Palafrugell

We stayed in Palafrugell towards the end of the season and being a small seaside resort, this meant a lot of places closed for the winter. We mainly cooked in the apartment ourselves, however we did venture out for dinner to Xabec, which is set back from the main street.

Xabec is ranked number one in the area on Tripadvisor. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the reviews online. Food was quite bland and the service wasn't great either.

Iberian pork shoulder (Gristley)

Fish stew (Dirty dish water)

Barcelona

Back to Barcelona and Duncan took us to Taranna, which is a cool little place with friendly service. Everything we ordered was delicious and tasted really fresh.

Oxtail filo parcels.

Pork with Pear.

Baked Camembert with a great selection of dippy bits. 

La Taguara Areperia – Situated in Born, this Venezuelan fast food place serves up heavenly little arepas (South American corn breads). These two were filled with fried black beans, cheese, shredded chicken and plantain. Also washed down with a couple of fresh strawberry juices. Highly recommended for a quick snack.

We picked up a couple of bottles from a lovely wine shop, Di-Vi for the evenings BBQ. The staff were very friendly and offered us tastings whilst we browsed the shelves. We couldn't resist LEO – a Malbec from Messi's home province of Mendoza. In collaboration with the winery, the Leo Messi foundation donates all profits to charitable causes. Marvellous. 

Here is our sausage party in all its glory.

Catalan flag / Watford coloured donut.

Crooo-nuts!

Duncs and Pabs took us to their local burger joint Oval. Create your own perfect burger from their large checklist. All our ingredients were saved on their computer system for when we return!

After a night at Marsella (absinthe bar) we needed a decent brunch to stave off our hangovers. We went chose the Moritz brewery. It didn't let us down and enabled us to continue sightseeing.

We took Dan and Amanda to one of our favourite places in Barcelona – La Vinateria del Call. The food here is really rich, dishes included Chorizo in Cider, Morcilla and Pimientos del Padron. Apologies for the rubbish photo, I was too busy enjoying the food.

We also took 'Damanda' to Salamanca for a paella before they left for the airport. We started off with some Pimientos del Padron and had about five hot ones in a row (not the usual one in ten). I think we were spiked. Unfortunately the photo doesn't really capture Dave's sweat and pain. Believe me, it was there.

Our waiter offered to pose for a photo. Then some guy came along with his accordion and sang in Amanda's face. She loved it.

Los Alcazares - Mar Menor

Another day trip from Murcia, we visited Los Alcazares and had lunch at Ginger Plaza. This tiny cocktail bar served traditional homemade food and was pretty good.

Mixed Seafood Salad.

Paella.

Ensalada Rusa. They take this dish pretty seriously in Murcia.

Alicante

We had a day trip to Alicante for a bit of beach and castle fun and had a light lunch at El Portal. Nice menu and great wine list.

Croquetas de Leche de Oveja Latxa (Latxa sheep milk croquettes).

Sandwich at the front is Portalito de Atún Rojo con Tomate Confitado (Open Sandwich of Red Tuna and Tomato Confit). The other is their Pepito Homenaje a Steve Jobs which is Beef Tenderloin and Truffle Butter Sandwich on Cal Massen Bread. I thought Steve Jobs was a hardcore vegan?!

Murcia

Murcia has some great places to eat and is pretty good value for money if you hunt around. We ate loads! Spanish chefs acknowledge that Murica is home to Spain's best tapas.

Taberna La Parranda Pequeña. Timbal goats cheese with blueberry jam.

'Matrimonio' – a salted anchovy partnered up with a soft pickled one. It works really well!

Asparagus and jamon with cabrales cheese sauce.

Brocheta.

Empanadas in Pepico del tio Ginés.

Grilled cheese.

We paid a visit to Mi Mejico twice during our stay. This is meal number 1. Chicken tacos.

Enchiladas Poblanas (con salsa mole).

Menu del dia at La Sociedad. Complimentary vegetarian sushi appetizer.

Berenjenas crema (Aubergine in cream sauce)

Migas (Sauteed breadcrumbs with pork)

Arroz y habichuelas (Rice and beans)

Lomo empanado (breaded pork steak)

Crema catalana (Catalan version of creme brulee)

This was our second visit to Mi Mejico to join in the celebrations for Grito de Dolores (Mexican Independence Day). Cue mariachi band and Corona drinks promotion. We started dinner with Ceviche de Pescado.

Mixed starters, empanadas, tacos and tamales.

Enchiladas.

Molcajete dish (Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock)

Chocolate crepes and tequilas (out of shot) to finish. Salud!