Hiroko’s Kitchen | Blog

Happy pills/ Football victory night in Barcelona/ blood sausage braised with squash

Happy Pills store front

Happy Pills filled in bottlesblood sausage cooked with squash

In El Born, one of the trendiest neighborhood of Barcelona, tapas bars, gelato stores, clothing shops and other unique stores stands to next each other.  Some stores survive many years and others come and go.  The newest addition to this locale is a tiny, cool-looking store called “Happy Pills”.  You can tell that (more…)

After leaving his brother’s restaurant, El Bulli, Alberto Adria opened and operates his own tapas bar restaurant, Inopia in the city.  When we arrived around 2pm on Sunday, there was already a line of people waiting for the seats.  Alberto spotted us and whisked us into the crowded restaurant.  Soon two counter seats were vacated and we could luckily sit down and taste his delightful creations.  Alberto enthusiastically (more…)

After a huge tapas lunch I decided to stroll aimlessly down the narrow streets of the Gotic district.  Aimlessness was not really my plan.  Since I have no sense of direction whatsoever, getting lost among maze streets was easy to do.  Suddenly a small, open store front with as sign saying “The Bagel Shop – The True (more…)

I recently stayed in Barcelona for a week.  Here are some stories and some places that you should try on your next visit to this lovely city.  No. 1: Hotel – Banys Orientals – This small hotel is nestled in busy, historical El Born district of the city.  It is 3 minutes walk to Sagurada Familia and many other famous tourist spots…. (more…)