518304 Mon May 12 09:40:05 -0700 2008 7 50 Spain/Portugal 0 3679020 I am having a serious brain freeze. There is a (reputedly) wonderful restaurant (relatively) nearby Barcelona run by a fellow who goes by the name of Ferran something-or-other. It is *not* the man of many foams - somebody else. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I might possibly be remembering ? Comments on the restaurant would also be welcome. Mon May 12 09:40:07 -0700 2008 53909 beckerjt2 1 3680000 I have just returned from two wonderful weeks in Barcelona and the only well-known Chef Ferran is indeed Ferran Adria from El Bulli outside of BCN. Although we dined wonderfully in this amazing city, we did not make it to El Bulli. For a taste of a similar experience at a much lower price, I would heartily recommend Comerc 24 in Barcelona. The chef there is a protege of Ferran Adria's having worked in El Bulli for 10 years before recently opening his own place. Check out: www.comerc24.com It's a find!! Mon May 12 13:14:46 -0700 2008 3679020 171170 josephnl 2 3680246 Carlos Abellan of Comerc24 did worked at El Bulli for many years. Comerc24 is not a recent opening but about 7 years old. About a year ago, he did open a second place, Tapac24, which serves more traditional tapas. Mon May 12 14:18:42 -0700 2008 3680000 10756 PBSF 1 3681736 Ferran (Fernando in Castillian Spanish) is a very, very popular name in Catalunya. Any other hints you may remember? Tue May 13 01:32:18 -0700 2008 3679020 37267 SillyDisciple 2 3682240 Thanks for clarifying. Nevertheless, for those wanting to go to El Bulli and either being unable to snag a very difficult reservation, or to afford the very high prices, I heartily recommend Comerc24 in Barcelona. You will definitely get a sampling of this innovative cuisine created by a protege of Ferran Adria's. We had generally excellent food in BCN, however after two weeks of mostly shellfish and an overabundance of olive oil, we were happy to return to home cooking and American cuisine. If anyone is planning a trip to BCN in the near future, please don't hesitate to contact me for some restaurant recs. Tue May 13 07:38:31 -0700 2008 3681736 171170 josephnl 1 3681919 Brain unfrozen ! Can Jubany Calldetenes (http://www.calldetenes.org/ewebs/jubany.htm) a one-star not too far from the city. There is a very nice monastery nearby (Santa Maria di Ripoll). Tue May 13 05:46:57 -0700 2008 3679020 53909 beckerjt2 2 3682258 Indeed, Can Jubany is a great restaurant in Calldetenes, just outside Vic, aprox. one hour away from Barcelona. The chef's name is Nando Jubany. Indeed Nando is short for Fernando (or Ferran in Catalan). Definitely recommended. Tue May 13 07:44:18 -0700 2008 3681919 37267 SillyDisciple 1 3969563 The restaurant you are thinking of is OT, and the chef is also named Ferran. The website is http://www.otrestaurant.net/. I highly highly recommend this restaurant. Although not Adria, this Ferran will come and explain each dish and pair it with wine, the staff speaks english, catalan and spanish, of course, the dining room is very intimate with only 1 table that can accomodate a large group. I had a 3.5 hour tasting marathon with 7 of my friends and walked out fully satisifed. Do check it out. Tue Aug 19 11:57:52 -0700 2008 3679020 219717 bcncwn