One Night Barcelona

[tgonder]

I will be passing through Barcelona for one night in October. I was debating eating at either Alkimia or Comerc24. Seems looking through the threads they both have great reputations. What are the major differences between them and what would I expect to pay for a tasting menu with wine pairings at each? Are there other restaurants that I should also consider instead of these?

Thanks.

[sockster]

Try someplace fantastic...not the same ol same ol written about daily in CH....try Gelonch, by Chef Roberto Gelonch....better than those listed here....fantastic well priced tasting menu...fantastic well priced wines.......still unknown....that's where I'm going in three weeks on my first night in BCN!!

[Parigi]

Interesting "don't try others' recommenations, try mine" approach.

[sockster]

And, why not try something new and fabulous?? Have you been??

[PBSF]

Comerc24: all tapas menu; two tapas tasting menus with dishes pulled mostly from the regular menu; last year, the longer tasting menu was 72E. Overall, the food is very good though there might be one or two clunkers on the long tasting menu. They will do a wine pairing but I have never taken it, probably starting around 25E pp (and more if you want spend) but don't expect a different wine for each coarse; cooking very modern Catalan as the chef/owner used to work at El Bulli; decor is busy modern; eclectic with visitors, well dressed locals and the to be 'seen' crowd giving the place a fun buzz; service can be hit or miss depending on the waiter and the pace of the kitchen; dining room is fairly large, about 70 addition to a counter;
Alkimia: modern Catalan cooking without going over the top; menu is divided into course with a tasting menu around 75E though I have not eaten there in couple of years; probably better idea to do a wine pairing here as there are fewer courses and easier to match wines; modern miminalist decor, small dining round, around 45, therefore, it is more low key and come across as more serious than Comerc24; proper service yet friendly and informal.
A comment about wine pairing: although both of these places are excellent, these are not wine focus restaurants. My advice is that if the cost is reasonable, go for it, otherwise, ask wine by the glass.
I would also search this board as there have been many earlier posts on both of these restaurants. And there have been posters that have eaten there more recently.