It's Better to Travel than Arrive?

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive"

Robert Louis Stevenson, Virginibus Puerisque, 1881.


"Robert Louis Stevenson speaks utter tosh and has

obviously never flown long haul economy class"

Kristy, first ever blog post, 2011.


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Restaurant Review : Montiel, Barcelona

We had a fantastic weekend in Barcelona and, as usual, I tried to do some homework on TripAdvisor before we left home.  I tried to get a booking at Cinc Sentits after a good recommendation by Jim and great reviews on TripAdvisor, but they were booked out.  TripAdvisor suggested Montiel and I managed to secure a reservation.  Montiel is in the top 10 of over 2,000 restaurants in Barcelona, and reviewed fantastically well, so I was really glad we could get in.

It was a little hard to find, down one way narrow streets, but we got there on foot in the end after the taxi could go no further into the maze of lanes.  It was really worth the little bit of wandering around when we found it and were warmly welcomed inside.

It's a small restaurant, on two levels, with incredibly friendly staff - all of whom spoke good English.  The menu was glorious and we were asked if we'd like to order a drink whilst we read through it.  I asked if they did a Rose by the glass and the waiter apologised that they did not, only by the bottle.  Then he said "No, if that's what you want, then that's what you shall have.  Life is too short!".  I said that was fabulous, but he really didn't have to open a bottle just for me to have a glass.  "No problems.  I shall offer glasses to other guests.  Please, I will open it for you.".  That?  That's service.  Seriously good service.

I started with scallops and suckling pig - delicious.  The serves are generous so don't think you'll be going hungry.  I followed with duck on wild mushroom risotto for main.  Again, it was lovely and a good sized serve, so much so that I couldn't finish it.

2 comments:

  1. Oh I remember the suckling pig from a restaurant here we lived. We had to ring and book for that meal 48 hours in advance.

    Everything came with potatoes in Galicia...is it the same all around Spain? We really regret not getting to visit Barcelona while we were there.

    Thanks for your comment on my blog post, I am not as worried about Bangkok as I was on the day i wrote that entry. Actually, the closer it gets the more excited I feel :)

    I added the follow by email option too - thanks for the tip

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  2. So glad the Montiel review bought back good memories of your time in Galicia - it sounds fabulous! No, there weren't any normal potatoes served with our meals, but there was a sweet potato puree with the suckling pig - the sweetness helped to cut the fat of the pork - YUM! Thanks for adding the email subscription to your blog - I've subscribed now! I know you'll love BKK, email me if you have any questions. Happy to help.

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