. Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5.

WET DECK. Every Sunday enjoy a night of cocktails, DJs and dancing. 8pm to12am. W Hotel. Placa de la Rosa dels Vents 1.

PIKNIC ELECTRONIK. Every Sunday you can head outside to enjoy this popular music and food event series. 1pm-10pm. Joan Brossa Gardens. Montjuïc. Until September 20th.

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DESIGN

Handmade

Jewellery Shops LOOKING FOR SOME HIDDEN GEMS? BEAT BEAUTIES IN ONE OF THESE HANDMADE JEWELLERY SHOPS. TEXT BY TATIANA OMRAN AND ABIGAIL DAVIES. PHOTOS BY ALICIA MICHAVILA.

BAGANA BCN Bagana is based in the Raval, just around the corner from the MACBA. Jenny Cruz and her son Eivass create all the warped metal jewellery on display in the store. The process begins with a sketch, then Cruz gathers the required materials and creates the piece by hand. Depending on the item, it can take her up to a month to create. Bagana offers a range of designs, including statement pieces and contemporary pieces, such as rings with simple words like ‘love’ and ‘dream’. Cruz will also happily customise your jewellery. Ferlandina 33.

FET AMB LOVE This shop lives up to its name, ‘Made with Love’. Located in the Born, owner Anna Lluis Ros has 23 years of experience in the handmade jewellery and accessory business. The jewellery at Fet Amb ove offers a fresh ta e on items you can find in your own home: buttons, feathers and patterned fabrics. When you enter the store on Passeig del Born, you might catch a glimpse of Lluis Ros’s studio, located in the back corner of the shop, where she transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Lluis Ros credits her success to her love of people, of running and managing her store and her passion to create. “Inspiration comes from everywhere,” she explained. “From the clothes people wear, to nature, and especially the beach.” She says creating things ma es her feel good, and this is reflected by the intricate detail of her work and the amount of time she puts into making each piece. In addition to jewellery, she also makes handcrafted purses, scarves and hair accessories. Passeig del Born 2.

BARCELONA SEA GLASS

Photo courtesy of Barcelona Sea Glass

If you have a penchant for natural-looking, beachy accessories, take a look at Barcelona Sea Glass. The business started six years ago when owner Uli Weppert was taking a walk along the beach in Castelldefels with a friend. The two had been discussing how difficult it was to find wor when, at that moment, she spotted some sea glass washed up on the shore. “It was as if the sea was telling me something,” Weppert said. From necklaces with stunning yet simple pendants to iridescent white sea glass rings, Uli’s collection is beautiful. Every item of Sea Glass jewellery is unique, with an organic shape formed through its journey from the bottom of the sea. “I never change the shape,” Uli said, explaining that her main source of inspiration comes from the natural forms of the material. And what would she like people to think of when wearing her jewellery? “The sound of the waves, the sea salt breeze on their skin and the smell of the ocean. My biggest aim is for people to find their favourite piece of jewellery within my creations,” she said. ou can find li’s ea lass jewellery on Facebook, her online shop (www.barcelonaseaglass. com), or in Peleteria Belice (Pompeu Fabra 11, Castelldefels).

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Variety SHOW

Pals

THE GREC FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS 39TH EDITION, BRINGING ALL KINDS OF ARTISTS TOGETHER FOR AN UNMISSABLE MONTH OF CULTURAL PERFORMANCES. BY TORI SPARKS

arcelona is full of festivals, fairs and artistic offerings, but one of the year’s most diverse events is always the Grec Festival. This annual celebration of local and international culture mixes theatre, music, dance and circus performances, ranging from experimental to traditional, set in a variety of locations around the city. The most visually impressive venue is the Teatre Grec de Montjuïc, an open-air theatre that was built in the style of Greek and Roman amphitheatres for the Exposición Universal of 1929. The Expo was the impetus for the building of many now iconic structures and sites, including the Poble Espanyol, the Font Mágica and the Estadi Olímpic. The Teatre Grec was not put to great use for the first four decades of its existence. Then in 1976 the Assemblea d’Actors i Directors (the Catalan assembly of actors and directors)—finally free to experiment following the death of Franco—programmed the first edition of the

Grec Festival. Since then, the festival has continued to expand in terms of its prestige and scope. This year is the 39th edition* of the festival, which is technically an initiative of the Ajuntament, although many local businesspeople and private entities also participate in its production. The festival’s official mission is to showcase some of Catalunya’s best creative artists while also incorporating some of the most interesting international acts in a truly multicultural and multidisciplinary event. From new takes on Socrates to American Eighties pop icon Christopher Cross—yes, really—the Grec Festival offers a huge selection for the Barcelona public to choose from. Notable musical events this year will include concerts by Cuban jazz veteran Paquito D’Rivera (Jamboree), Madrileño Flamenco cantaor Diego el Cigala (Teatre Grec) and the Mallorcan singer Buika, who will give a concert of songs by Argentinian composer Piazzolla (Teatre Grec). Interesting offerings in the realm of theatre in-

clude Tacet, a production by Cris Blanco, Ernesto Collado and Carme Torrent, which experiments with the concept of silence (L’Antic Teatre). In the Teatre Lliure de Gràcia, La Clausura del Amor by Pascal Rambert, examines the theme of love and has received nothing but hearty praise since its debut at the Festival d’Avignon in 2011. Also in the Antic Teatre, All things: Archeology of a Space Object by Norberto Llopis examines the human impulse to ‘territorialise time and space’, in this production originally by Het Veem Theater and Workspacebrussels. Items on the dance menu tend towards the avant-garde rather than traditional. Cie Adrien M/Claire B’s Hakanaï describes itself as a ‘visual haiku’ and involves one dancer interacting with four projected videos (Teatre Lliure). Then there is the debut of Jordi Cortés and Associació Kiakahart’s F*ck-in-Progress in the Mercat de Flors. The show is based on the concept of incorporating the physicality of dance with fetishism and confession. Sounds interesting! If circus is more your thing—and we’re not

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Buika

MORE INFO.

talking clowns and trained tigers—go check out the international debut of Pals, by Leandro Mendoza Artagaveitia, a performance based on the difficult and emotional reconstruction of a performance company after one of its members dies unexpectedly. Other productions don’t fall clearly into any category: Federico Garcia by Pep Tosar in Sala Hiroshima, mixes music, theatre, dance and poetry in the recounting of the life of one of Spain’s best loved poets, whilst Cabaret Sensorial (Teatro de los Sentidos in Montjuïc) invites the public to enjoy a variety of music and sensory games. In addition to the Grec Festival, this is the third year that the festival coincides with the International Performing Arts Meeting (IPAM). IPAM is a professional forum geared towards artists of all nationalities who would like the opportunity to make contacts with whom they could collaborate on projects in the future and/ or export current projects that are in the production phase. Participants will have the opportunity to attend panels and discussions, and will also receive special passes to selected Grec Festival concerts and events.

Tickets and info. www.barcelona.cat/grec You can also buy tickets at Tiquet Rambles, Palau de la Virreina, Rambla 99 (Raval). Facebook: www.facebook.com/Grec.Festival.Barcelona Twitter: @grecfestivalbcn Visit lameva.barcelona.cat/grec for the full programme, list of artists and venues, and latest news. More information about the International Performing Arts Meeting (IPAM) can be found at www. accioncultural.es

*This year would mark the 40th anniversary of the festival, except that the festival did not take place 1977. Diego el Cigala

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FASHION

in style

SUMMER IS HERE AND THE CITY’S HEATING UP, SO WE HEADED DOWN TO THE BEACH TO SEE HOW PEOPLE ARE KEEPING IT COOL...

Name: Eduard Subirats Age: 46 From: Barcelona Profession: Lab technician at Agbar Style: Comfy yet cool Bag: El Ganso Shoes: Massimo Dutti Shirt: Sisley

Name: Christina Sae Age: 24 From: Martinique (Caribbean) Profession: Digital marketing student Style: Eﬀortless beach babe Bag: Parfois Moonstone earrings: Vintage Hat: Beach vendor

Name: Ana Ventura Age: 24 From: Barcelona Profession: Event Manager at W Hotel Style: Seventies boho-chic Skirt: Vintage Top: Stradivarius Shoes: Parfois Bag: H&M

GET THE LOOK ZARA SHINY CAGE SANDALS €39,95

TOPSHOP BARDOT TOP €38

ERIKA RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES €109

STRADIVARIUS DENIM SKIRT €19,95 TOPSHOP MOTO SHORTS €32 VANS CLASSIC SLIP-ON SHOES €80 RAY-BAN WWW.RAY-BAN.COM. STRADIVARIUS PORTAL DE L’ANGEL 24. TOPSHOP BERGARA 1. VANS STORE PORTAFERRISA 28. ZARA PORTAL DE L’ANGEL 11-13.

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TRAVEL

MOUNTAIN ESCAPE COOL DOWN THIS SUMMER IN THE CLEAR WATERS OF THE PARC NACIONAL D’AIGÜESTORTES I ESTANY DE SANT MAURICI TEXT BY JAY COLLINS

t’s the kind of thing dreams are made of during a hot, sticky Barcelona summer. Clear mountain streams, deep cool lakes and temperatures that drop enough to need a blanket at night. And the best news is that the spectacular Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is just a couple of hours away in the Pyrenees. The park is characterised by crystal clear waters at every turn and is home to over 200 mountain lakes, nestled among centuries-old pine forests. Cool, mountain rivers meander through the park—hence the name Aigüestortes (twisted waters)—creating gentle streams and roaring cascades. July is the perfect time to visit, as hiking season is in full swing and the park is brimming with yellow juniper flowers, bilberries and raspberries. Parc Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici is one of Spain’s nine national parks and the only one in Catalunya. It straddles four regions, Alta Ribagorça, Pallars Sobirà, Pallars Jussà and Val d’Aran, taking in some of the most stunning scenery that the Pyrenees has to offer. Besides the ever-present magic of the water, the 102 square kilometres are a paradise for city folk

who want to reconnect with nature. The jagged rocky peaks that reach up to 3,000 metres, lush green meadows and thic fir forests are home to a wealth of fauna and flora with many interesting alpine and northern plants and animals. The water sustains an extensive aquatic ecosystem, and the streams and lakes are teeming with trout

the Sant Nicolas valley in the western area of the park. This sector is best reached from the town of El Pont de Suert in the lush, narrow valley of Vall de Boí, and from here you can explore the Aigüestortes rivers, including the biggest two, the Riu de Sant Nicolau and the Riu Escrita, which merge at the plain of Aigüestortes. If you do enter the park from Vall de Boí, be sure to visit the collection of nine early Romanesque churches which were consecrated in the 11th and 12th centuries. These beautifully simple buildings, constructed with local materials, are a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture, highlighted by their Alpine setting. This is the largest concentration of Romanesque art in Europe and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park’s other main entrance is from the town of Espot in the Vall de Espot and from here you can head to the lake the park is named after, the huge Estany de Sant Maurici, which lies at the foot of the park’s highest summit, the peak of Els Encantats. This is the park’s largest lake and a favourite spot for bird watchers, as over 25 bird species can be found here, including the Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. There are many hiking trails around the park of varying length and difficulty, from routes that take just a few hours to more serious treks that

THE LANDSCAPE WAS FORMED 200 MILLION YEARS AGO BY THE GRINDING AND SCRAPING OF GLACIERS DURING SUCCESSIVE ICE AGES and provide the perfect habitat for grass frogs, common toads and Pyrenean newts. Muskrats, marmots and otters prowl the banks. The landscape was formed some 200 million years ago by the grinding and scraping of glaciers during successive ice ages, and the effects of glaciation are evident today in the U-shaped glens, hanging valleys and waterfalls. There are numerous glacial lakes to discover in

take in some of the Pyrenees’ highest peaks. For longer hikes there are hostels throughout the park that can be used for overnight stays. There are many accommodation options in the small towns around the park, ranging from campsites to hotels and rural masías.

www.aiguestortes.info/alojamiento/

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BEACHES WALKS THE AIGÜESTORTES PLATEAU, LAKE LLONG AND LAKE REDÓ Time: 2h 30 min. Difference in altitude: 287 metres This classic trail is the best way to discover the Sant Nicolau valley in the western part of the park. The trek takes walkers to the Llebreta pool and the magnificent deciduous woods that surround it, then to the spectacular Sant Esperit waterfall. The route follows the course of the river, becoming gradually steeper as it rises through forests of Spanish pine trees and crosses breathtaking plateaus, including that of Aigüestortes. On the way to Lake Llong, visit the vantage point just behind the mountain shelter. The route then skirts around the lake, crosses the ei erani gully and finally climbs up to Lake Redó.

The Costa Daurada stretches south from Sitges to beyond Tarragona, and is named after its golden sandy beaches. There are over 60 beaches along this 92-kilometre coastline, from secluded coves to huge expanses of sand. Many of the towns along this coast were built around castles or fortresses and still maintain a lot of their old charm despite the influx of tourists and the inevitable apartment blocks.

SITGES A favourite for many locals, the beaches near the town centre can get very crowded, but if you’re willing to keep walking a little further, the crowds eventually thin out. The Sausalito beach, near the Terramar hotel has a great chiringuito and shallow water, ideal for young children. The nudist-friendly beach in Aiguadolç is another quieter alternative and is about a 20-minute walk from the station.

SANT MAURICI LAKE, RATERA AND AMITGES POOL Time: 3h climb. Difference in altitude: 740 metres This popular trail is well sign-posted and offers walkers a complete view of the Riu Escrita valley—from the lush lower part of the valley, dominated by forests of cotch pine, fir and Spanish pine to the higher, more sparse landscape as the route nears the Amitges shelter (2,380m). The route passes by seven lakes and pools and is presided over by the peak of Els Encantats, the park’s highest summit. Don’t forget to visit the vantage point on the la e just five minutes from the main path near the Ratera pool. Just before you get there, you can admire the monumental Pi d’Amitges (Amitges Pine), a lone, longsurviving pine tree just to the right of the path.

WHERE TO STAY VALL DE BOI The Vall de Boí has many pretty little towns that offer small hotels and rustic accommodation, including Boï, Barruera, Durro, Taüll and Erill la Vall. ESPOT Espot is a cosy mountain town hemmed in by a lovely green valley, now popular in the winter as a ski resort. The town is about seven kilometres from the Estany de Sant Maurici. EL PONT DE SUERT El Pont de Suert has a pleasant old town centre with a handsome main square, an arcaded main street and an elegant 15th-century building, the Palau Abadial, formerly the residence of abbots.

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TORREDEMBARRA Torredembarra is a busy little town that boasts a wide beach—Els Muntanyans—which forms part of a natural protected zone. It has fine white sand with shallow saltwater lagoons and semi-shifting sand dunes. All this makes it a great beach for families with young children.

ALTAFULLA Just before Tarragona, this long, wide beach with golden sand and clear water is considered by many to be the Costa Daurada’s finest beach. It’s certainly well worth the longer train ride. The town itself has a beautifullypreserved old quarter and the beach is overlooked by an impressive tower on the cliff at the far end.

WAIKIKI BEACH Cala Fonda (commonly known as Waikiki Beach) lies just a few kilometres from Tarragona but is one of the Costa Daurada’s most unspoiled beaches and offers wild charm. Surrounded by lush vegetation, you can reach this cove by walking along a path from Tarragona’s Platja Llarga beach. Don’t forget to pack some sandwiches as there’s no chiringuito here. Clothes are optional.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Ítaka Tabernita PRIVILEGED PARK VIEW LOCATION WITH AN ECLECTIC, INTERNATIONAL MENU. TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SAM ZUCKER

taka Tabernita, with its sunny terrace and eclectic decor, has been open on Passeig de Pujades across from the Parc de la Ciutadella for nearly a year now. first discovered this little restaurant just weeks after they had first opened. The menu was ree and so were the owners. The barebones space was lacking in all but the most basic service fundamentals (tables, chairs, and ashtrays), and the menu offered a very short list of Cretan dishes and recian tapas’. decided to revisit ta a Tabernita this past month and to my surprise, what I found was essentially an entirely new restaurant; only the original name remained. The new owners are a husband and wife team with Parisian and merican osnian bac grounds respectively. They have brought an interesting mix of panish talian ree merican and French to their new venture with offerings such as couscous with bacon feta cheese vegetables and curry, a caprese sandwich on baked pizzastyle bread, a classic Reuben sandwich with Hungarian pastrami, smoked salmon salad with watercress and fresh horseradish and vegan kofte with crunchy cashew peanut sauce and cool mint yoghurt. nitially was a bit disappointed not to find as many ree dishes on the menu as had hoped but in the end this interesting new melange of different styles was equally pleasing. Starting with the ree salad was a must and the version at ta a had great avour bringing me bac in a heartbeat, to my last trip to the islands of the Aegean. This crisp, fresh salad combines three types of avoursome tomatoes hun s of salty feta cheese, marinated cucumber slices, red onion peppers and olives with a punch of fresh

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✪ NOT WORTH THE TRIP

dill and mint to finish. nice touch is the side of toasted rye bread from arceloneta’s famous Baluard bakery—the source of nearly all of the bread on ta a Tabernita’s menu. f all the dishes that we tasted the vegan kofte was uite special. From ersia to Tur ey and ndia to reece kofte is a tasty delight that knows no borders. It is most typically a grilled, cigar-shaped patty of minced meat that comes in many forms, and as many spellings. At Ítaka Tabernita, the kofte is presented as delicious little patties of ground chickpeas, coriander, fresh ginger, breadcrumbs, garlic and courgette; wellseasoned with cumin and browned over high heat on the at top grill. urprisingly filling yet not at all heavy this dish might ust ma e it into my home kitchen repertoire. With colourful strings of lights spanning the small-yet-comfortable dining area, classic Barcelona tiles underfoot, and low, cushioned benches lining walls adorned with a mishmash of artistic ourishes ta a Tabernita appears to have ta en a stab at capturing the attention of locals and visitors ali e. ith an accessible healthy pan editerranean’ menu all day and live music at night this little spot is a safe bet for tasty food that has been prepared with care, as well as evening coc tails on a typical balmy Barcelona night. The kitchen is open until around midnight and inside the restaurant live amenco rumba catalana and continue on into the night. For a street with such a great view of the city park and such ample sidewalks, few other restaurants here have ta en full advantage of their priveleged location. uc ily for ta a Tabernita, their bid to be different seems to be paying off. I look forward to seeing how this pleasant little restaurant continues to evolve. ✪✪ COULD IMPROVE

✪✪✪ GOOD

MORE INFO. Passeig de Pujades 21-23 Tel. 93 125 3178 www.itakabarcelona.com Kitchen Hours: Tues-Sun, 12pm-12am Music until 2am Price: Lunch €10-€15 ✪✪✪

✪✪✪✪ VERY GOOD

✪✪✪✪✪ NOT TO BE MISSED

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Recipe

ESCALIVADA

Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish made with peppers, aubergines, onions and peeled tomatoes. The name Escalivada comes from the Catalan verb escalivar, meaning to cook slowly in ashes for a chargrilled result. However, this recipe uses the more common method of oven-baking the vegetables. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that is perfect to enjoy al fresco on warm evenings throughout the summer. These roasted vegetables are usually eaten as an appetiser, and may sometimes be accompanied by sausage, such as butifarra or fuet, or goats’ cheese. It can also be served as a side dish to complement a meaty main course. Escalivada is typically served warm, but can be enjoyed at any temperature. INGREDIENTS 2 red peppers 2 aubergines 2 medium onions 2 garlic cloves 100g black olives 12 anchovies Oil and salt METHOD 1. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. 2. Wash and pat dry the vegetables. 3. Toss the peppers, onions, aubergines and garlic in olive oil, and place them on a tray in the oven for about 50 minutes. 4. Halfway through cooking, after about 20-25 minutes, take them out and turn them. 5. When cooked, leave them in the oven to cool. Once cool, peel and remove the seeds from the peppers and aubergines. 6. Cut the peppers, aubergines and onions into strips, and lay them out in a dish, together with the black olives and anchovies. 7. Season everything with pepper, salt and oil to taste. The vegetables are typically served on top of a slice of toasted coca—Catalan flatbread. CHEF’S TIPS • For more flavour, the vegetables can be grilled in a wood burning oven (if available). • If the dish is a little too simple for you, feel free to add roasted sausages, tuna, cod, herring, roast potatoes or other vegetables, such as courgette or tomatoes. • Add a little turmeric when seasoning for extra taste.

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QUICK BITES

SÚPER COFFEE A OO STORE

LUNCH ON THE RUN TAKES ON A NEW HOMEMADE IDENTITY IN POBLENOU. TEXT AND PHOTO BY SAM ZUCKER. MORE INFO. Roc Boronat 102 Tel. 622 838 738 www.superbcn.es Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm. Fri 8am-4pm €3.50-€9 for lunch

s far as double entendres go, Súper Coffee and Food Store is a fine one. ocated on the wide, uiet street of oc oronat in the top corner of oblenou, the shop is super in many ways. “We chose the name per’,” e plained hristiane ollinge, who opened this pre prepared food business, with her husband ustin ollinge earlier this year, “because we love putting as many super foods’ into our dishes as possible. Also, we are a local, neighbourhood business and li e evo ing the idea of the little supermercats that are so characteristic of arcelona.” he idea of per offee and ood tore is the product of the ollinges’ five years of e perience running a different type of food business the e oo catering company—a food truc that caters e clusively to film shoots around arcelona. ustin trained as a professional chef in his native outh Africa, before relocating to arcelona with erman born hristiane. he was a film producer and, through her wor , realised that there was a niche that needed filling in arcelona’s highly active production industry—on site catering. oon, the e oo

Tastings

atering food truc was born. After five years of running the business from outside of arcelona, the ollinges decided to find a place in the city itself, with a itchen spacious enough to continue their catering business, but that also included a space for offering reasonably priced, made from scratch food to go and speciality coffee to the local residents, students and office wor ers. Súper Coffee and Food Store is a registered member of the pecialty offee Association of urope and they even roast their own beans. “We pic ed oblenou because we li ed the feeling of the neighbourhood,” e plained ustin. “ here is such an interesting mi of people doing diverse things here, and we feel li e we fit in perfectly. Also,” he added with a smile, “the streets here are wide enough for the catering truc .” Apparently, creating the menu at per offee and ood tore was easy. “We only ma e the food that we li e to eat ourselves,” said hristiane. heir focus is very much on health, and they emphasise the fact that no preservatives are added to the food that emerges from their itchen. hey don’t own a deep fryer, and they buy whole products whole chic ens, for e ample whenever possible.

“ or the oast eef agel,” he said, pointing to a large hun of beef fresh out of the oven, “we roast a big, boneless entrecote ribeye stea slowly to get a nice, tender, juicy, pin centre.” Another delicious dish, with a slightly eccentric twist, is the chilled pasta salad with smo ed dorada gilt head bream , capers, cucumber, homemade pic les, dill, pic led fennel and basil mayonnaise. “We have a hot smo er, and we love the way the fish comes out when coo ed this way,” e plained hristiane. “We realised at one point that we needed to widen our vegetarian offerings,” ustin added, “so we came up with this uinoa salad with a touch of toasted cumin, carrots, pomegranate, courgette, confit aubergine, grilled sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, and avocado. t’s finished with aldon salt and fresh crac ed blac pepper.” ow they have a variety of vegetarian options, and the comple ity of seasoning and use of spices in these vibrant dishes is superb. uic , affordable and wholesome lunch options are often hard to come by in arcelona, so it’s easy to see why this appealing outpost is gaining popularity in a diverse, up and coming neighbourhood such as oblenou.

Miquel Hudin is originally from California but is now based in Barcelona. He founded the Vinologue enotourism series of wine books (www.vinologue.com).

WINES FOR BARBECUE TIMES For almost any American, the month of July immediately brings barbecues to mind. Celebrating Independence Day on the fourth means cooking up meat on an open flame. To go with this smoke-tinged meat, the beverage of choice has typically been beer, although as the years roll on, more diverse alcoholic options have been creeping into the American palate. Not all wines will work (Riesling is a nonstarter for instance) but even if you’re having barbecued chicken, I’d still stick to a red wine although one of lighter body, youthful, and

with crisp fruits to take on the big character of smoked meat. Celler Pascona – La Maria Ganxa 2014 This DO Montsant winery, while in existence for several years, has really come into its own with the latest vintages. Their rebranding has made for a consistent collection, especially with this new young wine—a classic blend of Grenache and Carignan. Redolent currants, black pepper, wild herbs, and limestone minerality. Light red fruits on the palate. Very fresh, expressive and lively for a young wine. €8.50

Ferrer Bobet – Jove 2013 This emblematic winery in DOQ Priorat, which sits on one of the slopes near Porrera, offers two upper-end wines that have been wowing critics for years. This quite recent addition is sourced from their own vineyards and blends Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. While at a lower price point, it sits perfectly with the overall style of the winery. Fresh and invigorating in the nose with floral aromas and crisp red fruits. Light and incredibly balanced on the palate with good fruit notes and acidity. €15

38. Quick bites NEW.indd 6

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GUIRI BUSINESS DRINK NETWORKING 2015 Free Drink & Tapas

15th July

Guiri Business Group is a LinkedIn community of 8000 + members designed to facilitate professional networking through the exchange of information, knowledge, contacts, jobs and opportunities.

Entrance is free for Guiri Business LinkedIn members and an RSVP is required to attend.

For more information and to RSVP please visit www.GuiriBusiness.com QUINTO QUINTA Gran vía de las Cortes Catalanes 373 Las Arenas Centro Comercial, Top Floor

Plaza España Tel. 93 423 7752

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Ice Cream MANNA GELATS 4 BARRI GÒTIC Homemade ice creams, waffles and crêpes in the heart of the Barrio Gótico. Their ice creams are inspired by family recipes, using the best products. The fresh fruit sorbets are made with market-bought products, boasting exotic varieties. Their passion is to please their customers with personalized attention. €

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YOI YOI GION 4EIXAMPLE

UKAI 4EIXAMPLE If you are looking for authentic japanese cuisine in Barcelona, Ukai is the right place. This diverse japanese menu ranges from traditional entrees to innovative sushi rolls filled with the freshest ingredients. Come and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience along with excellent service. What are you waiting for? € €

Barcelona’s latest and greatest Japanese restaurant, YOI YOI GION, is a completely authentic udon restaurant from Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto. YOI YOI GION offers delicious handmade, organic noodles in a modern Japanese atmosphere. Dine at very reasonable prices and enjoy ingredients such as kelp, niboshi (small, dried sardines) and katsuobushi (dried, shaved bonito), which are combined for the stock of the noodles, with no chemical additives. ‘

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The newly opened BlackLab Brewery offers customers a new experience in Barcelona––a place where you can come with friends and family, and enjoy a unique pint of craft beer, made just two metres from where you’re sitting. BlackLab’s food is a culinary journey from China all the way to New York. You’ll find dumplings and bahn mi, mussels fresh from the fish market, ramen, cheesecake, portobello mushrooms, and more. €

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Travel through time in one of Barcelona’s most beautiful restaurants. Located in a historic building with vaulted ceilings, En Ville offers a traditional market menu in cosy and warm surroundings. You’ll find a creative blend of Catalan and French cuisines, with a wide range of Spanish tapas, meat and fresh fish on the menu, which is adapted to suit celiacs. On Tuesdays, you can relax to the sounds of live music as you dine. € €

Bistronomia Fulla d’Ostra is a restaurant neighbouring the Mercat Galvany. Our Chilean chef, Marcelo Gonzalez, prepares delicious gourmet dishes made with fresh products. The exclusive decorator, Lazaro Rosa Violan, has transformed this small bistro into a charming place, and with the capacity for just eighteen guests, it is both intimate and romantic. € € € €

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Indian / Tandoori MALGAM 4EIXAMPLE

SURYA 4EIXAMPLE

Surya Barcelona is an Indian restaurant that invites you to travel all the way to the streets of Mumbai, rich with colour, smell and exotic flavors. They offer a cosy and relaxed place where you feel at home, where you can drink, read a magazine, connect to the Internet, work and try out some of their delicious dishes.

Malgam is located in one of the busiest areas of Barcelona, and offers a varied selection of food, from signature tapas, to traditional, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all made using seasonal produce. The contemporary-style restaurant is divided into three different spaces, adapting to the different needs that result from its long business hours, covering early breakfasts, lunch, a la carte dinners, and a cocktail bar with a DJ on weekends. € € €

After dinner you can relax with cocktails and enjoy their in-house DJs from “The House Party” collective with “Deep Fridays” and Saturday night Funky new disco. €

Pau Claris 92 | Tel. 93 667 8760 www.suryabarcelona.com

Aribau 113, 08036 Tel. 93 452 3673 Every day 8am-3pm

TAP DE SURO 4 EIXAMPLE

FONDA ESPAÑA4 BARRI GÒTIC

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Located in the emblematic Hotel España, the Modernist dining room that was originally designed and decorated by Domènech i Montaner, houses Fonda España. Rich in patrimonial interest, the historic elements in this beautiful room inspire and enhance the new elements. Here, Gastronomic Director Martín Berasategui’s aim is to offer his well known culinary concept to diners looking for simple, balanced and delicious dishes that is a tribute to the renowned chef’s origins. € €

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Sant Pau 9-11 I Metro Liceu Tel. 93 550 0000 Mon-Sat, from 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11pm Sun, from 1pm-4pm, Closed Sun evening.

Vegetarian/Vegan LOIDI RESTAURANT4 EIXAMPLE Loidi is a contemporary bistro, in which Martin Berasategui makes his cuisine accessible to everybody. Cuisine prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients and presented with imagination that recalls and pays homage to the celebrated Basque chef’s traditional roots and origins. The menu features various dining options with dishes that change on a weekly basis. The restaurant is a very contemporary, warm and comfortable space frequented by a local and professional clientele. Head chef: Jordi Asensio. Maitre d’: Oscar Fernández. € € € Mallorca 248-250, 08008 Tel. 93 492 9292 Mon-Sat 1pm-3.30pm, 8pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-3.30pm, Closed Sun evening.

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Bakery NATA LISBOA4EIXAMPLE Heir to one of the most delicious confectionary recipes in the world that spans two centuries, NATA was born to produce and spread the most deliciously sweet tastes from Lisbon to the four corners of the world. Pay them a visit to try their portuguese specialities and their sublime coffee blend. € Mallora 277 I natalisboa.com www.facebook.com/NATALisboaESPANA

Argentine 9REINAS 4EIXAMPLE Argentine restaurant Nueve Reinas has quickly become a favourite for discerning meat-eaters. Renowned for its excellent quality and value, 9Reinas specialises in meats from all over the world. The exquisite Argentina-inspired decoration offers an intimate and welcoming space where every visitor feels like a guest. The restaurant has two floors and a private room that can host parties of up to nine people. €

Valencia 267 | Tel. 93 272 4766 www.nuevereinas.com/en

HAPPY DAY VEGETARIANO 4 EIXAMPLE Located in the heart of Barcelona, Happy Day invites you to share the experience of enjoying healthy, nutritious and, above all, delicious, food. The ingredients are all fresh, seasonal, organic and sourced locally. The menu was designed by nutritionists and includes salads, rice dishes, crepes, veggie burgers, pasta and vegetable dishes. Try the anti-age, detox, ß – Carotene, and protein elixir natural juices. Go and try for yourself!. € €

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HEALTH &BEAUTY DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

Implants & teeth in one day

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AFTER

- DENTIST

Dr. Enric Pintado is a specialist in m lant s r er and fi ed rosthet cs trained by the Universities of New Y ork, NY and Loma Linda, California. At Dr. Pintado’s dental surgery, the treatment is personalised especially for o ll on roced res a less surgeries, zygomatic implants for low quantity of bone, without bone grafting and healing time. In all of these procedures, teeth are placed in the same day. Just everything, just Pintado! Dr. Enric Pintado, DDS Balmes, 295, 1º 2ª, 08006 T. 93 200 0808 recepciobcn@enricpintado.com www.enricpintado.com

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Dr. Boj and his team provide specialised, comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic treatment for children and teens. Dr. Boj also lectures about all treatments related to these age groups, including laser dentistry. He became a specialist at the School of Medicine and Dentistry of the University of Rochester, N.Y ., USA.

DENTIST

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O r th o e s te tic

- DENTIST

The Orthoestetic Clinic is located in the heart of Barcelona near the Sagrada Familia. They have modern clinical facilities and equipment, which together with their dentists experience allows them to offer an integral quality dentistry, designed to seek the satisfaction of the patients. Dr. Holguin is a specialist in orthopedics and orthodontics for children and adults, and dental aesthet cs he s cert fied the Invisalign system.

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- DENTIST

Perfect teeth in just one day. At iClinic Pifarre. No unnecessary damaging teeth. No killing nerves. No anesthesia and all in one session. Cosmetic dentistry and composite veneers give our clients the lovely smile they always dreamed of. iClinic works only with specialists in cosmetic dentistry who have been trained in the most up to date and cutting edge techniques.

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The British Dental Clinic has a patientfriendly philosophy that combines aesthetics, youthful appearances, and a commitment to total oral health. Conveniently located in Barcelona, they offer orthodontics including Fast Braces and Inman Aligner, implants, cosmetic dentistry, whitening and general family dentistry. Their talented, conscientious and friendly staff will help ensure that you comfortably receive the healthy and beautiful smile that you deserve. Diagonal 281 Metro: Sagrada Família (L5) Monumental (L2) T. 93 265 8070 M. 607 332 335 info@thebritishdentalclinic.com www.thebritishdentalclinic.com

S a n z P a n c k o D e n ta l C lin ic

DENTIST Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic in Barcelona and Terrassa provides excellent oral care in an Englishspeaking environment. Dr Nancy Pancko, an American dentist trained at Columbia University in New Y ork, is an mer can Board cert fied orthodont st Dr Javier Sanz is an American Boardcert fied er odont st and m lantolo st who lectures on periodontal technological advancements and leads research projects at the university. Together, they provide comprehensive and affordable dental care Rogent 40, local 2, 08026 T. 93 246 9043 Metro: Clot (L1, L2) www.clinicadentalsyp.com Open Mon-Fri 9am-8.30pm

6/23/15 5:20 PM

M a ry D . M c C a rth y

Doctor for Adults

Mary D. McCarthy, M.D. Fellow American College of Physicians

Is the top medical group in Barcelona. They are committed to provide a first rate level of care and attent on They are experienced, trained and equipped to diagnose and treat most acute or chronic medical problems and injuries. Available 24 hours including weekends and holidays. A 30 minutes arrival time to your destination is guaranteed. Their convenient visit fee is refundable by most insurance companies. All Specialists and best Hospitals available.

eel confident th r ar c arth an American-trained doctor for adults. A native English speaker with over 20 years’ experience in Barcelona, Dr. McCarthy offers professional, private health care. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and s also cert fied as a ec al st the American Board of Internal Medicine. Also a member of IAMAT.

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N E S T - NETW ORK OF ENGLISH SPEAK ING THERAPISTS

NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

D o c t o r s B a r c e l o n a - DOCTOR

- DOCTOR

The Barcelona Network of English Speaking Therapists ( NEST) is a m lt d sc l nar ro of al fied and practising psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists who live and work in and around Barcelona. NEST members work in the English language and have their roots in training bodies and professional associations based elsewhere. A number of NEST members also work in Catalan, Spanish, Bulgarian, Dutch, German, Italian and Greek. For detailed information, please visit their website.

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C IT YC E N T R E O F F IC E

Jonathan Hooker can help if you’re looking for support, guidance or help with any aspect of your life. An English-speaking psychotherapist, counsellor, coach and guide, he is dedicated to helping people make sense of their lives. Jonathan provides one-to-one sessions or workshops for groups of four to 12 people. Metropolitan readers are invited to a free 20-minute introductory meeting.

BEFORE

www.barcelonaNEST.com

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H e s tia

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Hestí a International Psychotherapy Centre has become a reference in the city, due to its’ high quality multidisciplinary and multilingual rofile he r rofess onal team or s with individuals, couples and families through a variety of services and approaches to therapy and personal development. They speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Greek, Polish, Swedish, Russian and Catalan. he first cons ltat on s free Av. Diagonal 343, 2º 3ª Metro: Verdaguer (L5) T. 93 459 2802 info@hestia.es www.hestia.es

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The Millennium Sanitas Medical Centres are designed to meet your medical needs and those of your family, with experts in a range of specialties. These specialties include: Massage, physiotherapy, in fresh air bubble massage, indiba, osteopathy, lymphatic drainage, shock waves, elv c oor od ersonal training, and physiotherapy at your home

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PSY CHOTHERAPIST

English Doctor Dr. Steven Joseph - Doctor General Practice Mental Health MB, MRCGP, MRCPsych.

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D r . S t e v e n Jo s e p h

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a e ac nct re o r first cho ce not o r last resort! Acupuncture treats many conditions from pain, stress and depression to infertility and more. English, Spanish and German spoken. Call now to make an appointment and start feeling better. Enric Granados 133, 4-1 bis M. 644 322 161 info@taniaspearman.com www.taniaspearman.com

P h a r m a c y S e r r a M a n d r i - CHEMIST The pharmacy is open 365 days a year + home delivery service.The staff can help and advise each client to ensure they get exactly what they need. They also stock a great range of products, including homeopathy, natural medicine, aromatherapy and organic cosmetics. Av. Diagonal 478, T. 93 416 1270 www.farmaciaserra.com Open 9am-10pm

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The Vital Touch Massage clinic helps you relax, energise, re-balance and improve your health and lifestyle with a therapeutic, holistic full-body massage. - Helps relieve tension, reduce stress, detoxify your body and boost your self-esteem. e also v s t offices and events around Barcelona helping stressed executives to relax and re-energise in their working day.

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ra ned on ondon Veronique runs a friendly salon with a dedicated team who speak English, Spanish and French. La Hair Boutique is a relaxed and cosy salon that offers progressive cuts and colours with great style advice too. They are especially talented at creating new, personalised looks using the latest techniques.

Let American-trained massage therapist Carrie Lewis draw on 15 years of experience and training to soothe you with deep therapeutic massage in conveniently located studios or in your home!

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- PILATES o na a tra ned and al fied h s othera st offers both physiotherapy sessions treating musculoskeletal ailments and classes in Therapeutic and W ellness lates to ma nta n stren th and e l t for ell e n and injury prevention.Doina has recently added Nordic W alking to her repertoire. Adding a cardiovascular element; Nordic W alking takes Pilates outside! T. 610 712 947 www.pilateslasramblas.com doina@pilateslasramblas.com

H a r m o n iy o o have constant a ns and l ve n am le Say goodbye to headaches, back, lower back, neck and shoulder pains, sprains, and contractions with physiotherapy and osteopathic treatments. Y ou can also eliminate insomnia, stress and emotional distress. Get a free foot massage ( worth € 25) with any treatment. Casanova 79, 1° 2ª. Caty T. 933 234 902 / 645 676 680. www.harmoniy.com

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Summer culinary nutrition workshops. Making healthy food pretty and fun. Learn how to create beautiful and delicious dishes using a whole, fresh and plant-based ingredients with a cert fied n tr t on st

mariah@pabulum.com.es

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BUSINESS SERVICES

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To advertise in this section c a l l : 9 3 4 51 4 4 8 6 o r e m a i l : a d s @ b a r c e lo n a -m e tr o p o lita n .c o m See our online directory at

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F R E E C O N S ULT A T I O N

- CONSULTANT e al and s ness cons lt n firm that romotes entrepreneurial activity in Spain. Services include; cco nt n ta financ al adv ce mm rat on nat onal insurance registration and payroll, legal and real estate advice. Aribau 207, Ppal A1, 08021 T. 93 414 6242 M. 615 405 045 info@integra-advisers.com www.integra-advisers.com

S á n c h e z M o lin a

CONSULTANCY

LEGAL PRACTICE

Fletcher Consultancy Ltd. now operates in Spain providing tailored training and development services for managers and employees, development and access to al ficat ons for e ats HR services for development of competence based systems. Our UK business services blue chip clients in both public and private sectors. W e have special offers for new clients, including free mystery shopping and training needs analysis.

The lawyers at Sá nchez Molina speak English, Spanish, Italian and French. They can help with your business licensing services, legal defence and representation, registration under any form of ownership, accounting services and work and residency permits.

Gran Via Carles III, 84, 5 Metro: Maria Cristina (L3) T. 93 490 9669 javiergarcia@sanchezmolina.com www.sanchezmolina.com

shirleydirect@aol.com M. + 44 799 053 4331 www.ﬂetcherconsultancy.co.uk www.nvqenespana.com

B a r c e lo n a W o m e n ’s N e t w o r k - BUSINESS Barcelona s rem er net or for international women ver mem ers from co ntr es s a soc al cl that s orts local charities and offers a business network, activities include social gatherings, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and business seminars. W e help women thrive and feel at home in Barcelona.

Supported charities 2014 - 2016 membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

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ING LAW Y ERS

he are a la firm esta l shed n he a m to rov de com rehens ve legal counselling to both individuals and companies, in all areas of law. As a team they are highly specialized in a number of different legal areas, with high levels of tra n n e er ence and rofess onal stren th he offer a f ll ersonal sed service, providing rapid, effective responses without compromising the quality of their service. They also offer their clients a 24-hour online consultation service. Through this online follow-up service, interested parties can access their virtual office to cons lt the nformat on n the r files an t me and from an here “ W e devote our efforts to provide full support and assistance to conduct any ersonal or s ness act v t n a n th confidence

Calàbria 267, 3r 1a, 08029, T. 93 217 6414, ges40assessors@ges40.com mruiz@ges40.com www.ges40.com

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M a c in B a r c e lo n a

COMPUTERS Sté phane Clé ment is an Apple technic an and cons ltant th over fifteen ears of e er ence Anna Piqué , a native from Barcelona, assists Sté phane with her business and communication background. Their focus is on providing good service and installations with clear communicative skills and personal advice. The aim is to solve your computer troubles and teach you how to improve your daily use of your Mac and its various accessories, giving you an opportunity for a more pleasant and safer com ter e er ence Cami de Mas Roig a Mas Fuster 47 Valldoreix , 08197, M. 608 994 599 info@macinbarcelona.com www.macinbarcelona.com

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M r s .Q

d e s ig n s tu d io

G e o M a c

- COMPUTERS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO

Mrs.Q Design Studio offers a range of specialised services.Contact Mrs.Q for their competitive business packages which includes branding, stationery design and advertising for print and web. They also design promotional material such as ers osters and roch res he specialises in bespoke invitations. s t the r ts a e to see e am les for their work www.etsy.com/ shop/ MrsQ designstudio.

M. 699 260 938 mrsqdesignstudio@gmail.com www.mrsqdesignstudio.com

M. 606 308 932 machelp@geomac.es www.geomacbcn.com

E a s i-S a t

G u s to F ilm s

- TELEVISION SERVICE

Specialists in satellite TV, HD, audiovisual and unmatched for quality and reliability throughout Catalunya for many years. Their professional team provides satellite television from across Europe, including Dutch, French, Italian and Russian, at unbeatable prices. IPTV for Uk terrestrial channels and French tv via internet. ( See our website for details) . BEIN sports and many more available. Follow them on Facebook-Easisat and tter a l val

FRENCH TV NOW AVAILABLE VIA INTERNET

A s th e M e re a

k fo r s p e c ia l tr o p o lita n d e r o ffe rs

George Cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac comm n t n Barcelona for over ears Among the services he offers, George can help clients with maintenance and upgrades, hard drive replacement and ADSL setup. He can also provide consulting and tutorials according to h s cl ents needs

- FILM

stofilms s a rod ct on com an s ec al s n n romot onal film he dedicate themselves to the creation and making of high-quality audiovisual content. They like to innovate, discover and imagine. They love style, down to the smallest detail. Nos gusta gustar.

T. 93 845 9874 M. 649 413 832 enquiries@easisat.net www.easisat.net

Sant Quinti 47, 4º5ª, 08041 T. 93 007 4408 M. 636 611 029 info@gustoﬁlms.es www.gustoﬁlms.es

C o rs a

F á b r ic a d e F ly e r s

- DRIVING SCHOOL

- BUSINESS

Corsa driving school in Barcelona offers both theoretical classes and practical driving lessons in English. Their friendly and e er enced nstr ctors ll ve o the confidence to dr ve comforta l in the city and help you learn everything you need to know about Spanish road systems. They have both manual and automatic practice vehicles. Call now and ask about special Metropolitan reader offers!

Fá brica de Flyers brings the successful concept of high class printing and design to Barcelona at competitive prices and provides a quality service to match. Eight ears of e er ence on the erman market made them one of the leading printing agencies, with clients all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Fá brica de Flyers is not an advertisment agency, but the best partner to create your publicity!

Beethoven 16, Bajos, 08021 T. 93 200 3324 www.corsa.cat/en/courses www.facebook.es/autoescuelacorsa

Pujades 74-80, 3º 7ª, 08005 T. 934 856 422 info@fabricadeﬂyers.com www.fabricadeﬂyers.com

A R C 9 7 S L - OFFICE AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS Do you want to build or renovate your office or at s ec al se n the design and construction of new works and renovations. They are committed from beginning to end and take care of every detail of each project. They will tailor any project according to your spec fic needs st le taste and nterests They guarantee that all work will be completed on time and within budget. Media and Marketing Assistant Jo Elizabeth Hardman M. 610 544 614 Pietat 8 baixos, 08002 arc97@arc97.com www.arc97.com

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VISIT OUR ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

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D a c il C o r r e a

SPANISH TEACHER Learn Spanish in the comfort of your home or office ac l s a al fied e er enced an sh teacher and translator. She offers one-to-one lessons er ho r and ro lessons er ho r ro for all levels sco nts ava la le on minutes lessons. Tailored courses and e le ho rs She is a professional member of ASETRAD ( Spanish Association of Translators, Editors and Interpreters) and translates from English, French and Catalan into Spanish. M. 690 808 454 contact@dacilcorreatraductora.com www.dacilcorreatraductora.com

C o ra l

- SPANISH TEACHER

each a an sh level that est fits your time, interests and needs! r oral s ersonal sed co rses s n interesting and effective methods that make learning easy. She will come to your home or business and provide the material. All levels; private or small ro s to m n class m n class f o need classes via SK Y PE, she can also offer online lessons he s a nat ve e er enced and h hl al fied teacher

LOGISTICS W e offer a complete service to effic entl mana e an nd of transport. Anywhere in the world, from a overnight courier service, to an airfreight or seafreight shipment to the other side of the world. W e are specialist managing personal effects sh ments small o ed removals from Barcelona to Europe, UK , USA, stral a e ealand on t loo further, LA LUNA shipping is your one stop shop for your transport and logistics needs in Barcelona. T. 93 220 1715 info@laluna.coop www.laluna.coop facebook.com/ somos.lalunashipping

G a r m e n t P r in tin g

- LANGUAGE SCHOOL

BCN LIP language school is a small school located in the heart of the Gothic Q uarter offering a wide variety of dynamic classes for those wishing to learn Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Japanese h nese and e re he co rses are ntens ve and e tens ve var n from ho rs a ee onda to at rda he teachers are al fied nat ve s ea ers th several ears of e er ence he also offer s ec al sed s mmer ro rams e c rs ons and c lt ral act v t es for the st dents he can also hel o th o r st dent v sa and find n a lace to live.

B C N

S e g u ro s

- INSURANCE

Local Barcelona Insurance Agency providing complete personal and business insurance services. ( home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc.) W e offer a cost sav n arantee keeping insurance coverage identical! Advice given in Spanish, English and German.

M. 636 465 010 rainerhobrack@gmail.com www.bcnseguros.es - BUSINESS

Garment Printing is a printing company based in Barcelona and the UK . They offer printed clothing with personalised logos for fashion brands, staff uniforms and promotional clothing. Printed promotional rod cts s ch as ers s ness cards, printed pens, and banners are also available—anything you could want customised with a logo! W hether o re a s ness or an nd v d al e can hel o f lfil o r rand n and printing needs. Contact them today.

Comte d’Urgell 28 T. 93 393 8194 www.garmentprinting.es

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L. I . P .

Avinyó 50, 08002 T. 93 318 6591 info@bcnlip.com www.bcnlip.com

M. 676 249 744 coral@coralprada.com

La Lu n a S h i p p i n g

B C N

S p a in A c c o u n tin g TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES al fied acco ntant th ears er ence n a n offers ta serv ces for freelance a t nomos and small s ncome ta ret rns for em lo ees and non-residents ract cal adv ce on sett n a business in Spain re strat on of a t nomos and company incorporation ( SL) ersonal sed adv ce on o r ta obligations in Spain fast rel a le ema l serv ce Contact David Cook on M.678 702 369 info@spainaccounting.com www.spainaccounting.com e

6/23/15 3:22 PM

COACHING COLUMN

JOB

DIRECTORY To advertise in this section c a l l : 9 3 4 51 4 4 8 6 o r e m a i l : a d s @ b a r c e lo n a -m e tr o p o lita n .c o m W e a ls o h a v e a n e w

j o b s e c t i o n o n o u r F R E E C LA S S I F I E D S

w w w .c la s s ifie d s .b a r c e lo n a -m e tr o p o lita n .c o m

SAM SAYS... Barcelona resident and professional life coach, Sam Mednick, answers your questions on life in the city. (www.blueprintcoaching.ca). A Canadian native, she’s been living in the city for eight years, working with companies and individuals, focusing on communication, leadership, lifestyle design and emotional intelligence.

Hi Sam, I’ve been living in Barcelona for almost five years and have been trying to get my act together’ ever since. t’s proving e tremely difficult. oming from a country where it’s very much go go go’, it’s been refreshing to be somewhere more laisse faire, yet at the same time feel li e it’s hard to stay professionally motivated. ’m wondering how to ma e it wor in this city. lease help Stagnant

THIS MONTH: HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED IN THIS BEACHSIDE TOWN Dear Stagnant, he story of came here for three months, years ago’ is a arcelona adage. his is a city that suc s people in and before you now it, two, five, years have gone by, and you’re still wondering what you’ve done with your time. irstly, what you’re e periencing is O A f you want to ma e it wor in this editerranean town, it’s important to consider two uestions.

WHY DID YOU COME HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE? As the high of moving to a city with such an into icating uality of life begins to wear off, it’s easy to forget what originally propelled you to pac your bags. emind yourself why you decided to come here, and own your decision. Was it for the lac adaisical lifestyle he pro imity to other uropean countries ring yourself bac to whatever it was that moved you here in the first place, and embrace it. he city is only so much to blame for your professional challenges. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? One of the most ama ing things about arcelona is that if you’re driven, determined and can thin outside the bo , this is a city where you can ma e things happen. t’s a place where it doesn’t ta e much to stand out from the crowd if you have a new, innovative idea. Although you can’t e pect a ew or or ondon style professional scene, there is the advantage of not being tangled up in the rat race. here’s room to breathe, to grow and be innovative without being met by a barrier of competition.

ACTIONABLE TIPS FOR MAKING IT WORK IN BARCELONA Bring what you know to the table: Figure out which of your hard or soft skills are transferable and insert them into your life here. Harness your skills and you might just end up on a career path you’d never before considered. e open and pa ent Don’t dismiss a job because it might be a step down from what you’re used to. Start saying yes, and start turning ‘No’ into ‘Yes’. Your experience and connections will grow and could well lead you to more professionally challenging endeavours. Hang in there, put in the time and be patient. d ust e pecta ons Salary, work environment and the overall culture are probably quite diﬀerent here when compared to your home country, so be ready to adjust expectations. If you really want to make it work, you have to balance the pros and the cons of being here and it has to make sense to you. reate rela onships Many people would call this networking, but something that works even better than mingling and handing out business cards is creating real connections. Barcelona is a close-knit city with three degrees of separation (especially amongst foreigners). The easiest way to be in-the-know and ﬁnd out what’s possible and available is to foster strong relationships and surround yourself with people who will look out for you. To share your thoughts on this column or ask Sam a question email sam@blueprintcoaching.ca, or write to Metropolitan at editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com

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INTERVIEW

Philippe Delécluse

OWNER OF GALERIA JOHNSON but I remember going to his place and spending an entire afternoon drinking tea out of Chinese cups in his living room. That’s a memory, you know. I also worked with Claudia Schiffer in the early Eighties when she was in her prime. She was really nice, not snotty at all. I remember when we went out to eat; it was like ‘forget the steak’. She was really into salads. Fast forward 25 years and the crisis hit. I went bankrupt. But that’s all part of the story. I moved to Barcelona three months ago to open Galeria Johnson, which exhibits original rock photography, after about a year of preparation. From my previous work in publishing, I had met a lot of photographers—it’s all about who you know. The purpose of opening the gallery is to make these unique pictures of legendary rock stars available to people. I’ve divided my clientele into two different categories: the genuine fan, who doesn’t have that much money, and the interior designer type, who has a bigger budget from their clients. The photos range in price from €300 to €3000. I’m trying to offer a variety that’s affordable for everyone. I don’t buy from the net. I work hand-in-hand with the photographers. I’ve met most of them. Some of these guys are getting pretty old now; a couple of them are dead. No matter what format you are interested in—small or large— all the prints are numbered and most are signed by the photographer. The larger the print run,

obviously the lower the price. A lot of prints are from runs of 495. This way, I can afford to keep the rates down. But there are some by people like Mick Rock, who used to be David Bowie’s personal photographer, who do print runs of up to 30 at the most. That shoots the price way up. I don’t have a favourite print. There’s a great one of Clapton, when he was just 24, with the Stones, The Who and Lennon. It’s like a family. They were shooting the Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus, that’s why they were all together. Another one that makes an impression is of Tina Turner with Ike, her abusive stage partner and husband, standing just behind her in the band. If you look close enough, you can see bruises down her side, on her arm and under her tights. Ok, if you must know my true favourite, it’s one of Neil Young because it’s so vintage. He’s got his classic car in the Hollywood Hills. I used to hang out there so I can relate. I’m not gonna bullshit you—I haven’t really met any of the icons. I had a drink with Bill Wyman years ago, which is barely worth mentioning. I had drinks with David Lee Roth, Bowie, Sting. But just drinks because I met them at parties. I wouldn’t go back and live in New York or Paris or London. I’ve been there. I’ve done all I had to do there. After only three months, I have really fallen in love with Barcelona, and I’m having a lot of fun here.

By Ben Rowdon

SCOOP

I don’t know where I’m from anymore. I was born in Paris, but grew up in England. I was there during Beatlemania. I’m talking about ‘61, ‘62, ‘63. It was insane. Anyone who didn’t see it, who didn’t live it, has no idea how incredible it was. I remember we all had our hair cut just so, with our fringe straight across our eyebrows, and you were either John or Paul or George or Ringo. Girls would literally scream. I mean they went wacko. I wasn’t in high school yet—I was only 10—but there was one day that I went on a school trip to see them play because the teachers wanted to see them. I couldn’t hear them. They couldn’t hear themselves. And the best part is that parents loved them too. Everybody was obsessed. I moved to the US at one point. It was the best. I worked for the LA Times until I set out on my own and moved to New York (after a terrible breakup, of course—it’s always love that gets you). There, I worked for a number of advertising agencies, always as a freelancer. Back then, you would dump one agency and were immediately off to another one. There was work and money and ladies. I was 25 and having a great time. Things are much tougher now. I eventually went back to Paris, where I published a few magazines. I used to ask famous people to write the editorial. I worked with some truly amazing people that way. Rudolf Nureyev wrote a piece for me three weeks before he died. He had been really sick,

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