Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 221 by Barcelona Metropolitan

JUNE 2015 Nº 221

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COME DINE WITH ME THE NEW WAY TO EAT OUT

HOUSES ON HOUSES THE ONLY WAY TO BUILD IS UP

TECH START BARCELONA’S NEW GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS

PLUS! ART 01 cover.indd 1

MUSIC

FASHION

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

A PLACE OF MY OWN

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contents

METROPOLITAN contributors

{ISSUE 221} JUNE 2015 Features 12 REPORT: STARTUP CITY

Kirsten Sylvain speaks to a new generation of entrepreneurs.

18 RAISE THE ROOF Penthouse suites are popping up all over town.

29 SUMMER SOUNDS This month’s music festival playlist.

30 SOCIAL DINER Sam Zucker discovers new dining options being brought to the table.

What’s on 20 22 24 26

Music Art Misc. Pullout Calendar

regulars 06 New in Town

08 10 33 34 36 50

In the City A Place of My Own Fashion Travel Food & Drink Interview

Directories 41 43 44 49

Food & Drink Health & Beauty Business Jobs

ISABELLE OHLSON grew up in a little village just outside of Brighton, England. She is midway through a degree in graphic design and photography at Kingston in London and has been living and working in Barcelona for a year. Exploring and understanding different cultures inspires her work. She loves to document through photos, film, words and drawing. Having a sense of her surrounding environment is key to her work, and unravelling the communities in Barcelona has been inspirational.

SAM ZUCKER is originally from Boston, Massachusetts in the US. He studied ecology, photography and Spanish language at Hampshire College (Amherst, MA). He then went on to train as a chef at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY) and earn an introductory certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013. He currently lives in Barcelona and works as a culinary tour operator and food/travel writer for several outlets, including his blog: Zucker & Spice Travel—zuckerandspicetravel.com

MIQUEL HUDIN is a writer and photographer 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 Abigail Davies, Rachel Huffman, Kirsten Sylvain, Isabelle Ohlson Design Assistant Kirsty Moore Contributors Jay Collins, Miquel Hudin, Kirsten Sylvain, Tara Stevens, Sam Zucker Photographer Yan Pekar, Erika Savander, Noa Le Gouellec Illustrator Ben Rowdon Editorial: editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com Advertising: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com General: info@barcelona-metropolitan.com www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Carrer de la Ciutat 7 2ª-4ª, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486 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

based in Barcelona. Originally from California, Miquel’s wine training started at Francis Ford Coppola’s winery in Napa Valley in the late 1990s. In addition to founding the Vinologue enotourism series of wine books in 2007, he has written about wines from around the world as well as judged wine competitions. You can see his wine books at www. vinologue.com.

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IN THE CITY

new IN TOWN OH HAPPY DAY

HAPPY DAY VEGETARIANO. PAU CLARIS 143. WWW.HAPPYDAYVEGETARIANO.COM With natural tones and plants a-plenty, Happy Day sets a mellow, yet smart, scene for some seriously healthy fare. But its quest for all things natural is not just aesthetic. Director, Natalia Riemer presents an elaborate and delicious menu, created in collaboration with nutrition expert and dietician, Diego de Castro Salau. Think brown rice veg risotto with seitan, coconut milk and curry, or cream of vegetable soup with yuca and cardamom mousse. Riemer became a vegetarian six years ago and has felt only positive effects, both physically and mentally—so much so, that she wants to share her discovery with the world. “I noticed many changes over time in my body— weight, skin, general health—and also spiritually,” Riemer explained. Canadian doctor, Jeremy Unwin, also gives talks on health and beauty here, which is as good an excuse as any to treat yourself. Riemer and her business partners are looking forward to opening more vegetarian restaurants in the city in the future. Watch this space.

MUST SEE

ON BOARD

BRAIN FOOD

MENSSANA. SARDENYA 48. WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/MENSSANABARCELONA Mens sana in corpore sano is the motto here, meaning that a healthy mind goes hand in hand with a healthy body. This new cafe opposite Pompeu Fabra’s Ciutadella campus is a light, warm and unimposing space, ideal for a quick chat or an afternoon of work (there are ample spots for plugging in your laptop). There’s something for everyone on the affordable menu—vegetarian and vegan, as well as carnivores—all made with fresh, nutritious ingredients and served in a laidback environment, where students and locals alike can socialise whilst feeding their creativity. The ambience is enhanced by abundant greenery and timber furnishings, handcrafted from recycled pallets by the owners, German-Ukrainian couple Vasili Wettstein and Angela Fiedler. Menssana also hosts temporary exhibitions from local photographers, starting with Núria Casal’s photographs of Poblenou.

ELMIJOSK8. RICART 15. WWW.ELMIJOSK8.COM If you’re a skateboarder and looking for some fresh board designs, head to this brand new studio in Poble Sec. The team have been designing skateboards for over 10 years and more recently, Lenin, the head designer, has completed a serigraphy course resulting in new designs with a unique, raw quality. “A few years ago I started working in a serigraphy workshop that my friend owns. He gave me the opportunity to use the workshop for my own stuff as well, and so I began cutting out boards in different shapes and designs,” explained Lenin. This freedom in the workshop enabled him to build a widerange collection of boards from scratch—contemporary boards with personalised extras, including finger holes— as well as funky furniture made from broken boards. “El Mijo was originally my nickname from my time in Ecuador,” he said. “Everyone had always called me that, and it seemed natural for it to evolve into the name of the brand, El Mijosk8.”

THINGS TO DO IN JUNE

MIDSUMMER MADNESS If you can’t beat them, join them. This Sant Joan, don’t fantasise about a peaceful weekend in the countryside. Pack your coolbox with beers, fill your pockets with fire crackers, grab a blanket and head down to the beach to celebrate with half of Barcelona.

FLY HIGH Ever sat and admired the kitesurfers gliding across the sea? Well, why not try your hand? There are several schools in Barcelona and they all offer private classes for all levels. Try www.kitesurfbarcelona.com or www.mojokite.com.

HIT THE ROOF Many of Barcelona’s loveliest terraces can’t be seen from street level as they’re high up in the city’s most glam hotels. Luckily, they are mostly open to locals and a great place to escape the city, G & T in hand, without going anywhere at all.

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A MED-MEX MEDLEY

OCAÑA D.F. RESTAURANT. PLAÇA REIAL. WWW.OCANA.CAT Set within the hugely popular Ocaña in Plaça Reial, this colourful restaurant offers typical Mexican and Peruvian food with a European twist. The menu is fresh and experimental as the chef, Martin Schanninger, is all about creating a new food experience. There are a number of mouthwatering dishes, such as the seabream ceviche with crispy squid, which is prepared using regional seafood, the more daring, but equally delicious, braised pork cheeks with Mexican chocolate sauce, and salpicon and chorizo tamales. If you’re after a drink, there are plenty of creative cocktails, which can be found at the Mezcal and Tequila bar. Ocaña D.F.’s stunning interior is thanks to two impressive artists—Humberto Spindola, who works with Mexican folk art known as ‘papel picado’, and French graffiti guru Gerard Zlotykamien. The venue’s bold, vibrant colours pay homage to the work of Mexican architect, Luis Barragán. With inspiring design, sensational food and excellent service, this new addition to the city’s food scene is the place to head this June.

SHAKE IT Long, balmy days call for long, balmy drinks. So, learn to stir and shake like the best of them at a cocktail-making class. BCN Kitchen offers a two-hour ‘Cocktails and Music’ class. See www.bcnkitchen.com.

TAKE A HIKE Every year a group of hardy folk make the 62km journey on foot from Gràcia to Montserrat. The trek takes about 19 hours, much of which takes place at night. It starts on June 20th and you can join them! Sign up at www.uecgracia.cat/gracia-montserrat/ index.htm

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IN THE CITY

streetlife

3 PUNTS GALERÍA.

Enric Granados 21. 3punts.com At its current location since November 2012, 3 Punts Galería works to promote all forms of contemporary art, focusing on new artists and contrasting their work with more established creators. Every year, seven or eight solo shows take place at the gallery, each broaching new artistic languages. Until June 27th, the gallery will be showing the work of Rafael Canogar. Painter, sculptor and engraver, Canogar categorises his art as ‘Abstract Informalism’. His most recent pictorial expressions abandon figures in favour of colour.

ENRIC GRANADOS AN UPTOWN PEDESTRIAN HAVEN IN THE EIXAMPLE.

RECOLETA.

Enric Granados 1. This corner bistro has it all. Sunshine, sandwiches and sweets. Try one of their delicious artisan sandwiches, made with soft bread and healthy, fresh ingredients that won’t weigh you down in this balmy beach weather, paired with crispy, spiced potato wedges. Then, if you’re not too worried about your waistline, treat yourself to cakes and muffins for dessert. Hannah, 23, from Vermont, initially went to lunch with her friends at Recoleta because they wanted to bask on the sunny terrace. “But we really enjoyed our sandwiches, too,” she said, “so I think we’ll be back.”

PEDESTRIAN PARADISE.

Paved area between Consell de Cent and Diputació. As the sun starts to set, the bottom of Enric Granados—a fully pedestrianised section of the street—becomes a haven for local dogs, beginners on wheels (skateboards, tricycles, rollerblades, etc.) and peoplewatchers alike. Mirko, owner of the bar Pub Fiction, and his 10-month-old Chow, Tao, live in the neighbourhood and walk down Enric Granados every day. “Besides the convenience of the location, we come here because there are so many dogs that Tao can make friends with,” he said. “Without cars around, I can let him off his leash to run and play freely.” This spot between the trees proves to be the perfect pedestrian refuge in the heart of the Eixample.

METROPOLITAN PEOPLE

DELACREM.

Enric Granados 15. www.delacrem.cat Locals and tourists alike become addicted to this little ice cream shop after their first taste. Exquisite Italian pastries line the front window, and polished silver lids are lifted to reveal canisters of heavenly gelato kept chilled beneath the white, marble counter. After receiving your two flavours of choice—pistacho, almendra con amaretto and fresas del maresme being among the most popular—nestle in to the terrace seating, located on the 100 percent pedestrian part of the street. Visitors Margherita and her boyfriend went to DelaCrem twice in 48 hours. “We have high expectations for gelato since we’re Italian,” said Margherita, 26, “and we think this place is good. It’s real, not too creamy.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FESTIVAL IN BARCELONA?

BELEN

JOEL

PABLO

25, SHOP ASSISTANT

22, STUDENT

Brunch Electronik because it’s in a nice location, with fun people and good music, all at an affordable price.

Primavera Sound. There are lots of different music styles and lots of different types of people.

27, COPYWRITER

Barcelona Surf Film Festival—I am a surfer so I like watching films about surfing.

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N2 GALERÍA.

Enric Granados 61. www.n2galeria.com This well-established gallery shows national, as well as international, artists working with all creative forms, from painting and collage to installation and video. For years, they have been participating in international art fairs, commissioning new works and supporting their artists as they expand their audience worldwide. The current exhibition is Deep Surfaces by Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, recognised around the world as one of the most consistent and influential urban artists of our time. In this, his third individual exhibition in Barcelona, Rodriguez-Gerada presents ‘hyperreal’ portraits and fragment pieces, some created on the surface of a 150-year-old chunk of wall.

HOTEL AMERICA.

Corner of Enric Granados and Provença. www.hotelamericabarcelona.com For a terrace with a bird’s eye view, head to the roof of Hotel America. From the blonde wooden planks of the Setè Cel terrace, peacefully perched on the seventh floor of the hotel, you can see down the tree-lined street, and all the way to the sea; then slide your gaze right and skyward for a clear view of the stone walls of Montjuïc Castle. The rooftop terrace is open to the public every day until at least 11pm. Although it’s not huge, the couches are comfy and the water in the swimming pool is an enticing translucent blue. So whether you want to sip traditional vermouth, shaded from the afternoon sun by a large parasol in the middle of the deck or relax under the stars with a cocktail in hand, this is a great spot for the long summer days ahead.

¡CU-CUT!

Enric Granados 68. www.cu-cut.cat This tavern derives its name from an illustrated satirical magazine, published in Barcelona between 1902 and 1912. But there’s nothing to ridicule on Cu-Cut’s menu, which is packed with tapas, meats, wines and cocktails. The front of the restaurant is open—the pavement simply extending into the entranceway—so patrons feel as if they’re eating and drinking outside, even though the terrace is within the walls of the building. Yaelle, an Italian employee, reasoned that customers are initially drawn in by the chic decor and scrumptious gastronomic dishes, such as the the tuna and avocado tartare or the sea bass and prawn ceviche. “But they come back because of the good customer service,” she said. “We have a great team of people here who are always happy, and take time to chat and joke with customers.”

LEYLA

37, FOUNDER OF layelfishvintage.com

Sónar because you can choose between a day or a night ticket, depending on what you like. The music is great and the location is cool.

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IN THE CITY

A place of MY OWN

BLANCHE CARRERAS’ PARENTS RENOVATED THIS HOUSE IN VALLVIDRERA. NOW BLANCHE SHARES IT WITH FIVE FRIENDS. TEXT BY RACHEL HUFFMAN.

lanche Carreras has a Catalan father and an English mother. Born in England, Blanche only spent seven years there before her parents moved the family to Barcelona. However, after years of living here, her parent’s decision to move back to England and vacate their house in Vallvidrera coincided perfectly with Blanche’s graduation from Edinburgh Napier University. Her love of Catalunya and the need for a solid next step in life, along with her parents’ encouragement, convinced her to take over the house. She invited her boyfriend, Aniol, and four friends to live with her. The six of them maintain a happy household in the hills above the city, with everyone helping out to keep the house running smoothly. “It was a bit risky having everyone move in together,” Blanche admitted. “We’ve been friends for so long and spent plenty of hours

together, but it’s always different living together under the same roof.” Luckily, everything worked out and their friendships are still thriving. Blanche met two of her housemates, Juan and Berta, in primary school. Then the three of them met another housemate, Lluís, in secondary school. The final member of the crew is Irene, Juan’s girlfriend. When Blanche’s family bought the house, it was abandoned, and they dedicated over a year to renovations. They demolished walls in the downstairs area to create a wide, open space, connecting the kitchen, dining room, living room and TV room. There are a plethora of instruments scattered about this area. A piano, a number of guitars of different styles and shapes, and a recorder. “We’re all pretty musical,” Blanche said. “Most of our friends who come over to hang out play an instrument of some sort.” Many of their nights end with a jam session. According to Blanche, her parents wanted the house to be a social space. “They love their parties,” she chuckled. That same vibe—that anyone can drop in for a good time—remains. “I would feel bad not having people over because the space is so nice,” said Aniol. “I want to share it with my friends.” The decor throughout the house has pretty much stayed the same since Blanche’s parents left. Aniol sees no reason to make a lot of changes. “I think they have good taste,” he said. “I’m happy with the design of the house.” Blanche agrees, but as she looked around their room, previously her parents’ room, she acknowledged that it’s not really her style. “If it was just us, we wouldn’t have the same decorations.” For example, the

bulky, chestnut wardrobe in the corner and the sparkling chandelier in the middle of the ceiling would be ditched. But when she moved back into the house without her parents or sister, they all made a deal that whenever a family member comes to Barcelona they get their old room for the length of their visit, so she has left the room as it was. It’s really not what’s on the inside that makes the house special, anyway. It’s the multiple terraces and balconies, the rooftop and the surrounding greenery, the shady spots outside, ideal for napping in a hammock, and the

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sunny spots where you can soak up some rays. All four rooms in the upstairs have direct access to a balcony or terrace. From Blanche and Aniol’s balcony—where they frequently have their breakfast—you can see out over the city and all the way to the sea. The views from the roof are even more spectacular, to Tibidabo, just 2.8 kilometres away, and the Torre de Collserola beside it. The outdoor space extends further to include a terrace off the living room, where they host an annual calçotada and barbecues throughout the summer. Blooming trees border the terrace, and there are two hammocks strung under lush branches. They want to make a large, communal hammock to make the space even more welcoming, and Aniol wants to build a wood-fired oven to make pizzas outside. “We have lots of projects in the works,” he said. There’s always more space to be filled with something someone in the house has created. Not to mention all the tasks that need to be done to keep the house clean and functioning. “I didn’t realise how hard the house is to keep up when I lived here with my parents,” Blanche said. Some things go unattended or get left for a month or two to collect dust, but for the most part, the housemates are managing.

“EVERYONE GOT SUPER EXCITED, TAKING PICTURES AND SHOWING THE EGG OFF.” Off the main terrace, there is a fenced-in area that houses two chickens and a vegetable garden. Aniol explained that the house lets them “try out some stuff and learn how to be more self-sufficient”. Lettuce, chard, spinach, peppers, onions and tomatoes all grow in the vegetable garden, and each chicken lays one egg a day. The first night a chicken laid an egg there was a little party going on. “Everyone got super excited, taking pictures and showing the egg off,” Blanche laughed. “All I could think was, ‘We are such city people.’” It’s true that it takes time, patience and a bit of a green thumb to pursue an eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s an admirable aim, though, and all the housemates work daily at it. Whether they’re thinking of new ways to conserve water for their vegetable garden, or doing things in the community like promoting cycling or campaigning to get a night bus that runs through the neighbourhood so people don’t waste fuel driving into the city centre. This house and these friends are quite a unique, spirited, fun-loving bunch.

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GET STARTED

INNOVATIVE, YOUNG STARTUPS ARE AT THE HEART OF BARCELONA'S FAST-GROWING TECH INDUSTRY. TEXT BY KIRSTEN SYLVAIN BCN ince 2008, when the financial Thirty-eight of these accelerators opened in at nearly 51 percent, a number lower than in BCN

- 18.9% unemployment crisis first gripped the country, -18.9% unemployment - Entrepreneurial 6.7% economy has suffered therate Spanish -BCN entrepreneurial ratein6.7% - 7,067 new businesses stunted 2013 growth and rising -7,067 businesses inmotivated 2013 by - 65%new of entrepreneurs unemployment, reaching its peak in - 65% of entrepreneurs motivated by business opportunity, 30%4.98 had million 2012 with people out business opportunity, 30% had alternative in 2014 of no work. Finally, it seems the tide is beginning no alternative in 2014 Highest business creation rateMinisterio in Spain de Empleo y to turn. According to the -Seguridad Highest business creation rate in January–May 2014 Social, unemploymentSpain figures have been January–May 2014 declining since May 2013 and in April of this

year, the total number of unemployed stood at 4.3 million. Economic growth is predicted to EU reach 2.8 percent in 2015, which could make - In Europe, 260 accelerators in 2013 EU Spain one of the fastest-growing economies in 400% 260 sinceaccelerators 2007 - Inup Europe, in 2013 the Eurozone. -upEntrepreneurial rate 2007 8% 400 percent since Despite positive changes, the economy still -has Entrepreneurial rate 8% a way to go before it makes a full recovery, but Spain’s financial crisis hasn’t been totally without opportunities. In fact, some believe it’s played a major role in starting a revolution––a startup revolution. Professor Javier Santiso from the Barcelona ESADE Business School wrote in a letter to El País in 2013 that there has been an explosion of unprecedented entrepreneurship across the country––a sign of vitality during economic downturns. It’s a trend reflected by the number of startup accelerators and incubators that have popped up in recent years. These organisations provide training and resources to startups, like business model and product development, and access to advisors and big corporations—sometimes for a financial return.

Spain between 2008 and 2013. In Barcelona, the rate of entrepreneurial activity (the number of people per 100 who set up their own business) is 6.7 percent, which is considerably higher than those of Spain, Germany and France. In just five months at the beginning of 2014, more than 3,400 trading companies were launched in Barcelona, giving the city the highest business creation rate in the country during that period. “There’s so much momentum and potential here,” said Scott Mackin, founder of the Barcelona tech and start-up outlet, Barcinno. Mackin has been writing about Barcelona startups since 2011 and has firsthand experience starting a business in Barcelona, so he’s familiar with the city’s changing startup ecosystem. He agreed that the crisis has helped fuel the fire for Barcelona’s entrepreneurs. “The crisis made the decision to set up a company easier,” he said. “If you don’t have an alternative, it’s not so risky.” As Mackin explained it, many feel that they have few choices––they can leave Spain or create their own opportunities, and with nothing but time to lose, many of them opt for the latter. The 2014 State of the Economy Report of Barcelona also found that while 65 percent of entrepreneurs in the city were motivated by business opportunity, 30 percent became business owners from lack of alternative. Spain also has what’s been called ‘the lost generation’ of long-term unemployed youths under 25. Currently, that rate still stands

previous years. As Albert Mikkelsen put it, “kids without jobs make their own jobs,” and that’s exactly what he did. He founded WEJ in September 2014, a mobile app that allows users to collaboratively create playlists in real-time by voting through their phones. At 24, Mikkelsen is the senior member of WEJ’s five-person team. “It’s the weirdest team ever,” he laughed. The project’s co-founder is 18-year-old entrepreneur, blogger and developer Pau Argelaguet, and the rest of the team isn't any older, but what the group lacks in years, it makes up for in skill and motivation. “We’re all entrepreneurial spirits who believe we can create something really cool that will eventually pop and explode,” Mikkelsen said. For now, the app is still a beta version, a complete app that may still have a few kinks to work out, but Mikkelsen and his team are hoping to further develop their project with the help of a startup incubator. They’re now in the process of applying for programmes. On top of this, WEJ isn’t Mikkelsen’s only project––along with another new tech startup, he also freelances on the side. “In startups, you have to be very agile,” he explained––ready to bounce from one idea to another, or to adapt, if things aren’t panning out. He’s part of a new group of workers with a business education who are increasingly drawn towards the burgeoning startup economy.

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“Before people wanted to do consulting and banking, but now tech and startups are competing sectors,” he said. “Now Goldman & Sachs is competing with Uber.” In recent years, the local government has been trying to propel the tech industry, funding efforts to brand the city as an international hub of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, offering training and funding to new businesses through programmes like Barcelona Activa, Start-up Catalonia and mStartup. In 2014, those efforts helped Barcelona win first prize and €5 million in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s top innovative cities competition for 2014. The Ajuntament also reported that new startups in 2014 were far more innovative than in previous years of the crisis, incorporating more new technology and product innovation. Psious is one of those cutting-edge tech projects. Launched just last year, this innovative startup, founded by Daniel Roig and Xavier Palomer, uses augmented and virtual reality technology to treat anxiety, mainly phobias, through gradual exposure. The treatment method itself isn’t a new one. In fact, professionals have used virtual reality for 20 years to treat anxiety, and it has proven to be quite effective––certainly more effective than older methods that relied on the patient’s imagination and two-dimensional images. What’s innovative about Psious isn’t the method, it’s the delivery. Until Psious pioneered a way to deliver virtual reality through a mobile app, the equipment options available to professionals were too large and expensive to be accessible to the majority of patients. “We made our prototype two years ago with a 3D printer,” said Roig. They used the 3D printer to make a unique set of virtual reality goggles in which a smartphone is inserted to give wearers their virtual experience. “It was so new at the time that we had to print our own goggles,” he explained. “But now big companies like Samsung

are making their own.” They’ve only been delivering products for eight months, but so far they have more than 90 users. “It’s actually quite easy to end a phobia. In ten sessions you can overcome it,” said Roig. But of course it’s easier when you have access to the right tools. “It’s been used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in U.S. soldiers, but there are only two machines in the United States, and they’re very expensive,” he said. With Psious’s product, therapists only need a smart-phone, the goggles (which can now be purchased quite affordably) and an internet connection to connect to the mobile app. Then the app and website communicate, allowing therapists to control the patient's experience. For example, for a patient who struggles with a fear of flying, Roig explained, a therapist controls the level of turbulence, the weather, the captain's announcements, where the patient looks and even how the patient virtually responds (hyperventilation, dizziness, etc.), and it all gets recorded electronically into a patient file. AUGmENTED REAlITY: A live view of your real-world environment with elements that have been altered by a computer.

VIRTUAL REALITY: Much like a three-dimensional video game. With special equipment, users are immersed in an interactive, artificial reality.

WHERE TO GO FOR BUSINESS HELP IN BARCELONA: ACCELERATORS & INCUBATORS: BARCELONA ACTIVA - Set up by the Ajuntament in 1986, Barcelona Activa provides a variety of services to entrepreneurs and business, like training and promotion. www.barcelonactiva.cat MSTARTUP - A new project from the Ajuntament and Barcelona Activa for supporting the mobile tech industry in the city, mStartup connects accelerators and entrepreneurs, has an open work space and hosts talks and networking events. w28.bcn.cat/mstartupbarcelona CATALUNYA EMPREN - This programme from the Generalitat provides consultations, a meeting place, a list of local resources and other services. catempren.gencat.cat STARTUPBOOTCAMP - Voted the best European accelerator in 2014 at the Europas tech startup awards, Startupbootcamp has branches across Europe, and this year opened a data and IoT programme in Barcelona. www.startupbootcamp.org SEEDROCKET - Mainly for tech startups, Seedrocket has a full program that includes access to investors, workspace and training. www.seedrocket.com

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Using biofeedback sensors, a doctor can then see what provokes a patient's fear and how they progress through the data. From the very start, the business concept was enthusiastically received by mental health professionals. Not long after launching, the whole Psious team spent five months in Baltimore, Maryland, working with Johns Hopkins University, one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the Unites States. The university liked their idea so much, they decided to invest in it. Later, Stanford University, Hospital Clínic and Hospital del Mar also invested. They're also entering their second accelerator programme, River, the first ever virtual reality business accelerator based in California. Despite the early success, Roig pointed out that Spain still isn't the best place to start a business, but he added that Barcelona has many programmes that help budding businesses get their feet off the ground. Mackin, a Bostonnative who has had experience starting businesses in Spain and the United States, agreed that potential business owners still face too many unnecessary obstacles in starting out, such as the autónomo fees and exit taxes and barriers to foreign investors. “In the United States, I literally started a business in 30 minutes online,” he said, but starting a business in Barcelona took 60 days and a lot of paperwork. The city in many ways is an attractive place for potential business owners, with its great weather, low cost of living and droves of skilled, unemployed workers. “Spain is improving, but it has a way to go,” he said. For him, there's no doubt that Spain could be among the top five startup cities in Europe, but the problem is time––startups inherently move quickly, but the government, for the most part, moves slowly. Despite the slow pace, the current efforts are making it easier all the time to open a business in Barcelona. “Slowly but surely the government is creating avenues to start businesses,” he said. Angel Garcia, managing director of the Barcelona branch of StartUp Bootcamp, the largest accelerator programme in Europe, agreed that there's still far too much red tape for new business owners in Barcelona. “In London, you can create a business entity in 24 hours with £250. That's not something you can do in Spain,” he said. “We have a lot more difficulty with the legal stuff––the paperwork.” The process should be cheaper and easier than it currently is, he added, but the entrepreneurial community has to push for positive changes while continuing to work with what it has got. “This might be a limitation, but if you want to start a business, it's going to be one of the smaller problems you'll have,” he said. Over the past few years he's noticed a good deal of improvement in the Barcelona startup ecosystem––the entrepreneurs, schools, businesses, policies, services and investors— but the city’s entrepreneurs could still use more investment and a more global, scalable approach.

5 BARCELONA STARTUPS TO WATCH IN 2015 1. WALLAPOP: This mobile app is a virtual flea market that connects you with people in your neighborhood and the stuff they’re selling. In just two years, the app has gathered over five million users in France, Spain and the US. Founders: Agustín Gómez, Gerard Olive and Miguel Vicente Founded: 2013 www.wallapop.com 2. TYPEFORM: This cloud-based startup is trying to start an online revolution, changing the way we ask for and give information online, and they’re looking to go global. Typeform allows users to build and share beautiful online forms, and as of October 2014, TechCrunch reported that 160,000 typeforms had already been created. Founders: Robert Muñoz and David Okuniev Founded: 2012 www.typeform.com 3. OMNIDRONE: A video game developer focusing on mobile phones and tablets, Omnidrone has already received two million euros in investments. Founders: Gerard Fernandez, Elias Lozano and Iván Sanchez Founded: 2013 4. KOMPYTE: This startup allows businesses to track their competitors in real-time, allowing for fast analysis of their online strategy that is always up to date. Founders: Sergio Ramirez, Pere Codina, Albert Colmenero Founded: 2014 www.kompyte.com

Though, for Garcia, neither of these are unattainable. In fact, the city already has both, he explained, but it needs more to grow into the mobile, smart city hub so many want it to be. With more and more technological developments all the time, borders are disappearing, and people are realising that they can work from just about anywhere. With so many young, tech-savvy millennials out of work and the relatively low price of tech devices, Garcia explained, many of the unemployed have turned to technology for work. “When I was young, if you didn’t have a job, you stayed home or hung out on the streets. Now you can create a business with just a laptop,” and with the click of a mouse, turn your idea into reality, joining the city’s growing ranks of entrepreneurs.

5. FORCEMANAGER: This mobile app allows companies to measure, analyse and improve sales productivity. After a little more than a year, this startup has already received 3.6 million euros in investments. Founders: Xavier Bisbal and Oscar Macia Founded: 2014 www.forcemanager.net WHAT IS IT? Augmented reality: A live view of your real-world environment with elements that have been altered by a computer. Virtual reality: Much like a threedimensional video game. With special equipment, users are immersed in an interactive, artificial reality.

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Startupbootcamp's first ever graduating class of startups at their final presentation day. Out of 250 applicants from across the world, 10 were chosen from seven different countries to participate in the accelerator's first session.

SIXTH TIME’S A CHARM. INTERVIEW WITH BUSINESS OWNER GREGORY ADAM.

rom the looks of the Sharemyclick Advertising office, you'd never know that France native Gregory Adam is the boss. His small desk is mixed in among desks of the company's 15 employees, and that's exactly how he wants it. He and co-founder Jeremy Skelland started Sharemyclick, an online marketing agency, in 2013. For Adam, who always wanted to have his own business, the marketing agency was his sixth attempt at setting up a new venture, and it seems that for him the sixth time was the charm. At first Skelland and Adam worked on the seed of their idea together over meals, until Skelland proposed making it into an official business. “I told my bosses that I was really sick and worked on it for two weeks,” said Adam. “I couldn’t let it go.” Adam can attest that starting a business means long hours and a lot of hard work, but it can start to pay off. “Our biggest achievement was when we managed to get paid for the first time,” he laughed. After setting up their office in June 2014, the space is now full with busy workers––and the staff is an impressively diverse group. They’re from all over the globe, from Catalunya and France to Peru and Serbia. The company’s quickly growing staff is proof of its success. Though it’s

an asset to the business, it has also been difficult to get everyone on the same page. “It was our first obstacle, getting everyone working on the same project,” he said, but Adam and Skelland’s unique management approach has helped make the team-building process a bit smoother for everyone. Walking into the agency’s breakroom, you can spot two unexpected features––a wii system and an acoustic guitar––two things that Adam says help people relax at work. Adam runs his business, but he doesn’t want his staff to notice. It’s a popular, new management style that

gives the impression that nobody’s the boss. “We try to give people autonomy, otherwise people will leave and go to other companies,” he said. So far, this method has been working, and Adam himself is quite please with his new company and lifestyle. For him, it’s not about making millions or about keeping the business open at all costs. “It’s not about the finality. It’s about the adventure,” he said. For him, it’s enough to be content with what he’s doing. “I never wake up and say ‘I don’t want to go to work today’, and that’s a luxury.”

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RAISE THE ROOF

Look up—there’s a revoLution happening on the city’s rooftops. BY CAROL MORAN.

roof space: 67% (1,700 hectares) of the rooftops of Barcelona are terraces. La casa por el tejado hopes to reintroduce a little bit of green and biodiversity into the city.

hen it comes to property development in Barcelona, the only way, quite literally, is up. Due to the city’s geographical location—squeezed between the Mediterranean and the Collserola mountainside, and constrained to the north and south by two rivers—it can’t spread outwards in the usual way. When the Eixample was constructed in the mid-19th century, there was a surplus of available land, so many buildings dating from that period were lower-rise than their 20th-century counterparts. It was also more costly to construct upper storeys. As a result, many buildings in the Eixample do not maximise their potential volume and floor area as specified in the Normativa Urbanistica Metropolitana, the city’s urban design guide. This guide covers the whole city in detail and sets out planning restrictions and guidelines for development (e.g. how many floors can be built and where). In the last couple of years, an architectural studio in Barcelona has picked up on this and transformed it into a viable property development opportunity—to construct brand new penthouse apartments on top of existing buildings. Joan Artés, architect and founder of La Casa por el Tejado (LCT), explained how it all came about: “The idea emerged from the need to find work,” said Artés. When the crisis hit, Artés’ practice, Tesgat Architects, looked overseas for work. However, what they really wanted was to

find something closer to home. As part of his doctoral thesis, Artés undertook an ambitious study of how to extend the city and create more residential units that take advantage of the existing infrastructure, rather than relocating to a satellite commuter town. “It’s more sustainable to continue building a city that isn’t ‘finished’ than building on greenfield sites and replicating services 20 kilometres away.” Thus, Artés’ studies led him to undertake a massive field investigation over the course of four years. Taking the Eixample as the area of investigation, he determined which buildings had potential for extension according to the planning guidelines and compiled a detailed study of each case, summarising the ownership situation, potential extendable area, technical constraints, etc.. The same study was then replicated for similar neighbourhoods in Madrid, San Sebastian and Pamplona. “In total, we have identified over 2,800 buildings,” he concluded. “That’s around 800,000 square metres of buildable area in some of the cities’ best neighbourhoods, and the most desirable location within each building.” WILL IT STAND UP?

The proposed additional floors are constructed almost entirely off-site using steel, timber or a combination of both. This industrialised design technique offers precision, a lightweight structure, and above all, quick construction. “While the residential modules are being fabricated off-site, the team are simultaneously carrying out preparation work on the roof terrace and building renovations, so when the modules ar-

rive, they are lifted into place and the project is completed very quickly,” explained Artés. “That’s the spectacle—the crane lifting the building into place. But there is a lot of preparation work behind it, and that is the interesting part.” However, despite its lightweight properties, adding an extra couple of floors to a building naturally raises structural questions: will it be able to support this additional weight? LCT try to remove the same weight from the existing structure as they intend to add. The roofs of 19th-century Eixample buildings tend to carry various additional structures, such as storerooms and laundry outhouses, and the roof construction itself, known as the cubierta catalana, is a weighty brick construction. Before adding additional storeys to a building, LCT remove approximately 1000kg/ m2, and add just 300kg/m2. It is, of course, in nobody’s interest that these calculations are incorrect, so before the final agreement is made between the owners and developer, tests are carried out in order to confirm structural capacity. Often there is no need for reinforcement, but each situation is different and must be tested. “You can either do it or you can’t,” affirmed Artés. “And if it’s not feasible, we move onto the next one.” WILL IT FIT IN?

But it’s not all about structure. Aesthetic considerations are also fundamental, although adding additional storeys is not a new idea. Glance upwards anywhere around the city and you’ll see a myriad of late additions. This was particularly encouraged by Josep Maria de Porcioles, mayor

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of Barcelona in the Sixties, to deal with rapid population growth. Development got out of hand in places, resulting in some monstrous additions that actually overhang the elegant buildings below. Such extensions came to be known as the ‘sombreros de Porcioles’ (Porcioles’ hats). This time round, thankfully, LCT approaches design with more caution and the intention to safeguard the architectural integrity of this wonderful 19th-century barri. “You have to look for a good dialogue between 19th-century and 21stcentury architecture. Adding to the Eixample is tricky,” said Artés. Understandably, the idea raised some eyebrows at the planning department to start with, but LCT has now established a good working relationship with the Ajuntament, working closely to ensure that everything complies with planning laws. “No two buildings are the same,” said Artés, referring to both the physical characteristics and the social dynamics. “The objective is to optimise the area, rather than maximise it. We strive to create a quality space, architecturally speaking.” The icing on the cake is the provision of a communal green roof area on top of the final storey, so all residents get to enjoy some outdoor space—a rarity in Barcelona. Considering the general lack of private outdoor space, rooftops across the city are surprisingly underutilised. In this climate, one might expect swimming pools and rooftop gardens. Instead, there is a rather underwhelming collection of mismatched terraces, many of them neglected. There was a time (before air conditioning and lifts) when the attic was the least desirable spot to occupy, and it was often where the porter’s accommodation was situated. Today, however, the upper floors are prime real estate. “Fifty years ago, people used to celebrate fiestas on the rooftops. Now it’s difficult to even get to know your neighbours. Recapturing this space, even if it is just to hang out the clothes or sunbathe, provides a social space for residents to share and possibly get to know each other.” From a planner’s perspective, Antoni Vives, Deputy Head of Urban Planning for the city, is very positive about the idea. “The rooftops of Barcelona are, effectively, a ‘hidden facade’, and the transformation of this into useable space, particularly if it is green, makes the city more liveable for its inhabitants.”

we must find the right balance between building improvements and monetary compensation.” WHAT WILL THE NEIGHBOURS SAY?

Understandably, the typical initial reaction from apartment and building owners is one of scepticism. Imagine a building with no lift, a dilapidated facade and a bunch of neighbours who can’t agree on carrying out essential maintenance. Along comes a company that offers to fix it all up at their own expense, and give each owner a financial payout too—there must be a con. And how can a neighbour really judge whether they are receiving a fair share of the pie? For one owner who has been approached by LCT, Josep, this is the real issue. “Putting a value on the right to build is very difficult. Of course we cannot expect to receive a cut of the final value once the addition has been built, but I would like the numbers to be more transparent.” Buildings over 45 years old are inspected by the Ajuntament every few years—known as the ITE (Inspección Técnica de Edificios)—the findings of which must be addressed by the building owners. Josep’s building is in need of some serious repairs, so LCT’s offer has come at a particularly good time. “I’m not expecting much in terms of monetary compensation, but I do expect high quality work to be carried out on the building.” Due to economies of scale it is likely that the cost of renovations will be lower for LCT than it would be if the building community commissioned it themselves, but to Josep, it is the quality that really matters: “We don’t want to have to carry out further renovation works in the coming years.” This is a typical situation that the company targets—buildings in desperate need of repair with square metres to spare—and for building owners it can be a very attractive offer, both economically and in terms of living conditions.

the new penthouses are being snapped up upon completion, albeit for a high price (€700,000 for 106m2 on Enric Granados, for example), whilst some have been retained by LCT and rented via their real estate branch, Casaático. At €1200 per month and up, one wonders about LCT’s claim that the units are being sold and rented at market price. But then again, the product they are providing—a brand new apartment set in a renovated 19th-century building in the heart of Barcelona—is quite unique and not directly comparable with some of the existing housing stock. For 2015, LCT aims to see 40 projects underway (by April they already had 21 moving) and hope to complete 20 (an approximate area of 10,000m2), so keep an eye out for the giant crane hoisting the hot property into position. As Spain starts to emerge from the crisis, it is refreshing to see some development awakening the stagnant construction industry and even more so to find innovative and sustainable ideas for improving existing buildings. The company name is a play on the Spanish phrase ‘empezar la casa por el tejado’, which roughly translates as ‘put the cart before the horse’—an analogy for doing things the wrong way round. But perhaps ‘get your house in order’ would be a more appropriate idiom.

UP, UP AND AWAY

So far, LCT have completed five projects and

HOW DOES IT WORK ECONOMICALLY?

In exchange for the right to build additional storeys (el derecho de vuelo), LCT carry out renovation works on the building, such as renovating the facade, windows, entrance hall, etc., as well as installing a lift. A monetary offer is also made to homeowners in some cases, and maintenance of said works will continue for 10 years. “It has to be a win-win situation,” explained Artés. The quick turnaround time makes it economically viable for LCT as investors and raises the profit margin. “We know that we have a fixed cost for the materials and construction. Then

the spectacle of lifting the structure onto the building attracts a lot of attention, but there is a lot of thought and preparation behind it.

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WHAT’S ON

MUSIC 2nd. Acollective Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 4th. Oques Grasses BARTS. Parallel 62. 5th. Calum BARTS. Parallel 62. 6th. Amelie Sala Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 7th. Hunters Project L’Auditori. Lepant 150. 8th. Motorama Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 8th. Pet Shop Boys Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 10th. Cocoa Tea & Irie Souljah, backed by Step By Step Band Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547. 11th. Jay-Jay Johanson L’Auditori. Lepant 150. 12th. Stephen Marchionda Biblioteca de Catalunya. Hospital 56.

PARKLIFE

MÚSICA ALS PARCS. PUBLIC PARKS ACROSS THE CITY. JUNE 5TH-AUGUST 22ND. As the summer stretches out before us, jazz up those long evenings with a slice of al fresco musical magic. Música als Parcs, now in its 20th edition, brings a mixture of classical and jazz to parks across the city, from Turó Park to the Ciutadella, making live music accessible to all. Starting on June 5th, expect around 40 hour-long concerts over the course of the next three months. For more information, download the full programme from bcn.cat/mediambient or follow updates on Twitter @MusicaParcs.

SOUNDS OF

SUMMER

Turn to page 29 and get in the festive mood with our summer music festivals special.

13th. How to Build a Time Machine Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113. 14th. Maroon 5 Palau Sant Jordi. Pg. Olímpic 5-7. 16th. Manuel González Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6. 18th. 19th. 20th. Sónar Festival Fira Montjuïc & Fira Gran Via. 18th. Jessie J Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 19th. Coetus Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547. 20th-21st. Spandau Ballet Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686. 20th. Yenni Jovellar Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547. 21st. Oscar Alabau. La Pedrera. Provença 261-265. 29th. The Mavericks Sala Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88. 30th. Melody Gardot Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. Diagonal 686.

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HERE COMES THE SUN

BARCELONA BEATLES WEEKEND. LES CORTS. JUNE 26TH-28TH. This musical extravaganza celebrates 50 years since the Liverpudlian quartet first performed in Barcelona. The anniversary weekend will feature a string of Sixties-style performances, taking place at various locations in Les Corts. The line-up includes The Flaming Shakers, Ed Tulipa, Glass Onion, Xaints and much more. As well as music, there will be an array of activities, such as children’s workshops, a Beatles puppet show, a homemade brew fair and various markets. This, and love, is all you need for June. www.barcelonabeatlesweekend.com

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

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HIGHLIGHT

CALIFORNIA KINGS

MAROON 5. PALAU SANT JORDI. PG. OLÍMPIC 5-7. JUNE 14TH. Twenty-one years after the eclectic pop rock band were first formed, Maroon 5 seem to be more popular than ever. After winning several Grammy Awards and selling more than 23 million albums and 109 million singles worldwide, they are once again on the road with a world tour to present their fifth studio album, V. The album sold over 165,000 copies in the first week of its release and has gone on to sell over one million copies in more than 26 countries. Not only will the concert be a performance of fresh sounds from the band, but also a blast from the past with a few classics from the hugely successful album Songs About Jane (2002) taking you back over a decade to hits such as ‘She Will Be Loved’ and ‘This Love’, or more recent collaborations with famous artists, such as ‘Moves Like Jagger’ with Christina Aguilera. The tickets for this tour have been selling like hotcakes, so grab one while you still can, and choose your spot wisely—recently one lucky girl in Toronto got chosen to get up on stage with lead singer, Adam Levine. Random fact: The band were originally known as Kara’s Flowers, named after a girl they had a crush on at school.

URBAN GIANTS

CALLE 13. POBLE ESPANYOL, AV FRANCESC FERRER I GUARDIA 13. JUNE 12TH. This month Barcelona will get a dose of Latin rap from the giants of the genre, Calle 13. The Puerto Rican duo will present songs from their latest album released in 2014, Multi-Viral. Producer and vocalist Eduardo Cabra (known as Vistante) and lead vocalist René Pérez Joglar (Residente) are step-brothers and bandmates. Every album features prominent vocals by their half-sister Ileana Cabra Joglar (PG-13). Chart-toppers for years, they have been awarded a recordbreaking 19 Latin Grammy awards. The brothers are well-known for their complex lyrics that often incorporate social critique and humour, but they’re equally famous for their hard to categorise, genre-blending sound––incorporating traditional Latin music, rock and now a little Irish pop. Recently, they’ve been critical of their over-indulgence during their early success. Not convinced? In the video of ‘Adentro’ from Multi-Viral, Residente goes as far as smashing up his Maserati with a baseball bat and pushing it off a cliff to make his point.

N.COM

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WHAT’S ON

ART OPENING FUNDACIO ANTONI TAPIES Tápies. Colecció d’artista. Works by the artist from between 1940 through to the Eighties along with personal letters and photographs. June 12th to January 10th, 2016. Aragó 255. FUNDACIO SUÑOL Act 32: Alberto Peral. Nudos. Peral’s work is characterised by the use of simple forms full of symbolic potential, working with video, photography, drawing and sculpture. June 12th to Sept 5th. Pg. de Gràcia, 98.

LAST CHANCE ARTS SANTA MONICA. Jessica Lange. Unseen. 134 travel photographs taken by the actress, who took up photography in the early Nineties. Until June 28th. La Rambla 7. CAIXA FORUM Moche Art from Ancient Peru: Gold, Myths and Rituals. Artifacts and anthropology with an impressive collection of ancient Peruvian pottery, textiles and ritual objects. Until June 7th. Three Narratives. Memory. A collection of several contemporary artists, this exhibition traverses trends in contemporary art from the past 40 years. Until June 21st. Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8. FUNDACIO JOAN MIRO Prophetia. 25 artists tell the story of the European Union and invite us to reflect on its history, evolution and present-day state. Parc de Montjuïc s/n. Until June 7th. LA VIRREINA CENTRE DE IMATGE Sophie Calle: Modus vivendi. A selfexploratory exhibition in which French conceptual artist Sophie Calle ponders her relationship with herself and with others. La Rambla 99. Until June 7th. MUSEU PICASSO Picasso and Dalí. Dalí and Picasso. Two of the great masters of modern art stand side by side at the Museu Picasso for the first time ever in this unique exhibition. Until June 28th. Montcada 15-23.

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FONT FRENZY

DIBUJAR LA PALABRA. MACBA. PLACA DELS ANGELS 1. JUNE 19TH. Calling all font fanatics. Get familiar with your typeface at MACBA’s typography workshop with Barcelona-based designer, graphic artist and sign painter Laura Meseguer. Participants will learn about what lettering is, what it achieves and how to hand draw it. The workshop aims to examine how language and fonts connect, and how lettering communicates and affects readability, space, consistency and rhythm. Attendees will apply their theoretical learning to drawings of the word ‘art’ with Mesenguer’s help. www.macba.cat.

HOME SWEET HOME

PISO PILOTO. CCCB. MONTALEGRE 5. OPENING JUNE 4TH. Despite being worlds apart in some respects, Medellín and Barcelona are a similar size and both are internationally renowned for their urban planning strategies. Piso Piloto is a collaborative project by the CCCB, the Museo de Antioquia in Medellín and the local governments of the two cities. The project culminates this month with exhibitions in Barcelona and across the ocean in Medellín. The goal of the joint initiative has been to prompt a debate about global housing issues, gather potential solutions and discuss how to implement them on a large scale. The events have involved students, industry professionals, artists and cooperatives, and the results of their efforts will be on display here. The exhibition is structured into three parts, presenting the global housing problem, potential ways to tackle it, and the challenges involved. It analyses achievements in the two cities in their treatment of public space and encourages debate around housing as a global issue.

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

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HIGHLIGHT

ALL THINGS DESIGN

BARCELONA DESIGN WEEK. JUNE 8TH-14TH This annual, international event focuses on design, innovation and business, and is aimed at both industry professionals and the general public alike. Organised by BCD (Barcelona Centre de Disseny), this year’s special 10th anniversary edition will be happening in and around the new Disseny Hub Barcelona in Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, and includes a special programme of more than 50 activities, from workshops, conferences and exhibitions, to presentations, debates and networking. The week will kick off with the ‘Timeless Massimo Vignelli’ exhibition, curated by Husmee, which pays homage to the late design genius. The Food Design Event will bring creative gastronomy to the stage in a collaborative project by renowned local designers and chefs, whilst Ecodesign Day takes a look at the ‘fixers movement’, which emphasises the environmental benefits of repairing products and objects for reuse. Out and about, you can discover the city’s creative potential with a design tour of Poblenou, where you will meet studios of creative professionals firsthand, or dig a little deeper with the OFF BDW programme, which presents a series of parallel activities organised and hosted by studios and creative companies across different neighbourhoods of the city. Together with FADfest (June 29th-July 5th), the BDW forms a key element of the Barcelona Design Festival (www.barcelonadesignfestival.com), which promises a month filled with creativity.

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WHAT’S ON

MISC. TROPICAL LILTS

XXV NIT DE L’HAVANERA A LES FONTS DE MONTJUÏC. FONT MÀGICA. MONTJUÏC. JUNE 6TH. This year is the 25th edition of the Nit de l’Havanera organised by the Grup Folk Montjuïc. These lilting sea shanties filled with exotic tales of life at sea and nostalgia for the homeland, arrived in Catalunya at the end of the 18th century via sailors coming back from the Caribbean. The songs were later adopted by local people who worked at sea, and they would be sung in the taverns at night or to while away the hours when the weather was too bad to go out to sea. Nowadays, havaneres are sung by local groups whose members come from seafaring families. They’re traditionally performed with the sea as a backdrop, and spectators sup on cremat (rum flambéed with coffee). The atmosphere tends to be relaxed and jovial—perhaps helped by all that rum—and if you know the words you’re welcome to join in. Several of Catalunya’s most well-known havanera groups, including Blau Mediterrà, L’Espingari and Pescadors de l’Escala will be taking part in this annual celebration.

STAND PROUD

PRIDE BARCELONA. AVINGUDA MARIA CRISTINA. JUNE 18TH-28TH. Barcelona Pride is back for its seventh year and has now firmly established itself as the Mediterranean’s most important LGBT festival with eight days packed full of parties, entertainment and debates. Much of the action will take place in the Village on Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina. This space will be home to a bar, shopping area and a restaurant, displays by different LBGT organisations, a kids’ area and lots of activities. This is the place to head to on Friday 26th for the traditional Drag Race and Heels Race, which are followed by a huge foam party. At 6pm on Saturday 27th, the Pride Parade will leave from the Tres Xemenies park on Paral·lel, making its noisy and colourful way along Parallel towards Plaça Espanya and ending at the Village for a massive party. Although the vibe is fun, as always there’s a serious note to the Pride celebrations. This year’s motto is ‘STOP LBGT bullying at school and anywhere’, a reminder that this particular celebration is just as necessary as ever.

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CHASING RAINBOWS

THE COLOUR RUN. JUNE 7TH. WWW.THECOLORRUN.ES Are you ready to take on the ’happiest 5k on the planet’? Forget about personal bests here. Combining sport, music and splashes of vibrant hues, it doesn’t matter in the least how fast you complete The Colour Run. You’re just supposed to have a good time doing it. At every kilometre, thousands of participants will be stained from head to toe with a rainbow of coloured powders. The run’s main sponsor is Barcelona-based clothing giant Desigual. The starting gun will go off at 9am on Avinguda Rius i Taulet (Fonts de Montjuic), with runners leaving in groups every five minutes until 10.30am. So, if you like your runs to be fun this one could well be for you.

LADIES FIRST

TEDXBARCELONAWOMEN. POBLENOU CASINO. RAMBLA DEL POBLENOU 42. JUNE 10TH. It’s time to shift the balance. This is the motto of this year’s TEDxBarcelonaWomen event, which is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 people to debate the role of female entrepreneurs in the economy and how to increase investment in their projects. It will be a full day of presentations and activities featuring more than 25 speakers who will talk about their experiences of female empowerment. The speakers are movers and shakers from the world of business, NGOs and social platforms, including Babou Olengha-Aaby, CEO and founder of Mums Mean Business, a crowdfunding platform for mother entrepreneurs, and Gerardo Porteny, a social innovator who previously worked on the UN Women HeforShe campaign. One of the goals of the day will be to support efforts to increase the role of women in universities, business, the media and the community in general. “Now is the moment to speak about the potential of women as a way to economically empower this country,”said curator of the event Aurelie Salvaire.

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT WWW.BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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HIGHLIGHT

FACE OF ANDALUSIA

SARA BARAS. FESTIVAL JARDINS DE PEDRALBES. DIAGONAL 686. JUNE 24TH-25TH. Catch flamenco at its best with legendary Cádiz-born dancer, Sara Baras, one of the finest contemporary flamenco dancers who at just 37 has already had an extraordinary career. Baras began dancing at the age of eight, originally learning her moves from her mother who ran a dance school in the south of Spain. Now, with years of experience under her belt, her performances burst with outstanding technique and some seriously admirable artistic ambition. The show she is presenting in the Pedralbes Festival is called ‘Voces’, and pays homage to the great flamenco masters. The performance demonstrates the splendour and pain of flamenco with a storyline that represents all the different flamenco styles, such as seguiriya, taranta and farruca. Expect a passionate blend of tradition, freedom and discipline.

TRICKY TECHNIQUES

MAKE YOUR OWN PROPAGANDA FILM. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. JUNE 9TH-10TH Looking for a way to inspire your audience to fight for a cause? Then Sonar+D festival’s ‘North Korean Propaganda Film’ workshop should peak your interest. The sister event of the Sónar electronic music festival, Sónar+D seeks to merge technology and creativity to advance the creative industry. The ‘How to make your own propaganda film’ workshop uses some of the highly effective propaganda film-making techniques laid out by North Korea’s late Kim Jong Il in his manual on ‘The Cinema and Directing’. Event leader Anna Broinowski and her crew will help participants produce a one to three-minute film that uses these North Korean-style props, plots, music, acting and shooting techniques. The end goal will be to inspire audiences to fight for a cause––whether it be climate change awareness, overthrowing a government or support of capitalism. The workshop has 80 places that will be selected by lottery from submitted applications. Email contacto@filmin.es for an application and more information. www.sonarplusd.com.

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DESIGN WEEK. Learn about design, innovation and business. See page 25.

THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM. LESSONS FROM GEORGE ORWELL. Talk by George Packer. Orwell

LA SANDUNGA. This duo perform well-known songs from the Mexican golden age. 9pm. Artte. Muntaner 83.

PISO PILOTO. This exhibition explores issues of housing in Barcelona and Medellín. See page 22. CCCB. Montalegre 5. Until October 25th.

TEDX BARCELONA WOMEN. Three days of inspirational speakers. See page 24.

RUMPROLLERS. It’s a funk, bebop and blues take over for this jazz quintet. 10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Sobradiel 8.

MESA NARANJA. Join this business lunch for entrepreneurs. 2pm-3.30pm. Mesa Naranja. Valencia 263.

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

SANT JOAN MONDAY

JUNE 2015

WHAT'S ON

FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES. A workshop challenging notions of gender and power. 7.30pm-

JESSIE J

THURSDAY

STEPHEN MARCHIONDA The classical guitarist interprets Scarlatti, Granados and Albéniz.

OTIS TAYLOR BAND. Internationally recognised American blues-man hits Barcelona stages again. 9pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

LOOP FESTIVAL. City-wide art and video project. Until June 6th. www.loop-barcelona.com

FRIDAY

BCN ENGLISH CHOIR SUMMER CONCERT. Listen to over 100 singers

DEMANOENMANO. It’s vintage and handmade at this itinerant vintage market.

FLEADONIA. Get some bargain togs for summer at this Barcelona Flea Market. 11am-8pm. Placa Salvador.

VERMUT JAZZ. Enjoy a vermut and a free outdoors jazz concert by Hunters Project. 12.45pm. L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

DOCFIELD 2015. Photographic Documentary Festival. Free, outdoor screening of From My Block.10pm. Pl. Pou de la Figuera. docfieldbarcelona.org VINTAGE IN BARCELONA. Vintage market with music, dance and workshops for kids. Els Encatnts. Pl. de les Glòries. Until 7th.

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

For more information visit our website

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DANI BARALDÉS & THE XXX BAND. This blues band is inspired by the vintage sounds of the Fifties and Sixties. 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. La Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

THE MAVERICKS. Rock and country collide with this band. 7pm. Razzmatazz. Pampolma 88.

Do as the locals and celebrate the summer solstice at the beach with firecrackers, fireworks, coca and lots of beer.

HAPPY SANT JOAN!

DON PASQUALE

LESLIE HELPERT TRIO. A celebration of the songs of jazz legend Billie Holiday with Leslie Helpert, a New-York born singer and performer who now lives in Barcelona. 8pm and 10pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

SANT JOAN

GUIRI BUSINESS. Network the night away. First drink and tapas are covered. 7-9pm. Cinco Jotas. Gran Via 373.

TALLER DE TÉ: CONTRASTES. A two-hour workshop that teaches you how to identify, prepare and enjoy tea in the best way possible. 4.30pm-6.30pm. Artte. June 17th and 27th.

DON PASCUALE. A modern-day take on this classic comedic opera by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. 8pm. Liceu. La Rambla 51-59.

JAVIER COLINA & PEPE RIVERO. Cuban pianist meets New York T JOAN bassist to form an unmissable combo. 8pm and 10pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

COLORS Free concert by prize-winning Barcelona quartet. 7pm and 9pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

PASSATGE SCHOOL OF MUSIC CONCERT. Pop, soul and jazz from students of this local music school. 8pm-11pm. Harlem Jazz Club. Sobradiel 8.

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

MAKE YOUR OWN PROPAGANDA FILM. Learn to use North Korean propaganda techniques to make powerful films. See page 22. June 9th-10th. sonarplusd.com

ENGLISH BOOK CLUB. Discuss the pick of the month, Stoner by John Williams. 7.30pm8.30pm. Babelia Books & Coffee. Villarroel 27.

TEDX BARCELONA WOMEN. Three days of inspirational speakers. See page 24. tedxbarcelonawomen.com

DESIGN WEEK. Learn about design, innovation and business. See page 25. www.barcelonadesignweek.com

THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM. LESSONS FROM GEORGE ORWELL. Talk by George Packer. Orwell literary tours on offer during the day. 7pm. CCCB. Montalegre 5.

DON PASCUALE

BARCELONA GUITAR TRIO. These renowned Flamenco guitarists are playing as part of the Masters of Guitar Festival. 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

HAT. A modern-day jazz interpretation with elements of rock, avant-garde and even some pop creeping in. 8pm. Artte. Muntaner 83.

25 PANTALLA CCCB. This month’s featured audiovisual artist is Michel Goossens from the Netherlands. Part of the ‘A month an artist’ cycle. CCCB. Montalegre 5.

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB. See page 29. 8pm. Jardins de Pedralbes.

BORN DE CANÇONS Yeray Hernández performs in this celebration of local singer songwriters at the Born Cultural Centre. 8pm. Pl. Commercial 12.

CURSA BOMBERS. The first nighttime edition of this this annual run. 9pm. Plaça Espanya.

STEPHEN MARCHIONDA The classical guitarist interprets Scarlatti, Granados and Albéniz. 8.30pm. Biblioteca de Catalunya. Hospital 56.

THE BUSINESS LUNCH Join English-speaking business people for this monthly networking event. www.thebizlunch.com

SONAR FESTIVAL. The city’s biggest festival starts today. See page 29.

CONDE GODO YACHTING TROPHY. Barcelona hosts the annual trophy competition. June 11th-14th. www.rcnb.com.

FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES. A workshop challenging notions of gender and power. 7.30pm9pm. Babelia Books & Coffee. Villarroel 27.

SOUNDEAT. A family-friendly festival of street food, live music and DJs. 12pm10pm. Jardins de Pedralbes.

PRIDE PARADE. Join the procession. 6pm. Parc de les Tres Xemenies Parallel to Placa Espanya. www.pridebarcelona.org.

SPANDAU BALLET. See page 29. 8pm. Jardins de Pedralbes.

BARCELONA 4 GUITARS Works by Albéniz, Txaikovsky, Bach and Schubert 9pm. Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

PATRICK BOWER. New York singer, songwriter and guitarist. 9.30pm. Miscelanea. Guardia 10.

BCN ENGLISH CHOIR SUMMER CONCERT. Listen to over 100 singers perform rock and blues. 8.30pm. Auditori de les Cotxeres de Sants. Sants 79.

CURSA LA MAQUINISTA 10K/5K RUN. Part of the BCN10K challenge. Centre Comercial La Maquinista. Potosí 2. www.lamaquinista.com.

PALO ALTO MARKET. Shop ‘til you drop at this eclectic market. 11am-8pm. Pellaires 3038. June 27th and 28th.

VERMUT JAZZ Celebrate international music day with a vermut and a free outdoors jazz concert by Vicnes Martín Dream Big Band Suite Barcelona 12.45pm. L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

MARINA TUSET QUINTET. Young soul and jazz. 8pm and 10pm. Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

MAROON 5. See page 21. 7pm. Palau Sant Jordi. Pg. Olímpic 5-7.

DEMANOENMANO. It’s vintage and handmade at this itinerant vintage market. 11am-9pm. El CREC. Blesa 27.

GUIRI BUSINESS DRINK NETWORKING 2015 Free Drink & Tapas Wednesday 17th June 7pm-9pm

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 RESTAURANT CINCO JOTAS - Gran vía de las Cortes Catalanes 373, Las Arenas Centro Comercial, Top Floor, Plaza España - Tel. 93 423 7752

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CULTURE

The sounds of

summer

This summer there’s more to Barcelona than sun and beaches. The city once again plays host to some of the best music festivals in Spain, showcasing sounds from electronic and pop to rock and folk. Festival season kicks off this month with two of the biggest crowd pullers, Sónar and the Festival Jardins del Palau Reial de Pedralbes.

SÓNAR JUNE 18TH, 19TH AND 20TH.

FESTIVAL JARDINS DEL PALAU REIAL DE PEDRALBES JUNE 8TH TO JULY 9TH.

THIS SUMMER’S BEST FESTIVALS CANET ROCK. July 4th. www.canetrock.cat GREC FESTIVAL. July 1st to 31st. lameva.barcelona.cat/grec/ CRUÏLLA. July 10th, 11th and 12th. www.cruillabarcelona.com FESTIVAL DE PERALADA. July 10th to Aug 15th. www.festivalperalada.com CAP ROIG FESTIVAL. July 10th to August 16th. www.caproigfestival.com MAS I MAS. July 28th to August 29th. www.masimas.com/en/festival CIRCUIT. August 5th to 16th. www.circuitfestival.net FESTA MAJOR DE GRACIA. Aug 15th to 21st. www.festamajordegracia.cat

The stage is set at the former residence of the Spanish Royal Family for the third edition of the Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. This year, the Auditori Aire Lliure will host an assortment of international and Spanish artists. Electronic pop icons—and veterans of the festival—the Pet Shop Boys will open. Formed in London by singer Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe, the pair have been listed as the most successful duo in UK history, having sold more than 50 million records worldwide, and received six Grammy nominations and three Brit Awards. Jessie J will perform her mix of soul vocals with contemporary R&B, pop and hip-hop beats on June 16th. And Buena Vista Social Club, world ambassador for Cuban ‘son’ music, arrive on June 19th as part of their explicitly titled Adiós Tour. Named after a Forties members club in Havana, this legendary group has raised the profile of Cuban music across the globe over the last 20 years. Other highlights in June are British New Wave old-timers Spandau Ballet (June 20th) and world-famous flamenco dancer Sara Baras (June 24th and 25th). If it’s possible, the lineup for July has even more star quality, with Paul Weller performing his soulful tunes on July 2nd and Bob Dylan gracing us with his presence on July 4th. And to close the festival on July 9th, the singer Miguel Poveda presents his new album, Sonnets and Poems for Freedom. Born in Barcelona, Poveda started singing at the age of 15 in flamenco clubs around Catalunya. The festival will also include concerts by young, standout musicians from the national scene on the Village stage, as well as the second edition of SoundEat!—where music and street food come together for one rhythmic feast. On June 27th, crowds can taste test the gourmet lineup as DJs and bands play. With this combination of artists and cooks, it’s sure to be a spectacular event.

Sónar has gradually become one of the world’s most respected electronic music festivals, bringing top international DJs, record labels, artists and music fans back to Barcelona every June. 2015 is the 22nd edition of the festival with the official title of International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art. Like past years, Sónar will focus on cutting-edge electronic culture, represented in music, art and film, and will provide a great mixture of top acts both new and old, amazing venues, breakthrough digital art forms and intense club nights. The confirmed acts for Sónar 2015 include established classics as well as emerging phenomena. There are more than 150 acts that will make up this year’s edition of Sónar by Day (at Fira Montjuïc) and Sónar by Night (at Fira Gran Via). Among the first are Manchester duo The Chemical Brothers, composed of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, who have spent the last 20 years redefining the concept of live electronic music; and Autechre, who are one of the most prominent duos signed to Warp Records and are respected for their contributions to abstract and experimental electronica. Other acts that can’t be overlooked are the UK’s Tahliah Barnett—better known as FKA Twigs—who was met with admiration at Sónar 2014 thanks to her hit debut album, LP1, released the same year; and Irish singer Róisín Murphy, formerly part of Moloko. Not to mention big name DJs Skrillex and Jamie xx. The regulars will be there as well: Hot Chip, Flying Lotus and Duran Duran. There are also more Sónar women in this year’s programme. Holly Herndon, based in San Francisco, who often uses the visual programming language Max/MSP to create custom instruments and vocal processes, will share her worlds of dystopian sounds. British poet, performer and playwright Kate Tempest will present her first album. And German techno and electro DJ, Helena Hauff, will bring up the tempo with her original beats. In recent years, the extended Sónar programme has started to generate as much excitement as the live acts at the main stage and night sessions. Parallel activities to the concerts include art installations, a conference dedicated to digital culture, decibel-appropriate kids’ specials and more. Come check it all out.

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BE OUR GUEST SOCIAL DINING: A NEW WAY TO EAT OUT IN BARCELONA. BY SAM ZUCKER.

very weekend, my Facebook feed floods with events around Barcelona that offer plentiful food, drink and fun. So many, in fact, that residents who might normally flee the city on Saturday mornings find themselves tempted to stick around and sample the never-ending flow of new and exciting ways that the city’s community is making eating social. Don’t get me wrong, eating has always been social here, but the paradigm of coveted dining experiences in Barcelona is shifting. The local culture is rooted in the pleasure of eating out (or at least meeting out), but more and more people are choosing to share their gastronomic exploration with larger groups of diners, including people they hardly know. This new ‘social dining’ landscape has many curators, but EatWith is one company whose brush is painting especially wide and colourful swaths across Barcelona’s gourmand canvas. “EatWith is not the AirBnB of dining,” asserted Joel Serra Bevin, Head of the Global Community for EatWith and a well-recognised face in the local Barcelona foodie world. “Not just anyone can host.” For the uninitiated, EatWith is an online platform founded three and a half years ago in Barcelona (after making it to the final round of the famous TechCrunch Disrupt ‘Startup Battlefield’ in San Francisco, 2013). The platform aims to put those who are hungry for

PHOTO BY NIT VICTORIO SEGURA

something different together with hosts who are ready and able to offer up unique gastronomic experiences in anything-but-traditional settings. Having recently whittled down the dining experiences on offer in homes across Barcelona to just 50 (with names like ‘Epic Fish’, ‘Smuggling Truffles’, ‘A Journey to Italy’, and ‘Dining with Marco Polo’), the admissions process has become quite selective. Serra explained, “We had over 100 experiences about a year ago, but sharpened our focus to higher-quality and uniqueness.” Potential hosts go through interviews (in person or via video chat) before organising a test dinner attended by trusted food bloggers and local food professionals collaborating with EatWith. These testers evaluate the food and report back. Finally, a photographer is sent (for free) to take photos of the food and dining area to help the host sell their experience on the EatWith platform. Hosts are even given menu and pricing consultations to make sure that they are offering good value, competitive prices to their guests. You pay nothing to sign up as a host, but EatWith takes 15 percent of the host’s earnings from each event. All in all, it takes about six weeks from the moment when a host decides to apply, to the point when their offer goes live on the website. “Soon we will be offering free wine training and knife skills classes to hosts in Barcelona,” Joel told me excitedly. “We want to give them all the tools to offer the best experiences possible.”

“Competitive platforms pop up all the time,” noted Serra. EatWith survives by maintaining a reputation for the highest quality and by fostering a community that keeps hosts happy and loyal. Over the past three and a half years, EatWith has been constantly evolving. Initially started as a way for visitors to eat with locals in Barcelona (as well as San Francisco, New York City and Tel Aviv), EatWith users are now 65 percent local, meaning that, while tourists still represent 35 percent of business, the majority of users are those looking for something new in a city they already call home. This user base shift is in line with the explosion of alternative eating events that are entering Barcelona from every corner, and as EatWith nears its fourth birthday, a major internal shift has also been underway. As a response to a dining public that is becoming evermore social and experimental, chefs and restaurant professionals are turning towards alternative platforms to showcase their talents, build their personal brands, and foster passion and creativity in a field that is often far less exciting and glamorous than television would lead us to believe. Running a restaurant—or just working in one—is rigorous, and when your eye is always on the bottom line, quality and creativity can get lost in the shuffle. Now, 50 percent of EatWith’s business worldwide comes in the form of organising elaborate private events in fabulous settings with recognisable local chefs; a big change for a company

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that was first founded as a platform to facilitate meal sharing and cross-cultural foodie bonding in living rooms throughout Barcelona. Nonetheless, this shift is exciting for diners and food professionals alike, as EatWith is now essentially matching talented chefs with cool venues, sometimes even paying to fly a chef to a different city in order to fulfill requests from clients. “We have always known,” said Serra, “that not all hosts are great chefs, and not all chefs live in beautiful homes fit for hosting.” This matchmaking enables someone with a

tant to get people out of what feels like a traditional restaurant setting,” Joel continues. “When you host an event in an existing restaurant, people’s expectations are already affected. The whole goal of a true ‘pop-up’ is to give people a sensory experience in a setting that they have never seen and may never see again.” Private homes, hidden gardens, transformed galleries, converted warehouses, and nomadic yachts are all fair game. “Sometimes,” Serra admitted, “a private dinner at a person’s dining room table with only five

sic and 4,000 attendees, all to raise money for the medical research of the ASDENT association. It’s good to see EatWith—an established component of the food-culture scene in Barcelona—continuing to evolve, and it is no surprise that the dining public of Barcelona is game for something new and bold. As virtually always happens when a community springs up around cultural exchange and creative expression, the willingness to settle for average is unthinkable. Planning a pop-up event can be taxing, and running the kitchen of such an event is even more

other guests can make certain people feel forced to socialise.” Everyone is different, and often, a larger, one-night, set menu, unique experience can take some of the pressure off the diners to interact. “If you want to chat and make friends, great! But if you want to enjoy your food, listen to music, and leave without obligation, these new types of events are ideal.” In addition to customising events for birthdays, bachelorette parties, office team building and more, the EatWith team is also throwing larger monthly events that are open for public sign-up and are often more casual and spontaneous than a traditional EatWith experience, or even a pop-up. In March, Serra and the EatWith team hosted a 300-person calçotada at a masia outside of Barcelona in Gallecs, which was a huge success. In April, EatWith helped organise the Vermut Solidario at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm, an all-day Sunday vermut with seven food trucks, nine hours of mu-

challenging, regardless of how well you cook in your own home for friends. EatWith is doing a great thing in helping to carry part of that social and organisational load while fostering some of the most vibrant and extraordinary alternative dining scenes across the globe. I can’t wait to see what pops up next.

PHOTOS BY NIT VICTORIO SEGURA

great flat and a desire to host to be connected with a local chef looking for exposure and a change of pace. In addition to being a great way for chefs to exercise their creative muscles, they can now enjoy cooking in a setting that does not conform to the rules and norms of a restaurant kitchen. “A restaurant is a business, so it’s harder to be aesthetic,” Serra explained. “A true ‘pop-up’ is a one-off event. It’s a marketing tool and it’s not about profit.” Independent from EatWith, Serra has partnered with the Toronto-based ‘eat up’ app, Food Shootr, to throw ten, one-night popup dining events over the course of ten months in different cities across Europe. “Our hope is to break even,” said Serra. Without the operation costs of a traditional restaurant and investors to please, there is a lot of flexibility and room for creativity when trying to organise a dining event that can truly be deemed different. “It’s impor-

Q & A WITH PETER VIVANT

I had the pleasure of eating in the home of one of top-rated Eatwith hosts in Barcelona, the witty and talented Peter Vivant. Between mouthfuls of spicy fried prawn heads, sardine sashimi with radish, and crisp sauvignon blanc, Vivant shared a bit about his background and EatWith inspirations. Sam Zucker: So, where are you from, Peter? Peter Vivant: I was born in New York, but grew up in Australia and Hong Kong. My father is from Shanghai, and my mother is Cantonese. SZ: When and how did you learn to cook so well? PV: It feels like I’ve always cooked. My father did a lot of business with hotels when we lived in Hong Kong, and from when I was around seven years old I spent all my free time around the restaurants. My father would always take me out to eat, and the chefs of the hotels would feed me from

PHOTO BY NOA LE GOUELLEC.

the kitchens. SZ: Why did you decide to start hosting people via EatWith? PV: I had always hosted friends for dinner, so EatWith seemed like a good fit. Also, there was a major lack of Chinese food being offered. I was instantly hostings four-to-five dinners per week, but now I only host two or three times per week at the most. SZ: What are your favourite things about hosting these experiences? PV: It’s great to see guests relax over the course of the meal. By the end, everyone is like old friends. It’s also fun to see how different cultures interact. Often when you eat with friends, you are chatting with like minded individuals, but when such diverse backgrounds meet, you never know where three hours of conversation will take you.

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FASHION

in style

VINTAGE LOVERS AND BARGAIN HUNTERS ARE SPOILED FOR CHOICE IN BARCELONA. WE CATCH UP WITH A FEW MARKET REGULARS TO SEE WHAT STYLE THEY’RE SPORTING...

Name: Ruben Sillem Age: 29 From: Paris Profession: Financial analyst His style: Subtle & stylish Bag: Urban Outﬁtters Glasses: Cutler and Gross of London Shirt: Uniqlo Shoes: Veja

Name: Celine Vedal Age: 23 From: Oslo Profession: Student Her style: Comfortable yet cool Bag: Bianco Kimono: Monki Sandals: Bianco

GET THE LOOK

Name: Sophia Pega Age: 25 From: Menorca Profession: Illustrator and print designer Her style: Colourful & quirky Trousers: Zara Glasses: Unique People

TOPSHOP SUNGLASSES €20

ZARA SHIRT €29,95

CONVERSE TRAINERS €59,95

MONKI KNITTED CARDIGAN €45 URBAN OUTFITTERS RUCKSACK €179

MONKI WWW.MONKI.COM ZARA PORTAL DE L’ANGEL 11-13 URBAN OUTFITTERS PL. CATALUNYA 4 TOPSHOP BERGARA 1

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TRAVEL

GLAMP IT UP

WHO SAID CAMPING WASN’T COMFORTABLE? SLEEP UNDER THE STARS IN STYLE WITH OUR GUIDE TO CATALUNYA’S POSHEST PITCHES. TEXT BY JAY COLLINS

here’s nothing quite like a weekend under canvas in close proximity to nature to gently wash away the stresses of city living. But, the aches and pains from a night on a thin camping mattress, the hours spent undoing the tent and clearing up your pitch, and the investment in all that equipment, is enough to drive many of us to the nearest hotel. So welcome to glamping, the way to camp with absolutely no back pain or hard work involved. Just turn up to your wellappointed yurt or tent and enjoy...

FOREST DAYS GLAMPING Solsonès, Lleida www.forestdaysglamping.com This new glampsite near Solsona in Lleida was set up last year by a Catalan/UK couple, John and Montse, and it is a haven for restless city folk in search of some peace. Set on a beautiful farm, surrounded by five acres of woods and meadows, the site boasts spectacular views of the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees and beyond—on a fine day you can look out to the Montseny massif, Montserrat, Pedraforca, Port del Comte and the Cadí massif. Nestled among the trees are four secluded white cotton bell tents set on wooden platforms. Inside each one there’s a huge king-size bed with crisp white linen and solid wood bedside tables, whilst outside a hammock awaits, where you can laze with a good book. To complete the ‘back to nature’ experience, each tent has its own eco-friendly

wooden dry toilet (although you can also use the ‘real’ toilets in the attractive shower room that serves all guests). You’ll find a fresh continental breakfast waiting for you when you get up in the morning and, if you can drag yourself away from your hammock, there’s plenty to do nearby. Visit the town of Solsona, take a dip in the river just a ten-minute walk away, visit the lakes or don some hiking boots and take advantage of all those mountains.

VINEYARD YURT Santa María d’Oló, Moianès www.vinoscolltor.com Mark Lavery and Arbel Lowther bought this 18th-century masía in 1990 and renovated it into their home plus a seven-bedroom guest house. In the grounds of the farmhouse, with its own private garden and barbecue, is a handcrafted yurt which can be rented for the weekend. Fitted out with traditional Japanese futons, it sleeps five and the relaxed setting is ideal for families with children. Visitors get a chance to experience life on a small vineyard as Mark and Arbel produce natural wines on the 11 hectares surrounding the farmhouse. The vineyard is a short walk from the little town of Santa María d’Oló, halfway between Vic and Manresa with views of Montserrat and the Pyrenees. The area is known for its excellent cycling and outstanding hiking trails, and there’s horse riding within easy distance. Or, just relax in the lovely gardens, amongst the olive and almond trees.

VISITORS GET A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE LIFE ON A SMALL VINEYARD AS MARK AND ARBEL PRODUCE NATURAL WINES ON THE 11 HECTARES SURROUNDING THE FARMHOUSE. CAMPING LODGE NEUS Cala Montgó, Costa Brava www.campingneus.cat This campsite is located near l’Escala in the Alt Empordá. It’s set in the Montgrí Mountain Natural Park, an area which encompasses many diverse landscapes, from arid mountains to beach coves, and offers lots of outdoor sports, including diving, climbing and hiking. Camping Lodge Neus is a small, shady site just 850 metres from the lovely Cala Montgó beach. It caters to tents and caravans and is popular with families looking for something a little quieter than the average Costa Brava campsite. There’s a pool and a restaurant, plus pleasant grounds where you can relax in one of the hammocks. They

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have several glamping options, from a simple tent for two people complete with beds, fridge and dining table, to the fiveperson Lodge Tent with mezzanine for some real style.

CALA LLEVADO CAMPING Cala Llevado, Costa Brava www.calallevado.com This campsite near Tossa de Mar enjoys clear views of the Mediterranean and, although it caters to campers and motorhomes, the facilities and ambience are a cut above other campsites along the coast. Its location is unbeatable, set in the pine forests just above the rugged Costa Brava coves and some of the more secluded spots are so idyllic you can feel as though you’re in the wild. This year they have added two glamping pods to the site. These minimalist eco-friendly wooden pods (called Glamping Sheeps as they are insulated with the wool of local sheep), contain nothing more than a double bed and are perched among the trees looking straight out to sea. There are also six larger Forest Cabins in a similar style, which sleep four people and also have sea views. There’s lots to do at this campsite, which has a pool, restaurant and supermarket. Take your pick from four accessible beaches, including a cove with diving centre, kayaks and restaurant and a nudist beach.

VORAPARC Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park www.voraparc.com For those in search of some stunning mountain scenery, Voraparc could be the place

for you. Located at the entrance of the incredible Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, near the winter ski town of Espot, this small campsite is set by a stream and surrounded by wooded mountain slopes. It’s green and shady with lots of nearby adventure opportunities, from rafting and kayaking to mountain biking and canyoning. There’s a swimming pool, cafe and play area for children. The glamping tents aren’t completely secluded, but they’re well kitted out with two single beds and a small kitchen with fridge.

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MARESME The Maresme coast stretches from Barcelona to the beginning of the Costa Brava and is known for its long, sandy beaches. A train line that runs right next to the beach makes this a very accessible day trip to the seaside, as well as a historic ride, as the stretch between Barcelona and Mataró was Spain’s first railway, built in 1848.

OCATA Still in Zone One, so reachable with your T10, Ocata is just 30 minutes from Barcelona, but feels like a world away. The beach stretches for one and a half kilometres and at some points is up to 170 metres wide, so there’s always somewhere to put your towel. The fine sand is kept immaculately clean and the water is refreshingly clear. Admire the Barcelona skyline in the distance and enjoy the peace and space that just half an hour of travel gets you. There’s also a path that runs alongside the train track with regular water fountains and shady picnic spots. If you need to stretch your legs, walk up towards Premià de Mar or back towards El Masnou.

CALDES D’ESTRAC This lovely town just beyond Mataró is a popular day trip for Barcelona residents looking for something a little quieter. Caldetes, as it is known locally, was also once a destination for wealthy city dwellers who would go there to enjoy the thermal waters. There is still a spa there now. The two main beaches are wide enough to accommodate lots of people with a decent space between towels. And, when you’ve had enough sun, head into town, where you’ll find 19thcentury architecture, an art museum and lots of shady cafés and places to eat. One of the beaches is lined by beautiful Modernista villas on the ‘Passeig dels Anglesos’, built in the early 1900s, when the Barcelona gentry would come for holidays in the summer months.

SANT POL DE MAR This small fishing town an hour north of Barcelona is about as charming as it gets before you reach the Costa Brava. White fishermen’s cottages cluster in the centre of the town around the ancient church of Sant Pau. The main beach curves round directly in front of the town and the rocky backdrop gives it an intimate feel. There are also secluded rocky areas to be explored by walking north or south from the main beach, following the N-II. The rocks and clean, clear water make these great spots for snorkelling. It’s worth taking some time out from the beach and enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the excellent seafood restaurants. Sant Pol is also home to Michelin-starred Carme Ruscalleda’s restaurant Sant Pau and Chiringuito Banys Lluís, featured in this month’s review (see page 36).

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

chiringuito BANYS LLUÍS

Famous Family-run Fish haven on the maresme coast. TEXT BY TARA STEVENS. PHOTOS BY YAN PEKAR.

hen it comes to food, Sant Pol de Mar is famed for two places: Carme Ruscalleda’s venerated, threeMichelin starred Sant Pol, which occupies an unlikely spot on the side of the train station platform, and Banys Lluís, a family-run restaurant situated about a kilometre away if you head north along the seafront. The latter has been going strong for 90-odd years, churning out exceptional fish and seafood like espardeñas (the sea cucumbers hallowed by Ferran Adrià), cigalas (crayfish) and coquinas (dainty purple lipped clams) from the nearby port at Arenys del Mar, as well as beautiful navajas (razor clams) from the Delta de l’Ebre. Little wonder it is something of an institution on the Maresme. Of late it’s become my cunning plan to squirrel a proper weekend into the space of a Sunday afternoon. One that kicks off with a vermut and some olives somewhere en route, followed by a late lunch (I usually take the 3.30pm sitting) making sure to reserve a ‘platja’ table, which means you’ll get a plastic table spread with a snowy white cloth right on the sand so you can kick off your shoes and listen to the swoosh of the sea lapping against the shore. It’s perfect, too, if you have kids in tow as you can pack them off to play while you tuck into an indecently long lunch with buckets of local wine. The weak point I suppose is the salads, that get a little silly and experimental—by that I

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✪ NOT WORTH THE TRIP

mean tomatoes come dotted with cubes of goats cheese and drizzled with basil-infused oil instead of just going with the simple, sturdy Catalan staple of beautifully ripe tomatoes and sweet Figueres onions, or even just torn basil leaves if you have to—but otherwise the food is excellent so long as you stick to simply grilled or fried seafood, fish or rice dishes. My pal was visiting from Paris and we made short work of a plate of pristine chipirones (baby squid, dredged in flour and fried) and the pinkest, sweetest grilled prawns recently hauled from the waters of Arenys del Mar, followed by a dark, sticky arros negre that I can safely say was the best I’ve had in some time. Generously studded with crayfish and more prawns, sepia, clams and mussels, and accompanied by a nottoo incendiary aioli, we kept eating long after we were full, washing it down with crisp, cold glasses of Picapoll from the Bodegas Abada in Pla de Bages. The best thing about booking the late sitting is that you can stay until the sun starts to go down. But you’ll also get a glimpse of several generations of the Lluís family gathered around several tables pulled together in the main dining room, and that always moves me. When I finally get the bill, the youngsters, still ushering out stragglers like myself, ask if we’ve enjoyed it and remind us of the mid-week lunchtime menu for €15. With summer fast approaching, and with it that irresistible urge to bunk off school, I know it won’t be too long before I’m back for more.

✪✪ COULD IMPROVE

✪✪✪ GOOD

more inFo. Doctor Furest s/n, Sant Pol de Mar. Tel. 93 760 0697. www.banyslluis.cat. Open Tue-Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm, Sat-Sun 12.30pm-7pm, and Fri-Sat evenings from 8.30pm-11.30pm. About €35 for two courses with wine. ✪✪✪✪

✪✪✪✪ VERY GOOD

✪✪✪✪✪ NOT TO BE MISSED

5/25/15 4:26 PM

Recipe

LENTIL SALAD

One of the most popular pulses, lentils are easy to digest and contain 25 percent protein. There are several traditional ways to prepare lentils in Catalunya. They are often cooked in a stew along with other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onion and potato. Bacon or sausage are usually added, but can be left out for a vegetarian version. They can also be simply boiled with a little salt and incorporated into a salad, like in this recipe. Preparation time: 15 minutes Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS 500g cooked lentils 250g desalinated cod 200g sweetcorn 100g red pepper 100g black olives 4 garlic cloves Olive oil Salt

METHOD 1. Roast the red pepper in a little oil in the oven for 50 minutes at 200ÂşC, until it is soft and the skin has darkened and blistered. 2. Place the drained lentils, black olives, sweetcorn and cod in a bowl. 3. Peel the red pepper, cut into small cubes and add to the bowl. Stir all ingredients together and place in the fridge. 4. Before serving, cut the garlic cloves into small pieces and add to the bowl. 5. Season to taste with oil or vinaigrette.

CHEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIPS 1. You can vary the ingredients depending on what you have available in the fridge: tuna, boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions and green peppers can all be added. 2. If you want to make a more varied version, you can also add some cooked rice. In this case you need 250g cooked lentils and 200g rice. 3. You can season it with a mustard vinaigrette, made by mixing olive oil, vinegar, a tablespoon of mustard, salt and pepper. 4. If you have raw lentils, you should clean them under running water, add them to a pot and cover with cold water. Boil the lentils at a low heat then simmer for about 30 minutes. When they are cooked, drain and place them in a bowl.

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QUICK BITES

LAMBICUS -the champagne of beers A TASTE OF TRADITIONAL BELGIAN BEER IN SANT ANTONI. TEXT BY TARA STEVENS. PHOTOS BY YAN PEKAR.

year and a half ago, Belgian photographer Henk Cortier gave up a successful career in order to follow his life’s passion: to open a specialist craft beer shop in his adopted city of Barcelona. Despite still being in the throes of recession, the growing interest in craft beers suggested there couldn’t have been a better time. The only problem was the beer. “There are a few really good Catalan craft beers starting to emerge, but it’s hard going,” he told me one afternoon after inviting me down for a tasting. “Decent water is a basic need for great beer and Barcelona doesn’t have it (anyone who has tried the tap water in Barcelona will testify to that) and grains and cereals are very expensive here, which makes brewing craft beer ultra expensive too. I decided I’d be better off to import what I knew.” Enter Lambicus, which takes its name from an ancient style of beer brewing exclusive to Belgium. The Lambic method is the world’s

oldest beer-making method and uses no added yeast, relying instead on the spontaneous fermentation that occurs when exposed to cool air where microflora, or wild yeast, are present in the environment. Lambic is a wheat-based brew originating in Brussels, which became the first beer to be bottled using a method similar to champagne (prior to French rule, the beer came direct from its wooden cask and it needed to be drunk quickly before spoiling). The landmark Bzart Lambiek, in fact, is made exactly to the methode champenoise with a similar retail price of €48 per 75cl. From there, all other beers in the family emerged, including the fresh and lively Oude Gueuze beers, which blend beers of different ages, Kriek Boon made with sour cherries, framboise, which has fruity raspberry overtones, and Faro, which has a low alcohol content and is sweeter thanks to the sugar beet that was added to make it more appealing to women and children back when water was too dangerous to

MORE INFO. Tamarit 107, Sant Antoni. Tel: 93 170 75 66, www.lambicus.com. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm. Mini-courses with a flight of 4-5 tastings, 2 hours, €24.

drink. Gueuze beers can be kept for many years and make exceptional partners for food, which was the main reason for my visit. Not being a massive beer drinker, the recent surge in interest in craft beers has prompted me to change my mind. I’m actually increasingly fond of some of the Barcelona brews, such as those coming out of the Edge Brewery in Poble Nou and Black Lab in Barceloneta (both of whom filter the water). But lambic is another ballgame entirely that starts with the popular Cantillon—a familyrun concern that makes superb lambics—to the Oude Geuze Mariage Parfait, which I found to be bright and fresh on the nose, fruity and lively in the mouth, with a cheeky, lip smacking acidity. “In the old days people would crush sugar into the glass to sweeten it,” Henk told me when I asked about the sturdy glass, “but our tastes have changed. We appreciate acidity and bitterness now.” I think he’ll make a beer drinker out of me yet.

For more tips on the Barcelona dining scene, and occasional morsels from more far-flung places, follow me on twitter: @taralstevens

Tastings PRIORAT’S NEW TAKE ON ROSÉ

Normally I wait until August to take on the topic of rosé as many only want to drink this lighter version of red wine when the heat arrives. Personally, I used to hate the wine because, as most winemakers admit, they make it just because people want to buy a cheap pink wine and little regard is given to the craft of the wine as long as it’s light in body and a bit sweet. There are however two main schools of winemaking when it comes to rosé and they sit on either side of the River Rhône. First is the Tavel style, which is the one that most people are probably familiar with. Vivid salmon in colour, the wine sees

38. Quick bites NEW.indd 6

Miquel Hudin is originally from California but is now based in Barcelona. He founded the Vinologue enotourism series of wine books (www.vinologue.com). more contact with the skins during fermentation, has more body, and is generally the more popular variety. The other style originates in Provence and is incredibly light in colour and sees little or no contact with the skins during fermentation. In Spain, most rosés that I have found tend to gravitate towards the Tavel style (also known as the Navarra style) and it’s these wines that are oft-maligned and disregarded as many winemakers use their lesser-quality fruit to keep the retail cost down. While working on the second edition of my Vinologue Priorat book, I had the chance to taste two very new DOQ Priorat wines from Scala Dei and Clos l’Asentiu. These wines are derived from 100% Grenache and show just how excellent

rosé can be if the intent is there to make a quality wine, and a gifted winemaker, such as Ricard Rofes (Scala Dei) or Albert Costa (Clos l’Asentiu, Vall Llach), is at the helm. CELLERS DE SCALA DEI – PLA DELS ÀNGELS 2014 Floral notes of lily and violet along with rosemary currents, and peach. A fresh character overall with a great deal of depth. €18 CLOS L’ASENTIU – LA MATILDE 2014 Named after one of the oldest residents in the village of Porrera, it holds aromas of grapefruit, sour cherry, fennel, slate, and orange blossom. Full and pleasing body with excellent balance and freshness. €14

5/25/15 12:23 PM

main pages Sept 2014.indd 1

9/24/14 1:57:41 PM

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NEFW &D

FOOD DRINK

EN VILLE RESTAURANT4RAVAL 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.

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

under 20 | 20-30 | 30-40 | over 40 Doctor Dou 14 I Metro Liceu Tel. 93 302 8467 Mon-Sat, from 1pm-Midnight Sun 1pm-4pm info@envillebarcelona.es www.envillebarcelona.es

 food&drink visit our online directory www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/eating-and-drinking Ice Cream

Japanese MANNA GELATS 4 BARRI GÒTIC

YOI YOI GION 4EIXAMPLE

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.

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. ‘

Diagonal 383 | Metro Diagonal Tel. 93 124 8701 | www.facebook.com/yoiyoigionudon Tues-Sat 1.30pm-4pm, 8pm-11pm. Closed Sun & Mon

Ban ys Nous 22 | Metro Liceu Tel. 93 342 7312

10% DISCOUNT

BLACKLAB BREWERY4 BARCELONETA

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?

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.

NEFW &D

Mallorca 188 Tel. 93 269 2445 www.ukai.es Mon-Sun from 1pm-4pm,8pm-12am

Palau de Mar, Plaça Pau Vila 1, 08039 Tel. 93 22 18 360 hola@blacklab.es www.blacklab.es

Bistronomia BE MY BAGEL 4GRÀCIA Do you dream of great bagels? Then Be My Bagel is the right place for you. They sell authentic bagels from Barcelona, just how you like them. They have an extensive range of bagels and cakes, from the more classic choices such as poppy and multigrain to delicious and innovative chocolate, almond and coconut bagels—you won’t come away disappointed.

Planeta 37 (Pl. del Sol) I Metro Fontana and Gràcia I Tel. 93 518 7151 I bemybagel@gmail.com Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-2pm and 5pm-8.30pm, Sat 10am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm, Sun 10.30am-2pm

FULLA D’OSTRA 4 EIXAMPLE 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.

Amigó 39, 08021 Tel. 93 200 8393 hola@fulladotra.com www.fulladostra.com

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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

100 MONTADITOS4 POBLENOU

FONDA ESPAÑA4 BARRI GÒTIC

Mediterranean

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Barcelona with a huge variety of cheap tapas and outdoor terrace, Cervecería 100 Montaditos is the place to go. It’s located in the Rambla del Poblenou, one of the most characteristic neighbourhoods. There are 5 HD TVs with audio all around the bar making this the perfect venue for international football evenings with friends. Choose from tapas and pinchos and a “jarra de cerveza” at just 1.50. Don’t miss their excellent promotions. Monday is ‘half euro’ day with montaditos at 50c. On Wednesdays and Sundays enjoy Euromania and pick anything on the menu for 1.

FREE CHIPS

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. 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.

Rambla del Poblenou 76, 08005 Tel. 93 624 2910 I www.100montaditos.com

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.

ZAATAR (VEGETARIAN)4EIXAMPLE Experience delicious, creative vegan and vegetarian dining with the finest, fresh organic ingredients. Zaatar innovates with locally sourced fusion cuisine. The imaginative and healthy menu is complemented by freshly squeezed juices. They are truly passionate about food while maintaining focus on sustainability and conscious living. Lunch menu under €10. Paris 200 | Metro Diagonal | Tel. 654 926 601 | Mon-Sat 12pm-12am

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

HAPPY DAY VEGETARIANO 4 EIXAMPLE

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

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!.

NEFW &D IN

Carrer Pau Claris 143 (Between Valencia and Aragon) Tel. 93 171 7081 www.happydayvegetariano.com/en

Food & drink June 2015.indd 45

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HEALTH &BEAUTY DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

Implants & teeth in one day

To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com See our online directory at

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

AFTER

Balmes, 295, 1º 2ª, 08006 T. 93 200 0808 recepciobcn@enricpintado.com www.enricpintado.com

Dra. Susana Campi - 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.

New premises, new services and new state of the art equipment! For all your dental needs, a team consisting of their ﬁrst-class professionals can offer you excellent treatment. They have more than 35 years of experience and are pleased to offer you their services in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.

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NEW ADDRESS Josep Tarradellas 97 local, 08029 Metro: L-5 Salida Rocafort/Rosselló Bus: 15,27,32,43,54,59,66,78 T. 93 321 4005 susanacampi1980@gmail.com www.clinicadentalcampi.com

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. Fast and friendly service in an international environment where we speak English.

Prats de Mollo 10, bajos B 08021 T. 93 209 3994 www.drboj.org

Orthoestetic - 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 aesthetics. She is certiﬁed by the Invisalign system.

43-45 Health June2015.indd 44

Dr. Enric Pintado is a specialist in implant surgery and ﬁxed prosthetics, trained by the Universities of New York, NY and Loma Linda, California. At Dr. Pintado’s dental surgery, the treatment is personalised especially for you. All-on-4 procedures, ﬂapless 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

Iclinic - DENTIST

Dr. Boj - DENTIST

Platinum Provider

Enric Pintado - DENTIST

Diagonal 341, loc 1. 08037 T. 93 512 4749 M. 638 545 555 Metro: Verdaguer (L4 ,L5) www.orthoestetic.es www.ortoesteticbcn.es info@orthoestetic.es

Dr. Alistair Gallagher DENTIST 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

Sanz Pancko Dental Clinic 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 York, is an American Board-certiﬁed orthodontist. Dr Javier Sanz is an American Boardcertiﬁed periodontist and implantologist 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

5/25/15 12:47 PM

NEST - NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

Mary D. McCarthy - DOCTOR

Doctor for Adults

Feel conﬁdent with Dr. Mary McCarthy, 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 is also certiﬁed as a Specialist by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Also a member of IAMAT.

NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS Mary D. McCarthy, M.D. Fellow American College of Physicians

Aribau 215 Pral. 1a T. 93 200 2924 M. 607 220 040 Metro Diagonal or FGC Gràcia

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Jonathan Lane Hooker -

Doctors Barcelona - DOCTOR Is the top medical group in Barcelona. They are committed to provide a ﬁrst-rate level of care and attention. 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.

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T. 93 590 7654 M. 639 579 646 jonathan.hooker@yahoo.com www.jonathanhooker.com

Pharmacy Serra Mandri - 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.

Hestía International Psychotherapy Centre has become a reference in the city, due to its’ high quality multidisciplinary and multilingual proﬁle.Their professional team works 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. The ﬁrst consultation is free.

Pabulum - Nutritional Coaching and Plan-Based

PSYCHOTHERAPIST 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.

Hestia - PSYCHOTHERAPY

Av. Diagonal 343, 2º 3ª Metro: Verdaguer (L5) T. 93 459 2802 info@hestia.es www.hestia.es

The Barcelona Network of English Speaking Therapists (NEST) is a multidisciplinary group of qualiﬁed 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.

Pilates Las Ramblas - PILATES Doina, a UK trained and qualified Physiotherapist offers both physiotherapy sessions treating musculoskeletal ailments and classes in Therapeutic and Wellness Pilates to maintain strength and flexibility for wellbeing and injury prevention.Doina has recently added Nordic Walking to her repertoire. Adding a cardiovascular element; Nordic Walking takes Pilates outside! T. 610 712 947 www.pilateslasramblas.com doina@pilateslasramblas.com Tania Spearman - ACUPUNCTURE Make acupuncture your first choice, not your 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

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

Dr. Steven Joseph - DOCTOR Established in 2005, Googol Medical Centre offers its patients comprehensive healthcare in a friendly, discreet and relaxed environment. UK doctor Steven Joseph provides a wide range of medical care with access to all medical specialties and tests. Gran Via Carles III nº-37-39 Metro Les Corts Mon-Sat M. 662 291 191 www.englishdoctorbarcelona.com

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Centro Quiropráctico Vida - CHIROPRACTOR

10% OFF

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. - We also visit ofﬁces and events around Barcelona helping stressed executives to relax and re-energise in their working day.

Is your body not feeling 100%? Are you stressed? Are you having difficulty performing sports, picking up your kids or any other activities you love? If so, it´s time to contact us and receive a COREscore report that helps identify any hidden body stresses and the affects it has on overall health. We are the only office in Spain that has the technology to do this. Daryn is an Amercian trained and board certified chiropractor that directs the well known office in Barcelona- Vida Centro Quiropractico.

20% DISCOUNT ON FIRST VISIT

Diputació 168 Tda. 2, 08011 Metro: Urgell (L1) Bus 14, 20, 37, 59 T. 93 451 5301

M. 659 995 657 nunu@thevitaltouch.es www.tvtbarcelona.com

Heaven - MASSAGE

La Hair Boutique HAIRDRESSER

• Ready to feel fantastic for spring? • Time to say ‘Adiós’ to muscular tension and stress? • Interested in organic, 100% fresh, products based on Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and European herbal ‘pharmacy’?

Trained by Toni & Guy London, 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!

FREE REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTS

M. 639 533 523 carrielewisbcn@gmail.com facebook.com/heavenbarcelona www.HeavenlyEco-Boutique.com

The Vital Touch - MASSAGE

15% DISCOUNT

Plaça Regomir 5 Metro: Jaume 1 (L4). T. 93 269 1937 M. 699 643 462 www.hairboutiquebarcelona.com

Live the Dream – HEALTH & WELLBEING Look good on the outside, feel good on the inside—let the natural goodness of Forever Living’s organic Aloe Vera work its magic for you. From nutritional drinks, supplements and weight management, to sports performance and anti-ageing, Forever has the product for you. Certiﬁed for purity and guaranteed for quality, the products blend elements from Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine with the latest scientiﬁc advances. Contact them today to purchase or distribute. An independent distributor of Forever Living Products.

FREE GIFT WITH FIRST ORDER HAIR CUT €19 + HOT SHAVE €30

Find everything you need here!

M. 649 052 099 www.LivetheDream.myforever.biz/forever

BCN Cuts - BARBER SHOP Directly from Boston to Gràcia comes BCN Cuts Barber Shop to offer you time to relax surrounded in a welcoming environment. With a drink in hand and jazz music playing in the background, you can have a hair cut or try their hot lather shave the classic way. BCN Cuts is a traditional barber shop with a contemporary atmosphere. You will keep coming back for the excellent service.

Gran de Gràcia 223 T. 93 611 1813 bcncuts@gmail.com Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm

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BUSINESS SERVICES

CALL NOW TO ADVERTISE HERE

93 451 4486

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

to advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com see our online directory at

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

FREE CONSULTATION

INTEGRA ADVISERS - cOnsULtant Legal and business consulting firm that promotes entrepreneurial activity in spain. services include; Accounting, tax, financial advice, immigration, national 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

Fletcher Consultancy Ltd -

Sánchez Molina -

cOnsULtancY

LeGaL practice

Fletcher consultancy Ltd. now operates in spain providing tailored training and development services for managers and employees, development and access to UK qualifications for ex-pats, hr services for development of competence based systems. Our UK business services blue chip clients in both public and private sectors. We have special offers for new clients, including free mystery shopping and training needs analysis.

the lawyers at sánchez 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

Barcelona Women’s Network - BUsiness • Barcelona’s premier network for international women • Over 200 members from 30+ countries. • As a social club that supports local charities and offers a business network, activities include social gatherings, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and business seminars. We help women thrive and feel at home in Barcelona.

Supported charities 2014 - 2016 membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

20% DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS GES40 - enGLish speaKinG LaWYers They are a law firm established in 1986. They aim to provide comprehensive 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 training, experience and professional strength. They offer a fully personalised 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 consult the information in their files anytime and from anywhere. “We devote our efforts to provide full support and assistance to conduct any personal or business activity in Spain with confidence”.

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

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Mac in Barcelona cOMpUters stéphane clément is an apple technician and consultant with over fifteen years of experience. anna piqué, a native from Barcelona, assists stéphane 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 computer experience. Cami de Mas Roig a Mas Fuster 47 Valldoreix, 08197, M. 608 994 599 info@macinbarcelona.com www.macinbarcelona.com

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Mrs.Q design studio -

Geo Mac - cOMpUters

Graphic DesiGn

GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO

FRENCH TV NOW AVAILABLE VIA INTERNET

Ask for the special Metropolitan reader offers

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 flyers, posters and brochures. They specialises in bespoke invitations. Visit their Etsy page to see examples for their work www.etsy.com/shop/ MrsQdesignstudio.

George cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac community in Barcelona for over 15 years. 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 his clients’ needs.

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

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

Easi-Sat - teLeVisiOn serVice

Gusto Films - FiLM

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 Twitter ´@PaulDuval15´.

Gustofilms is a production company specialising in promotional film. They 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

Corsa - DriVinG schOOL

Fábrica de Flyers - BUsiness

corsa driving school in Barcelona offers both theoretical classes and practical driving lessons in english. their friendly and experienced instructors will give you the confidence to drive comfortably 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!

Fábrica 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 years of experience on the German market made them one of the leading printing agencies, with clients all over Germany, austria and switzerland. Fábrica 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

ARC97SL - OFFice anD hOMe iMprOVeMents Do you want to build or renovate your office or flat? ARC97 specialise in 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 specific needs, style, taste and interests. 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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Dacil Correa spanish teacher Learn spanish in the comfort of your home or office! Dacil is a qualified, experienced Spanish teacher and translator. she offers one-to-one lessons (€25 per hour) and group lessons (€30 per hour/group) for all levels. Discounts available on 90 minutes lessons. tailored courses and flexible hours. 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

Coral - spanish teacher Reach a Spanish level that best fits your time, interests and needs! Try Coral’s personalised courses using 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 groups (up to 3). 60-min class €25; 90-min class €35. If you need classes via sKYpe, she can also offer online lessons. She is a native, experienced and highly-qualified teacher.

M. 676 249 744 coral@coralprada.com

La Luna Shipping LOGistics We offer a complete service to efficiently manage any kind of transport. anywhere in the world, from a overnight courier service, to an airfreight or seafreight shipment to the other side of the world. We are specialist managing personal effects shipments, small “boxed” removals from Barcelona to europe, UK, Usa, Australia, New Zealand. Don’t look further, La LUna shipping is your one stop shop for your transport and logistics needs in Barcelona.

Bcn Lip language school is a small school located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter offering a wide variety of dynamic classes for those wishing to learn spanish, catalan, english, French, German, portuguese, russian, italian, Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew. The courses are intensive and extensive, varying from 4 - 30 hours a week, Monday to Saturday. The teachers are qualified native speakers, with several years of experience. They also offer specialised summer programs, excursions and cultural activities for the students. They can also help you with your student visa and finding a place to live.

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

BCN Seguros - insUrance Local Barcelona insurance agency providing complete personal and business insurance services. (home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc.) We offer a 30% cost-saving guarantee by keeping insurance coverage identical! advice given in spanish, english and German.

T. 93 220 1715 info@laluna.coop www.laluna.coop facebook.com/ somos.lalunashipping

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

Garment Printing - BUsiness

Spain Accounting-

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 products, such as flyers, business cards, printed pens, and banners are also available—anything you could want customised with a logo! Whether you’re a business or an individual, we can help you fulfil your branding and printing needs. contact them today.

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

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BCN L.I.P. - LanGUaGe schOOL

taX & BUsiness serVices Qualified UK accountant with 30 years experience in Spain offers: • tax services for freelance “autónomos” and small SLs • income tax returns for employees and non-residents • practical advice on setting up a business in spain • registration of “autónomos” and company incorporation (sL) • personalised advice on your tax obligations in spain • fast, reliable email service Contact David Cook on M.678 702 369 info@spainaccounting.com www.spainaccounting.com

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JOB

DIRECTORY To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com We also have a new job section on our FREE CLASSIFIEDS

www.classifieds.barcelona-metropolitan.com

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

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INTERVIEW

Andrew Dodd & Fiona Oates ENGLISH TEACHERS AND FOUNDERS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH FRIENDLY PROJECT. INTERVIEW BY RACHEL HUFFMAN.

Andrew: It’s amazing how much I’ve been transformed by working with the mental health community. I’m less judgmental. I try to detect problems, then find solutions to them. Some students that I had previously thought were not capable of learning a language are now progressing because I’ve learned a whole new set of skills and ways to approach the problem. Fiona: One of the most debilitating things about mental illness is that your cognitive skills can decline over time. This can have a huge impact on day-to-day functioning and quality of life. When learning a language, there are activities that have similarities with the activities people would do in a session of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT). But English isn’t illnessfocused like the CRT sessions. It’s something people are doing for their own betterment that doesn’t focus on their problems. Andrew: Exactly. Learning English is enormously therapeutic because it isn’t therapy.

By Ben Rowdon

SCOOP

Fiona: I’m half Irish, half English. I was born in Ireland, grew up in England and have been here for nine years. Andrew: I’m from the UK. I grew up in the Midlands, but spent more of my time in London. I moved to Barcelona 15 years ago. Andrew: Working with mental health professionals—teaching them English—I had to research related topics and while I was reading up on mental health, I suddenly thought, ‘Wow, I’m part of the problem’. There are not enough conversations about mental health; it really is the elephant in the room, even though one in four people will be affected by it. I began to see a really big role for further education in creating possibilities for people with mental health problems and aiding in their recovery. So I got in touch with Fiona. She replied that not only was she interested in moving forward with my idea, but also she was an ex-community psychiatric nurse. Fiona: The first time we met, the ideas started to fly. We know we’re not going to change the world overnight, even though that would be lovely. Since then we’ve been working on the social inclusion project. It’s a project for people with mental health problems, introducing them to English classes. We’re also working on a methodology to help teachers and students alike cope with having someone with mental health issues in their classes and to make the experience a positive one for all. Andrew: What’s key for us is that it stretches us as people and as teachers. Before this, I felt super confident in the teaching area. But going into a mental health day centre, planning specialised lessons, that was totally new. I like to share this story about when we first started out. After various attempts to find somewhere to host our specialised classes for people who can’t integrate into outside English classes, we found a centre that would support us. One day we were waiting in the reception area, and there was a woman dressed as a fly. And I thought, ‘Aha. This is what a mental health day centre is like’. I said nothing, but she turned around, tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘It’s Carnival’. That’s when I realised I had a long way to go to understanding what I was getting involved in. Andrew: We’ve been working for a year now at that centre. We feel like part of the community, working closely with the team of psychologists there. Then there’s our collaboration with the Federació Salut Mental Catalunya. Their support and advice is key. They have been fighting for years to change people’s perception of mental health problems and their treatments. And we feel strongly that the tide is changing all around the world. Oxford House and Macmillan Education Publishers are also corporate supporters, and have both donated a prize for the winners of our Mental Health Lesson Plan Competition. Andrew: Social inclusion, for us, means that no matter how long you’ve been teaching or what school you teach in, you can help promote a new perspective about mental health and recovery. You don’t have to be an expert on the matter to make a contribution. Just start the conversation. Fiona: Yes. One of the premises of our project is that it is not just the responsibility of the individual. From my experience as a psychiatric nurse, I feel that it’s a community responsibility. That’s one of the reasons we’re involving so many organisations and different people.

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