267846 Mon Mar 06 19:20:38 -0800 2006 6 26 International 0 1411771 I'm planning a trip to Spain in May. I'm looking for traditional and new and interesting places to eat in Barcelona, Girona, Andorra, maybe Bilbao, etc. We are fairly flexible. I'd like a mix of fun cheap eats and a couple really nice dinners. I hear Adria's students have nice places around there? Also, we'd love to do wine tastings. I've heard good things about Priorat and Monstant. Are there other good regions in northeast of the country? How easy is it to be spontaneous, or do they all require reservations? Thank you! Mon Mar 06 19:20:38 -0800 2006 0 Baby Ruth 1 1411775 Does that mean you're not making the trip up to Roses for a meal at El Bulli? Mon Mar 06 20:29:46 -0800 2006 1411771 0 www.nycClubTaurino.com 2 1411790 In Gerona is El Cellier de Can Roca-one of the best restaurants in Spain, and not overpriced for the standard. Also in the area, South of Gerona, El Raco Con Fabes-another top restaurant with three Michelin stars. Tue Mar 07 03:57:25 -0800 2006 1411775 0 Tony Finch 1 1411779 I suggest you avoid Barcelona from May 11-14, unless you are going to the race. I don't know how crowded the restaurants will be, but hotel prices are roughly double what they are on the previous and following weekends. Mon Mar 06 20:52:37 -0800 2006 1411771 0 Kevin David 1 1411785 If you go to Girona, ask someone for directions to a country inn outside town called El Fang. I had a breakfast fit for a king there a couple of years ago, with all sorts of cooked meats, chuleta (chops) and wine, spritzed with Sprite, as if they locals had got the clock the wrong way round. The place was packed with locals, many of whom looked as if they had stayed out in the woods all night, hunting rabbits or snagging truffles, or whatever gallavanting Catalunyans do. In Bilbao, the restaurant in the Guggenheim is wonderful, run by Martin Beritasegui. My other favs in Bilbao are Victor Montes, in Plaza Nueva (the Merluza - hake - baked with potatoes is sublime), and El Perro Chico, near the market, run by a delightful man who looks like as if he stepped out of a noir film, big and Claude Rains-y. The latter opens at 9.00pm, so don't go early. For chulaton, the big salty steak favored by the locals, go to Casa Rufo in town, or Rogelio, which is up past the football stadium. If you can, hop out to Plentzia, a seaside village 40 minutes outside of Bilbao. One of the hottest young chefs serving Basque nouvelle couisine works at a restaurant called Gaminiz. A must if you have the time. And don't forget to spend half a day in the Guggenheim. It'll knock your socks off, even if you're not an art lover. Buen viaje! - Sean Mon Mar 06 22:42:34 -0800 2006 1411771 0 Sean Dell 1 1411824 Two years ago we traveled around Barcelona and all over Basque country. Hands down, the most memorable meal we had was at a Sidreria in Hernani in Gipuzkoa. You drink the fresh Sidra (cider) right from the barrels (it shoots out and you have to catch it in your glass while the locals laugh at you--in a nice way) and eat standing up at communal tables. In Hernani, there's a cluster of Sidrerias on a country road. We went to the one called Zelaia . Address: B Martindegi 29. I know the cider restaurants are only open when the cider is fresh and don't know if it extends to May. We were there in March. Anyway, so worth it. Little sausages, salt cod omelete, salt cod, huge most amazing fire grilled steak I've ever had followed by walnuts you crack yourself, manchego and quince paste. You don't get to order. That's what you get. You'll definitely be dining with the locals. So much fun. Wed Mar 08 00:39:55 -0800 2006 1411771 0 veebee 1 1411857 Cal Ganxo in Masmolets (near Tarragona). Wonderful rustic Catalan food, much of it grilled over an open fire, in a restored stone farmhouse. Wed Mar 08 12:58:08 -0800 2006 1411771 0 cap