One bite at a time!
One bite at a time!
The perfect Martini in barcelona
Monday, September 1, 2008
Well, I have to say I wasn’t prepared for this, but I had the best Martini in Barcelona. Unusual? Yes! I didn’t go to Barcelona to drink a Martini, but the day before we left for our trip, one of My boyfriend’s very good friend was raving about this place called Dry Martini and made the effort to email one of the bartender on our behalf. That same night Mathieu, the famous barman sent us an email welcoming us to Barcelona. I enjoyed the friendly exchange, and said to myself: Why not? It’s always nice anyway to go somewhere, not only recommended but where you know the person who works there!
So here we are one late afternoon after playing tourist all over Barcelona, we decided to say hello to Mathieu. We retired the rented scooter for the night, thinking Martini and driving in Barcelona not such a good idea and cabbed over to the bar.
When we open the door, it was like changing time space. A heavy smell of cigar smoke hit me first in a very nostalgic way, then the dimmed light, the dark wood dressing the entire bar, the bartenders in white jackets, some peanuts on the bar and a huge wheel of Parmegiano Regiano already nibbled by strange and well suited rodents, older gentlemen and well dressed ladies. Behind the bar the largest collection I have seen of Gins and French Vermouth. I am totally in the mood now!!!
We ask for Mathieu and this young French man comes to our rescue with a smile. “Madame, Monsieur” Should we start you with the Original Martini? No time to negotiate, the ambiance as taken me to England. Feeling James Bond-esque and wishing I can fake a british accent I accepted the offer. As an artist behind his blank canvas Mathieu open our eyes on the real art of making a Martini. Wow! It was fabulous, the young man knows his business and for the rest of the evening we tried to challenged him ordering things like: the wasabi Martini, the Jalapeño, the dry n’ sour. Our stomach empty of food and filled with liquor we came out of the place with the biggest smile on our faces.
We went back few nights later order a few more of those devilish concoction that are the best start to any evening.
I will be back at the Dry Martini because I have yet to try their Truffle Martini!
Summary: On a date, or just wanting to relax with a glass this is to me a bar as it’s suppose to be. The barmen are courteous, friendly and you can feel their passion in their drinks. Bill for 2: let’s say 10 Euro the Martini, I will let you guess the total! A must go if you are in Barcelona!
Dry Martini
Aribau 162-166
08036 Barcelona
Spain
Price: $$$
Service: Amazing
Overall: 18/20