barcelona metropolitan issue 181

February 2012 Nº 181 Free

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Publisher Creative Media Group, S.L. Managing Director Esther Jones Senior Editor Hannah Pennell Art Director Aisling Callinan Sales Director Rainer Hobrack Account Executive Richard Cardwell Financial Manager Andrea Moreno Editorial Assistants Max Bentley and Nicola Reid Design Assistant Isolda Piza Sales Assistants Tashoma Lemard and Chloe Pera Contributors Amanda August, Jonathan Bennett, Lucy Brzoska, Roger de Flower, Nick Lloyd, Tara Stevens and Nicola Thornton Photographers Tashoma Lemard, Richard Owens and Lee Woolcock Cover illustration Ferran Capo Illustrator Ben Rowdon

Editorial Office: Ciutat 7 2º 4ª, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486, Fax. 93 451 6537; [email protected]: [email protected]. General enquiries: [email protected]. www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Printer: Litografia Rosés. Depósito Legal: B35159-96The views expressed in Barcelona Metropolitan are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction, or use, of advertising or editorial content herein, without express permission, is prohibited.

34. ESCAPE THE CITY

Find your nearest distribution point on www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

From the Senior Editor: We’re now almost midway through arguably the most difficult time of the year, when Christmas is long gone and Easter is far off on the horizon, meaning that it’s all work, work, work. Fortunately for us, we live in a place that embraces the fun of Carnival, and in this issue, we hope you can find other ways to keep your spirits up. Our feature articles cover Barcelona’s wild boar population, the city’s outlets for organic produce and the anniversary of the first Civil War bomb raids here, 75 years ago. We interview two women, Abigail Mackie and Madalina Pir-van, who are following their own paths in Barcelona and hear from the Granada duo Elastic Band ahead of their concert here at the end of the month. Look out as well for this month’s striking photo collage, ideas for romantic fun around Catalunya and ways to make the most of even the smallest balcony.

Hannah Pennell

Contents February

28. MAKING PLANS

Features14 Wild boar in Barcelona20 Where to buy organic produce24 Remembering the city’s air raids

Regulars06 On our web 07 An inside look08 The month 11 How to: make the most of your balcony13 Fashion: Aby Mackie19 Interview: Madalina Pirvan22 Photo collage: Outdoors28 Ideas: Culture, Gastronomy, Escape the city...58 Back page

Directories40 Food & Drink 45 Business 55 Jobs

19. INTERVIEW

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Fantastic Duplex apartment of 200m2 - Les Corts

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FOR SALE

R E N T A L S

50m2 sunny charming flat - Born

Cosy one bedroom apartment, modern finishings. Fully equipped and furnished. Short letting pos-sible. Ref. L0252ba Price: €1.100

Sunny 140m2 flat - Diagonal Mar

20m2 terrace with sea views, living/dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Com-munal area. Parking. Ref V1228ba Price: €750.000

A 90m2 high floor refurbished apartment - Eixample

In listed building, Living/Dining room with a balcony, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Top quality fit-tings and finishings. Ref V1236ba. Price: €590.000

Brand new flats in Sarria

Brand new flats located in the heart of Sarria. From 1 to 3 bedrooms. Open kitchen. Community roof-top sun deck. Ref. V1105ba From €380.000

Triplex apartment of 128m2 - Sarrià

Private garden of 35m2, living room, separate dining room, eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms. Parking opt. Unfurnished. Ref. L0244ba Price: €1.750

Detached 225m2 house - Vallcarca

Living/dining room, kitchen, four bedrooms, three bath-rooms, service area, plot of 300m2, pool and parking. Great finishings. Furnished.Ref. L0221ba Price: €3.300

185m2 family apartment - Pedralbes

Eat-in kitchen, service area, living/dining room, 10m2 terrace, three bedrooms, two bathrooms. Communal pool. Two parking spaces. Unfurnished. Ref. L0241ba Price: €2.700

115m2 apartment - Diagonal Mar

Terrace with fantastic views and good exposition, living room, kitchen, three bedrooms and two bath-rooms. Parking. Furnished. Ref. L0251ba Price: €2.500

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We’re pleased to welcome our first opera critic, Josephine Novak, who will be writing exclusively on our website about the productions being shown at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. A retired editor and opera lover, Josephine will this month start her reviews of the shows being staged at the world-famous operahouse with the Mozart classic The Marriage of Figaro (above) and the little-known work, Il Burbero di Bueno Cuore. Discover what she thought of them at: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/operareviews

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

on our web

A night at the opera

BOOKS FOR FREE We have two books to give away this month, one

aimed at younger readers and the other for the

grown-ups. Both are bilingual, published together

in English and Catalan, so they’re ideal for anyone

looking to practise their language skills. The first

is Big Magic (Gran Magia), a series of stories for six

to eight year olds written by Georgina Tremayne,

translated into Catalan by Sylvia Serratosa and

beautifully illustrated by Cristina Caupena. The

other is the second volume in the All Angles series,

an anthology of short stories by Catalunya-based

authors. Readings from both books will be taking

place in Barcelona this month—find details of these

and what you have to do to be in with a chance

of winning one of the books, at www.barcelona-

metropolitan.com/bookgiveaway.

CARNIVAL TIME!

Le Nozze di Figaro © Antoni Bofill

The time for crazy costumes, debauchery and feasting is upon us. Yes, it’s Carnaval once more, the final fling before the seven abste-mious weeks of Lent kick off. Of course, with things the way they are now, we’re all having to be more abstemious year-round, so we might not see that much difference ahead, but still, any excuse to dress up and eat unhealthy food for a few days, eh? Find out what’s on here: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/carnival2012

06 INTERNET

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AN INSIDE LOOK Illustrator Ferran Capowww.ferrancapo.com

I was born in Barcelona in 1979. I studied at EINA design school but ended up developing more disciplines besides design, for example live video and music mixing for clubs and festivals. I have a couple of gigs coming up soon: one is Tot Festival and the other Barcelona Visual Sound. I’ve had illustration work published in Cañamo magazine, on fl yers and posters for Sala Apolo, Suborn Club and Ling magazine. I’m also in charge of the image for the parties organised at La Ratonera, a small downtown venue in Barcelona, and have done different things from video ads to video installations and working as a video assistant on movies. I’m currently working as Content Manager for Dailymotion Spain and keep drawing and trying to develop as a graphic designer and illustrator.

Barcelona is ruled by frightened peasants and cheesy hotel managers.I never miss a chance to swim in the sea.I always avoid pickpockets and the Guardia Urbana.A view: Barcelona from the top of Raval Hotel (Rambla Raval 17).An inspiration: Foreigners in your city and locals when you are travelling.A place to go with friends: Betty Ford’s (Joaquín Costa 56).

About the cover… The cover is based on this month’s Carnival. I had this weird twist when drawing characters; maybe they look a bit like a retro futuristic cartoon, but you can fi nd characters extracted from classic paintings by Matisse, Picasso and Miró who covered the subject of Carnival in their work. I used Google Images to get some inspiration, searching for weird combinations, like art and movies.

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Sweet somethings

CosmoCaixa has just opened one of the most advanced planetariums in the world. Put on your stereoscopic glasses and feel that much closer to the stars and constellations thanks to the 14-me-tre dome, which boasts an innovative 3D projection system. This is not like the time you went to see your favourite fi lm in 3D and came away devastatingly disappointed. This astronomic simula-tion is capable of bringing 100,000 stars into view, as well as satellites and maps of the world. Programmes range from scientifi c fi lms for the general public to projections with astronomic and astro-physical content. These starry shows are presented in four different languages (Catalan, Castilian, English and French) and adapted for those with sensorial disabilities. It’s out of this world. Teodor Roviralta 47-51. www.cosmocaixa.es

FebruarySTARRY-EYED

WHAT’S nEW in TOWn BY NICOLA REID

With the cupcake trend continuing apace in Barcelona, there must be more than one reader who has gazed at the beautiful creations of rich sponge and pastel-coloured icing and thought, “I could do that”. But while the cold(ish) winter days of Barcelona lend themselves well to cake comfort eating, the city hasn’t yet jumped onto the cake-making bandwagon that is rolling through many of our countries of origin. The recent decision, then, of gourmet bakery blog Sweet 180º to branch out into selling accessories online and in select local shops is timely indeed. From the porcelain stands pictured right (no, we don’t know why there’s a trumpet there either; focus on the raspberries) and pretty paper cake plates for when you’re serving delicious cake slices and don’t necessarily want to use your best china (pictured bottom right) to themed kits for parties, this is an excellent place to start your Barcelona collection of baking essentials. www.sweet180grados.com

08 THE MONTH

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Effortless styleIf you’re a man who made one of your resolu-tions for the new year the intent to get away from daily bed-head hair, mismatched socks and inside-out cardigans, help is at hand thanks to Italian fashion label Sobrino. With their brand new store in the heart of Barcelona, they prom-ise to deliver the long-loved casuality of male urban streetwear with a touch of sophistication. You’ve got no excuses now not to smarten up. Carrer de Pi 12. www.sobrino.com

Whether you’re at Apolo for Nasty Mondays, Anti-Karaoke or just a common-or-garden con-cert, why not up the ante on your pre-gig beers or post-clubbing snacking, rather than simply heading to any old local eatery? Let’s be honest, we wouldn’t eat those samosas or intriguing bocadillos were we in a state of total sobriety. Apolo has the answer: its very own diner. Don’t expect anything extraordinary inside—it’s got exposed pipes, metal seats and simple wooden tables—but hey, it’s better than sitting on a pave-ment spilling food onto your lap. No, no, this is much more civilised; they even have a cocktail menu! Open late and perfectly located next to a top Barcelona nightspot, it’s ideal for an unpar-alleled night out. Vilà i Vilà 60-62. www.apolodiner.com

Dining in

THE MONTH 09

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1. BRINGING NATURE INTO YOUR HOMEYour balcony may not be large enough for you to enjoy but there is no reason why it can’t be put to good use for other creatures. Why not welcome nature into your home by creating a friendly environment for animals? Building or putting up a birdhouse can be a fun activity for all the family and you can be sure to expect a few starlings, tits or even a parakeet (if you’re lucky) on your balcony every morning. If birds aren’t your thing, however, why not set up some butterfl y netting and a few lavender plants to invite those deli-cate creatures onto your balcony?

2. GET YOUR GLOVES OUTMaybe your balcony needs sprucing up a little or requires a dash of colour. Just because you don’t have a garden, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get those gloves out! Well-chosen greenery and colourful plants such as geraniums and petunias can provide your balcony with character and turn it into your own personal oasis. If you’re feeling adventurous, growing your own herbs and food plants can be an entertain-ing and productive activity. Sunfl ower seeds, tomatoes and fruit have all become integral ingredients of the Mediterrean diet and with a healthy climate almost all year round, save yourself a trip to the greengrocer’s and grow your own produce.

3. MAKE YOUR FEELINGS KNOWNWith government spending cuts, the euro crisis and rising house prices all concerns for the average Bar-celona citizen, it is understandable that many people have strong political views about current affairs. Your balcony is your personal space and can be converted into a mouthpiece to express your feelings openly. Protest banners or posters are an effective way to vent your thoughts and cover up those empty spaces on your balcony.

4. SOLAR LIGHTING One of the greatest struggles many balcony owners face is the lack of access to an electricity source. A solution to this problem can be found through the use of solar technology. With a variety of different sizes and attractive designs, many homestores now sell a range of solar lights, which absorb the rays of the sun during the day before generating energy at night to provide you with an attractive, warmly-lit place to relax in the evening. 3

2

Leave any other suggestions about how to make the most out of your balcony space, at: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/balconies

1

Max Bentley looks at how you can make the most out of your balcony, however small it may be.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR BALCONY

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We live in a society which has bought into excessive fashion con-sumption. Don’t feel guilty. We’ve all been there. But while there’s no obligation to change your ways, there are ample opportunities to take a new direction with the growth in the vintage clothing market, a trend that has steadily advanced in Barcelona thanks in part to people like British creative Aby Mackie. The opposing agendas of ‘fast fashion’ and sustainability, coupled with endless magazine interviews with celebrities about how ‘this old thing’ was found at their favourite out-of-the-way vintage store, has seen a huge expansion in the concept of digging out clothes from the past, either to wear as is or to adapt them to personal or catwalk tastes. “We’re very conscious of consumerism,” said Mackie of her family, which has embraced a sustainable lifestyle. “I hardly ever buy new clothes. About 95 percent of what we have is vintage, swapped, borrowed or given.” In her work, too, Mackie is conscious of how manufacturers nowa-days often opt for time effi ciency over lasting quality and has headed away from such practices. She has a vintage label, Violeta Vintage, through which she sells—online and at local markets—classic pieces found in many different places. These include markets in London and Chile, where her husband is from and which she visits occasionally. Mackie’s treasure trove wardrobe in her studio, where she has all the pieces for sale on display, is captivating. “It’s all the things that I loved but that weren’t quite right for me, or not quite my style.” When asked about what she looks for in a vintage garment, she said: “In general, I try and fi nd garments in really good condition. Quality speaks for itself.” She then revealed how her dad, an antique clock-maker and restorer, inspired her passion for timeless classics. “It taught me about things that were well-made, old, well-worn and had a history. It’s the same with clothes. You fi nd things that are beautiful and well-made, timeless.”She has also created a line of baby bibs—under the label Wild and

Beautiful—that she creates using pieces of second-hand material and other raw materials, all of which are sourced in this area. “Every-thing is local, and the idea is to keep it local. We don’t get anything imported. We do everything ourselves.” If you’re still not convinced by the allure of vintage clothing, con-sider this: despite appearances to the contrary, with so many stores selling cheap clothes, the homogenisation of fashion design means consumers actually have limited stylistic choices. “You pick up on particular silhouettes because they’re all repeated,” said Mackie. So, there’s an element of conformity in following fashion, even when it is considered an act of individualisation. This is exactly why vintage is a great option for anyone tired of looking like everybody else. “You’re getting the current trend, but with a twist on it. By buying an old piece, it’s actually more unique and original. No one is going to have the same thing as you, they’re really not.” From Leicestershire to Barcelona, and with a degree in Textile Design and an MA in Fine Art and Photography behind her, Mackie describes her journey as “a big mess of creativity”. She also talks fondly about the creative community in Barcelona, mentioning a few of her friends who are doing similar things, such as Lulu Melotte (Vintage-bebe) and Leyla Nazim (Layelfi shvintage). “It’s all mixed up. Everyone is multifaceted in what they’re doing now.” After some time off looking after her young children and moving house, Mackie is now settled and ready to concentrate on some of her new projects during 2012. She participates regularly in markets around Barcelona: Brick Lane BCN, a monthly vintage pop-up collaboration (this month’s edition takes place on Saturday 4th on Corretger 5, 12 to 6pm) and the Saturday market on Allada Vermell are two of the places where you can seek out Aby Mackie and her vintage treasures.

www.violeta-vintage.blogspot.com; www.wild-and-beautiful.com

fashionBritish designer and creator Aby Mackie is helping to develop Barcelona’s vintage fashion scene. At her Barcelona studio, she talked to Nicola Reid about the allure of second-hand clothing and why she advocates a sustainable lifestyle.

STYLE 13

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New neighbours

14 WILD BOAR

Barcelona’s wild boar population is getting bolder. Text and photos by Lucy Brzoska.

At the end of summer, when the ground is dry and rock hard, and foraging opportunities diminish, wild boar often stray into Barcelona from the hills of Collserola. The peripheral areas of the city have grown accustomed to these visits.

Last September, however, the Guardia Urba-na were summoned to deal with a boar family who had crossed the city’s busy ring road, and penetrated the central barri of Gràcia. The same family had been observed exploring Parc Güell a month earlier. The sight of policemen herding these woodland ungulates through the city streets brought home the fact that Barcelona might need a new strategy for living with its bristly wild neighbours.

At the heart of the boar conflict is the Collserola natural park’s unique situation: a green island at the centre of a densely-pop-ulated metropolitan area of three million people, with 150,000 of them living within the boundaries of the park itself, which has struggled with encroaching urbanisation. As humans invade the boars’ habitat, and vice versa, their lives are bound to overlap.

Traffic accidents are one of the most serious hazards. Allotments are raided and trashed, rubbish bins are broken into, parks and golf courses ploughed up.

One estimate has the current boar population in Collserola as 900, although it’s difficult to provide an exact figure since they are essentially nocturnal animals and visibility is severely restricted in dense woodland. I asked Francesc Llimona, a biologist working in the park and author of several papers on the subject, if a satura-tion point had been reached—was Collserola now so full of boars that they were being forced out to make a living in the city?

“They can live in even denser populations than here,” he said. “The problem is the degree to which boars are losing their fear of humans.” This is aggravated by people who actively feed them, entranced by the sight of such powerful-looking mammals, whose heads can appear mounted as fierce hunting trophies, approaching peaceably for a slice of pizza or anything else that’s going. In no time at all, the boars begin to feel at home in an urban environ-ment and become addicted to scavenging for junk food. It’s often a

Mother boar followed by her striped boarlets

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WILD BOAR 15

>>

death sentence, as regular offenders will be captured and put down.

But the vast majority of boars prefer to keep their distance from us, and for them, Collserola is an ideal habitat. Large extensions of oak trees satiate their appetite for acorns; in a lean acorn year the boar population will dip. There are streams where they can bathe and coat themselves in mud, essential for keeping parasites at bay and spreading scents in the rutting season. Deep, bramble-filled gullies proliferate, ensuring safe hiding places from the two million visitors the park receives a year.

Boar populations are thriving not only in Spain but all across Europe. One cause is the decline in their natural predator, the wolf, though changes in land use are by far the main factor. In Collse-rola, the last wolf was shot at the end of the 19th century, when boars themselves were on the verge of extinction in Catalunya. But their numbers didn’t begin to rocket until agriculture and wood-exploitation dwindled in the Seventies.

Since the wolf is unlikely to be reintroduced any time soon,

Mother boar and two youngsters

“The problem is the degree to which boars are losing their fear of humans.”


16 WILD BOAR

>> about 25 times a year hunting clubs from the metropolitan area are allowed to bring their dogs and rifles into Collserola to cull the boar population. A section of the park is cordoned off at a time to prevent accidents. A year ago, the Generalitat, whose minister for Agriculture and the Environment, Josep Maria Pelegrí, openly con-fesses his dislike of animals, proposed the boars could be shot by bow and arrow. The archers, using sophisticated high-tech equip-ment, would slip into the park at night to dispatch their prey.

The government probably didn’t expect the ensuing public out-cry, motivated principally by fears that the boars would suffer a slow painful death. Many also found it abhorrent that hunters were being given authorisation to enjoy themselves in a natural park with what might be construed as expensive deadly toys. The idea was rapidly shelved. Instead, the more traditional sounds of horns, baying of hounds and gun shots will continue to be heard in Collserola from October to February, the established hunting season.

But it’s becoming increasingly clear that culling alone is not a solution to the conflicts. People have to be taught how to live cheek by jowl with wild animals. A system of fines has been suggested, to curb feeding and the dumping of rubbish in accessible places. Studies also stress the importance of buffer zones between woods and urban areas. Open habitats of shrub- and grassland appear to deter the boars from exploring further, with the added benefit of increasing species biodiversity.

Are boars dangerous? No one has ever reported being attacked by one in Collserola, but these large mammals deserve our respect. They come armed with tusks and are capable of tremendous accel-eration over short distances. Generally, on detecting human pres-ence, they will use this speed to move in the opposite direction. The main exception is a mother protecting her young, who might confront the perceived intruder and threaten to charge. In such a situation your best move is to slowly back off. If worried about unexpectedly stumbling across a boar, the ideal strategy is to keep up a noisy conversation while walking and, like the majority of Collserola’s visitors, you will never see so much as a single bristle.

The incursion of boar into the city is damaging for all con-cerned. I remember one night near Horta coming across a group of juveniles on a roundabout, ploughing the earth and scattering freshly planted shrubs. On being disturbed, they ran noisily up the steps of the nearby university campus. Removed from their natu-ral habitat, they seemed reduced to a gang of hooligans on the rampage.

In stark contrast, one quiet autumnal afternoon, in the depths of Collserola, the silence was broken by something heavy approach-ing, and a large male boar galloped up the slope. While females and young travel in herds, the adult males lead a solitary life. Half-hidden behind some trees, I held my breath, and he showed no sign of having seen me. I could see his sloping back, with its short black mane, and the protruding tusks, a primeval sight, so often depicted in cave paintings. After snorting a couple of times, he slowly meandered away into the undergrowth.

Sometimes Collserola, with its hoards of mountain bikers, walk-ers and runners, seems about to be engulfed by the surrounding metropolis. The presence of wild boar is a saving grace, helping to protect the spirit of the place. I felt privileged to have had such an encounter, on the very doorstep of the city, only a metro-ride away.

Lucy Brzoska runs nature tours and writes for the website www.ibe-rianature.com

No one has ever reported being attacked by a boar in Collserola, but these large mammals deserve our respect.

WILD BOAR FACTS AND FIGURES- The word ‘boar’ describes an adult male of certain pig species, including domestic pigs of which wild boar are the ancestors; in the case of the wild boar, ‘boar’ is applicable to all members of the species. So it is correct to say ‘female boar’ or ‘infant wild boar’.- In the UK, they were hunted to extinction in the 17th century, but are now found in areas of the country once more after creatures escaped from farms where they were being bred for meat. - Boar hair was often used to make toothbrushes until the invention of syn-thetic materials in the Thirties.- They have an average weight of 50 kilogrammes, although some reach over 300 kilogrammes. On average, females are about a third smaller than males.- Female boars are relatively sociable animals. They live in groups called sound-ers, consisting of breeding females and their young, and typically containing between six and 30 animals. Males, however, are solitary for much of the year, with the exception of the breeding season when they can be found in close proximity to the sounders.- Boars are nocturnal, foraging from dusk until dawn but with resting periods during both night and day, sleeping for around 12 hours a day.- They eat almost anything they come across—nuts, berries, flowers, roots, grasses, rubbish and insects. They will also often finish off the remains of dead animals, such as deer.- Unlike their female counterparts, adult males develop tusks which grow con-tinuously for use as weapons and tools. Males also have an extra hollow tusk on their top lip, which acts like a knife-sharpener, constantly sharpening their bottom tusks.- The snout of the wild boar has a cartilaginous disk at the end, supported by a small bone called the prenasal, that allows the snout to be used as a bulldozer when foraging for food.


MOVING TO BARCELONA?

GO online with CASAMONA.com

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main pages Feb2012.indd 4 1/26/12 11:47:43 AM

I came to Barcelona in 2010. I was in my last year of university, studying theatre, and feeling a bit down, thinking that I hadn’t learnt what I needed to learn to be prepared for my life as an artist. I knew I wanted to go somewhere warm—I had only seen the beach three times before I was 18—and by sheer coincidence, my mum phoned to say she had a friend going

to Spain. She suggested I might want to go with him and I left 10 days later.I lived in Girona for six months before moving here. I didn’t know a soul when I arrived but in four days, I found a theatre group on the Internet called PVC. They seemed very extreme and provoca-tive and, amazingly, they let me work with them. At first, I was lost; I didn’t have a clue about their activities and my Castilian accent was a cross between French, Ameri-can and Romanian, but it really opened doors for me. After a year with them, I wrote to Radio Star Terrassa who were looking for collaborators. One of my many, many dreams from the age of 12 was to have my own radio show broadcast at four in the morning, where I could sit in the darkness and it wouldn’t matter what I said or what music I played. Now I do just that, but on Sunday afternoons at 2pm…My show is called Generalmente

diferente (Generally different). I am usually sarcastic about the popular songs of the day—especially Las 40 Principales—and lament the lack of diversity. I like to introduce bands that people might never have heard of, although I’m not one of those weirdos who hates bands once they’ve become successful. I love Bowie, Joan Jett and Arcade Fire, for example.

On Sunday mornings, I wake up early, even if I go out partying the night before, and spend a couple of hours decid-ing what I’m going to play. I write my spiel on the train; as long as I know the first bit of what I am going to talk about, the rest will follow. I love talking and hearing myself talking without being interrupted! I am always laughing at myself too, which is a bit weird considering I’m completely alone in the studio. It’s like my playground.A lot of people inspire me in differ-ent ways, from their creativity to their serenity, intelligence, their ability to be unselfish or their courage to be out of the ordinary. Most of all, I admire people that manage to be happy. It seems such a dif-ficult thing. I don’t know yet how to do it, but some seem to have reached happiness in some way and I think “Lucky bastards”.I don’t really have many possessions. I’ve left many things behind in the houses

I’ve lived in and I don’t miss them, but I couldn’t live without my MP3 player, a notebook and a pen.This is the first time in my life I feel my room belongs to me. I have my dark red walls, photos of my friends and shows, posters of clowns and dolls, my lamps, my green carpet and psychedelic scenery. I feel most at home in Sidecar [the

club in Plaça Reial]. It reminds me of my favourite club in Bucharest, the Control Club. It’s a place where there’s always somebody I know, there’s always Martini and there’s always music I like. Coming to Spain has changed me a lot. It’s made me grow up and stop being a selfish brat. This contagious passion for theatre and my need for journeying were decisive forces in where I am now. I am a traveller and I couldn’t imagine my life another way.I do love the beach. It’s the best sound-track for reading a book or watching the hot guys surf. I’m pretty scared of the mountains; I saw a horror movie when I was little where a tree ate some teenagers and mountains are always the perfect set-ting for a serial killer, so no holiday in the mountains for me, thanks.

Interview by Nicola Thornton. Photo by Lee Woolcock.

Madalina (‘Mad’) Pirvan

Multidisciplinary artist, 23, Romanian

INTERVIEW 19

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Good food guide

20 ORGANIC PRODUCE

Find organic food in Barcelona with our list of places selling all the essentials.By Amanda August. Photos by Tashoma Lemard.

Anyone who has ever looked for fresh organic products in their local market or greengrocer’s shop in Barcelona might just rub their head in wonder on learning that Spain leads Europe in the amount of land that it organically farms, with a surface area of 1.7 million hectares. It’s hard to

believe when you consider the relatively few shops in the city that sell organic fruit, vegetables and meat.

The contradiction is explained by the fact that the country is one of the leading exporters of organic produce in the world, and while the latest statistics from Spain’s Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) show a 10 percent growth in the number of organic producers, both in agriculture and livestock, most of the produce goes abroad.

Fortunately for organic-hungry shoppers out there, some of the produce does make it into shops in the city, often supplied by small farms and cooperatives in the region. Furthermore, box schemes are becoming more popular here, whereby orders for fruit and vegeta-bles are made online or by phone and the boxed order is delivered to your door. There are also online companies selling organic meat.

Of course, Barcelona is still a long way off other big cities in countries such as Austria, Denmark and Germany in terms of both demand and availability of organic fresh food products, and the cur-rent economic situation can’t be helping to change this. However, a recent study carried out by MARM on the market for organic products in 2010 showed growth of nearly 12 percent in sales of organic goods compared to a loss of 0.9 percent for non-organic. In a nutshell, interest is there and growing all the time.

Our round-up of some of the places where you can currently buy fresh organic fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and bread in Barcelona includes small local shops, supermarkets, a market trader and on-line companies. Most also sell eggs, cheese, cold cuts and cured sau-sages. Do expect to pay more—Spain may be producing a lot but a small market, less demand, little competition and working with small farms keeps prices higher. Also bear in mind that the choice of fresh

produce is more limited as a result of many shops trying to stick to selling produce from as close to home as possible for environmental reasons, and consequently this means that products stocked will de-pend on what’s in season.

Barceloneta Comestibles: Sant Carles 13, tel. 93 221 9581With the feel of an old-fashioned delicatessen, thanks to its original tiles and old wooden fridge, this small shop is popular for its take-away ready-made organic meals but it also has a good range of fruit and vegetables and produce is locally sourced as much as possible. Fresh organic meat can be ordered in.

Baluard: Baluard 38-40 baixos, tel. 93 221 1208, www.baluardbarce-loneta.comJust next to Barceloneta market, this busy bakery offers several or-ganic breads including wholewheat, spelt and baguettes.

eixampleBio Space: València 186, tel. 93 453 1573, www.bioespacio.comThis large, spacious store has an excellent selection of fresh organic produce at surprisingly competitive prices. Formerly a family-run butcher’s, it became an organic supermarket in 2000. A fresh meat counter sells beef, goat, pork and chicken, and on Fridays a limited selection of fresh fish from organic farms is available.

Wokimarket: Ronda de la Universitat 20, tel. 93 302 5206,www.wokimarket.comA concept store with a supermarket selling organic, Asian and Latin American products and four food zones serving organic Asian, sushi, pasta and pizza, and meat. It also includes a Baluard bakery (see above under ‘Barceloneta’) selling fresh organic breads. Its selection of fruit and vegetables is good if a bit pricey. The building itself is striking and was once the offices of Escofet, the architect company that has been manufacturing the renowned Barcelona paving stones

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ORGANIC PRODUCE 21

since 1906. There are three other stores in the city: in Gràcia (Astúries 22, tel.

93 292 0399), Barceloneta (Passeig Maritím 1, tel. 93 224 1251) and El Born (Carders 6, tel. 93 315 2795).See page 38 for Tara Stevens’s review of Wokimarket.

el BornBarcelona Reykjavik: Princesa 16, tel. 93 186 6336, www.barce-lonareykjavik.comBakery with a daily selection of around 12 types of bread, the ma-jority made with spelt (a traditional grain that is a species of wheat but easier to digest). The most popular bread is spelt with oats and mixed seeds (sesame, sunflower and pumpkin) but other speciality breads include Catalan wheat with sweet potato. Sweet and savoury snacks include gingerbread, pain au chocolate, pizzas and quiches.

All ingredients are organic and come from regional or national producers as much as possible. Bread can be bought by weight.

Shops also in Gràcia (Astúries 20, tel. 93 237 6918) and in Raval (Doctor Dou 12, tel. 93 302 0921).

Veritas: Via Laietana 28, tel. 93 268 8200, customer services: 902 667 789. www.veritas.esThis Catalan organic supermarket chain started up in 2002 and now has 22 stores, with 16 in Barcelona. It has a large selection of fruit and vegetables. Some stores have meat and fish counters, too, other-wise fresh meat can be found pre-packed in the chilled section.

Compared to other shops, Veritas can be more expensive, but the advantage is the wider selection of produce on offer. A loyalty reward scheme gives customers who spend a certain amount a dis-count on their next shop.

Shops throughout the city—call customer services (number above) to find your local branch.

ravalBiocenter: Pintor Fortuny 24, tel. 93 302 3567This small shop just off La Rambla has been in the business of veg-etarian health food for 25 years and is run by the family that has the restaurant of the same name across the street. Its fruit and veg-etables are a bit pricey and the selection is limited but it covers the basics and offers friendly personal service.

GràciaBio Nyam: Travessera de Gràcia 315, tel. 93 476 5438, www.bion-

yam.comThis small local health and food shop opened two and a half years ago and owner Oriol Alonso is currently upgrading the website to incorporate an online shop. Its range of fruit and vegetables is good for the size of the shop and prices are kept competitively low. Or-ganic chicken and beef is also available and can be ordered in. A loyalty-card scheme gives customers a 10 percent discount on their sixth shop.

Bio Mercat: Mercado de l’Abaceria Central, Stall 53, Travessera de Gràcia 186, tel. 93 210 6019Matching the size and choice of produce of any of its fellow fruit and vegetable market stall holders, Bio Mercat is doing a roaring trade. Everything is organic and owner Murad Mrabet, who started the business 15 years ago, tries to buy in as much locally and na-tionally grown produce as possible. It’s a mystery why other market traders in the city, especially in La Boqueria and Santa Caterina, haven’t followed suit.

Biosí: Ramon i Cajal 42, tel. 93 213 0971This popular health and food shop in the heart of Gràcia has built up a loyal clientele during its five years in business. It has a good range of fresh organic fruit and vegetables, along with fresh organic meat, which can also be ordered in.

internetThe following sites are worth checking out for online shopping for fruit and vegetable boxes and fresh meat.www.hortadeleixample.es: Working with Catalan farms in Baix Llo-bregat, Penedès, Maresme and Bages, Horta de l’Eixample sells a full range of seasonal organic produce and delivers to your door. The company also has a small café-shop in Eixample at Nàpols 155 (tel. 93 265 1450) selling a small selection of fresh fruit and vegeta-bles.www.naturalcomolavidamisma.com: Another online organic box service selling produce sourced mainly from the company’s own farm in Moncayo in Saragossa. Boxes are competitively priced and customers can choose what produce they’d like included. www.ecoviand.com: This company has an extensive range of or-ganic meats in various cuts and smoked salmon. Eggs are also avail-able. Orders can be made by email, telephone or online. Deliveries to Barcelona are made two days a week and there is no minimum order.

(L-R): At Bio Space, you can find fresh organic meat and fruit as well as dried fruits; Barcelona Reykjavik serves a range of organic breads and savoury snacks

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22 PHOTO COLLAGE

OUTDOORS

The dancers of BCNSwing in Parc Ciutadella, by Daniel Rinehart

Beautiful skies of Sitges on Kings’ Day, by Jan-Willem BodeThe photographer’s wife relaxing in a Romanic

church in the Pyrenees, by Matthew Phillis

Winter in Montserrat, by Marika Michalak

Many thanks to all of you who sent in photos for this theme—unfortunately there wasn’t room to print everything, but you’ll find more images online here: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/outdoors. Next month’s theme is: HISTORY. Send your photos to [email protected] by March 16th. Find all the practical info at: www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/photocollage

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PHOTO COLLAGE 23

The photographer’s wife relaxing in a Romanic church in the Pyrenees, by Matthew Phillis Labyrinth Park, by Wendy Taylor

Flock of green parrots having a rest at a busy Glòries crossroads, by Dorothea Biehler

Winter in Montserrat, by Marika Michalak

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24 AIR RAIDS

>>

Seventy-five years ago, on the evening of February 13th, 1937, an Italian cruiser off the coast of Barcelona fired shells at an arms factory on Passeig Sant Joan. They missed their target and 18 people were killed. A month later came the first raid from the skies when Mussolini’s planes hit Poble Sec. Six people died

and 39 were injured. From that day, the city would be hit almost 200 times until its fall on January 26th, 1939. Some 2,500 to 3,000 Barcelona residents were killed and thousands more were injured. It was the beginning of the 20th century’s murderous affair with the mass bombardment of civilians. Although Madrid had already been shelled as a military target on the front line, and Baghdad, Kabul and other places had been bombed by the colonial powers before, this was the first time a city had been targeted systematically over a sustained period.

The planes, often Savoias, flew in from the Aviazione Legionaria’s base on Mallorca. There was no radar and no land from which to telephone to warn of their approach. So residents didn’t know the planes were coming until they were actually heard or seen above the city. Attempts were made to improve warnings. The city council built contraptions that tried to pick up the sound of planes with little success. People took in stray dogs and cockerels to warn them of the approaching danger, for both have acute hearing.

As a result of the delayed warning, citizens had between one and a half and three minutes to get to an aid raid shelter. Despite this, the numbers of deaths was comparatively low—consider that some 3,000 died in the worst night of the London Blitz alone. Of course the bombing was less intensive in Barcelona, but it was also a result of the excellent network of around 1,400 air raid shelters that locals set out about building once the first bombs fell. Residents’ associations and trade unions took to the task without waiting for the authorities to give the go-ahead. As many of the men were by that point at the front, much of the work was done by women and children. As the war continued, the city council set about building larger, more secure shelters and improving the self-built ones, but without the collective effort of a large number of locals, this task would have been impossible.

At the end of the war, the British brought the chief engineer of Barcelona’s civil defence programme, Ramon Perera, to London. He advised them to do the same as the Catalans had done: dig deep and to get the whole population involved in the work. Churchill decided against this approach, arguing that making such public shelters would make people “cowardly and lazy”, and claiming that the British working class lacked the solidarity to engage in the

digging. Instead the people were given the Anderson shelter, often a death trap. Confidential reports later expressed regret that the Perera model had not been adopted and estimated thousands had died needlessly in the Blitz.

The Italians experimented with different methods of inflicting damage on Barcelona, combining explosive, high-explosive and penetrating explosive bombs, followed by incendiaries. Anti-personnel bombs were also used. British nurse Anne Murray passed through the city with the retreating Republican army a few weeks before it fell. She saw the horrors of war: “We found a whole lot of children, dozens of them, with their hands off, completely off. The Italians had dropped anti-personnel bombs marked ‘Chocolatti’. The children were picking up these things—they hadn’t had chocolate for years—and they just blew their hands off. This Spanish surgeon that I worked with, he was in tears. We all were.”

The worst raids took place between March 16th and 18th, 1938, when nearly a thousand people died, as raid after raid struck the city. The weather was cold and rainy, and many people fled, seeking refuge in Collserola. Soon the centre was almost deserted, the streets deep in broken glass. The worst occurred on the 17th. A lorry carrying high explosives, which happened to be passing the Coliseum cinema on Gran Via, was hit. The blast destroyed almost an entire side of an Eixample block. Six hundred people were killed. At the time, many thought the Italians had dropped some evil new weapon.

Although most of the raids were committed by the Italian air force, towards the end of the war, Barcelona was also attacked by the German Condor Legion, including 40 attacks between January 21st and 25th,1939, principally a series of deadly raids by Stukas on Barceloneta. Like the Aviazione Legionaria, they saw the city as a testing ground, the results from which they would later put into widespread use with deadly effect.

Many of the victims were treated by Profesor Josep Trueta, head of trauma services for the city, who also later worked for the British. During the war, he developed the use of a new plaster cast method for the treatment of open wounds and fractures. It would save hundreds of lives in Barcelona and many, many thousands during the Second World War.

The industrial, port and working class areas were the most hit, particularly Barceloneta, Ciutat Vella, Poble Sec and Poblenou. After the war, Franco left much of the bottom half of the Raval in ruins until the early Sixties as a punishment and warning to the local population of what happened if they supported ‘the Reds’. The Eixample was also hit, though more prosperous areas tended to be spared, and some prime targets were conspicuously left alone.

This month marks the 75th anniversary since air raids started on Barcelona, and a new strategy of modern warfare was born. By Nick Lloyd.

City target

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AIR RAIDS 25

May 29th, 1937: The day after the first night air-raid on Barcelona, carried out by four Italian planes. Photographer: Pérez de Rozas. Source: Arxiu fotogràfic de Barcelona


26 AIR RAIDS

>>

The Italians experimented with different methods of inflicting damage on Barcelona.

March 17th, 1938: An aerial image of an air raid on Barcelona, taken by the Italian air force. Source: Arxiu fotogràfic del Centre d’Història Contemporània de Catalunya

Italian records show that on some occasions French and Belgian companies bribed the Italians not to bomb their factories, including those making arms. The huge Maquinista complex was also left untouched, presumably under instructions from the Nationalist-friendly owners with an eye on post-war profits. War is also business.

BomBing of Barcelona routeUnlike other vestiges of the Civil War in Barcelona, the bombing of the city is relatively well commemorated and there are a number of sites you can visit, including: - refugi 307. Highly recommended is a guided visit to this restored air raid shelter hollowed out on the side of Montjuïc. In addition to giving an in-depth view of the bombing of the city, it also functions as a centre for historical memory for Poble Sec. After decades abandoned, the shelter was rediscovered and saved thanks to the work of the late Valerie Powles, Poble Sec devotee and dedicated historian. Book for Saturday or Sunday visits only through the Museu de la Ciutat.- Plaça del Diamant. Another impressive air raid shelter, which takes you deep under the surface of Gràcia.- turó de la rovira. Site of the main air defences, built in 1937 in an attempt to protect the city from air raids, though they enjoyed little success. The ruins are now protected and panels explain the

military history of the hill, along with a remembrance of the shanty-town dwellers who later lived here. Even if you’re not interested in the history, the views are splendid. Bus 24.- Plaça Sant felip neri is perhaps the most delightful square in Barcelona, but its peaceful, secret atmosphere belies its tragic history. When I arrived in Barcelona 20 years ago, I was told that the pitted marks in the stone were from the bullets of Anarchist execution squads, who had shot priests against the wall here. It is a story one still hears regularly today, but it was a lie put out by

the Francoist authorities in an attempt to cover up the death of 42 people here when a bomb fell on the church on January 30th, 1938. It had been turned into a makeshift orphanage and most of the victims were refugee children from Madrid. As the rescue workers pulled out the survivors from the building another bomb fell in the square, killing more. It was the second worst bombing atrocity during the war, the first being the aforementioned Coliseum bomb, a monument to which stands in front of the Coliseum cinema on Gran Vía.

Nick Lloyd leads historical tours in Barcelona and runs the website www.iberianature.com


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& Psychotherapist934 102 962 / 657 570 692

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main pages Feb2012.indd 7 1/25/12 10:55:49 AM

MAKING PLANS

No paNcakes, No cry Dijous Gras, Thursday 16thIf you come from one of those places that celebrates the Tuesday of carnival week with pancakes served with lemon and sugar and are worried that Barcelona might not offer similar pre-Lent gluttony, fear not. The last Thursday before Lent, known here as Fat Thursday, sees locals devour botifarra d’ou (egg sausage), omelettes (truites) and coca de llardons (a savoury puff pastry creation filled with a cured meat called cansalada). So all suitably calorific for the last blow-out before the abstemious weeks ahead. Take part by heading to your local charcuterie or patisserie to purchase these seasonal delicacies.

A few suggestions about things to do tonight, this weekend, later on...

postedDavid Hockney—cartels 1964-1986, Galeria

eude, until the end of March

David Hockney is riding high at the moment. A huge retrospective currently running at the Royal Academy in London is sold out; he ac-cepted an Order of Merit last month from the Queen (following his refusal of a knighthood two decades ago); and The Guardian re-cently crowned him a style icon at the splen-did age of 74. And while his adoption of the iPad as an artistic tool has been (in the main) lauded by critics, Barcelona’s Galería Eude has a timely show on now that highlights some of his humbler creations from decades past. It features a series of posters from 1964 to 1986, some designed by Hockney for spe-cific events and others created to advertise shows of his work around the world. Although it clearly doesn’t compare to the 200-work megashow in London, this is a great way to get a taste of the British artist’s output.

Big it up José Mercé—De cajón Flamenco Festival, saturday 11th, palau de la Música, 9pm. www.theproject.esIf you’ve been promising yourself to learn all about flamenco, this is one show that you really shouldn’t miss. And if you’ve gotten to grips with the genre, it’s likely you’ve already got your tickets to this concert. José Mercé is currently one of the big quesos in flamenco, with hundreds of thousands of discs sold since his career went stellar in 1998 following the release of Del Amanecer (From the Dawn) and an enviable back catalogue, which the singer-songwriter is presenting here as part of his Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn) project that brings together all his biggest hits.

28 IDEAS

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Dark sTorIes BcNeGra—Thursday 2nd to saturday 11th

Barcelona’s festival dedicated to crime fiction continues to go from strength to strength, with another great line-up this year of authors both local and interna-tional (as well as one police commis-sioner), including several high-profile names who are likely to excite any fan of the genre. Anne Perry, Jake Arnott and David C. Hall (whose books are set in Barcelona) are just some of those who will be taking part in round tables and conversations. And there are, of course, the ubiquitous Scandanavian authors, such as Jussi Adler-Olsen and Gun-nar Staalesen, who have become such renowned masters of crime fiction in recent times. Finally, Greek writer Petros Màkaris, winner of this year’s Pepe Car-valho award, will be in conversation with Lorenzo Silva on the 10th. Most events take place at La Capella (Hospital 56). www.bcn.cat/bcnegra

Fun with squaresHungaryTo, aragó 353 Barcelona’s only Hungarian bar and restaurant has taken advantage of the famed creation of Hungarian Ernö Rubik, a certain cube of coloured squares, to set up the Barcelona Rubik’s Group for those enamoured of trying to get all the colours in the right place. The idea is to share secrets and short cuts about solving the Rubik’s Cube, which was, incredibly, invented back in 1974. If you’re feeling a tingle in your fingers at the mere thought, find out more on the HungaryTo Facebook page.

Up oN sTaGe some of the concerts happening this month in Barcelona

dEUS—Wednesday 8th at BikiniFuture Islands—Friday 17th at Sidecar Buraka Som Sistema (pictured above)—Saturday 18th at Apolo Joe Bonamassa—Sunday 26th at Palau de la Música

IDEAS 29

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REVIEWCould ‘The ladder of escape’ be the definitive exhibition of work by Barcelona artist Joan Miró? By Will Shank.

L’ESCALA DE L’EVASIó Fundació Joan Miró. Until March 18th

I had long suspected, since the time of MoMA’s ‘High and Low: Modern Art and Popular Culture’ exhibition in 1990, that there was less to the art of Joan Miró than meets the eye. Once I had learned that many of his cryptic forms were in fact abstractions of vacuum cleaners or silverware that he found in mail-order catalogues, Miró moved way down my shortlist of favourite artists.The current show at the Miró Foundation reverses that opinion. In what may prove to be the definitive Miró exhibition, the artist is redeemed as a kind of painter/poet who found himself trapped in the events of history but managed to rise above them. Hence the metaphor of ‘the ladder of escape’. Here also on full public view is ‘Miró the quintessential Catalan’, which will certainly endear him to local audiences.The museum’s permanent collection has been cleared out, with its galleries almost entirely turned over to this installation, which means that familiar works such as the artist’s enormous hanging tapestry and Calder’s great mercury fountain, are not on view. But the trade-off is worth it.A gallery full of early works from Miró’s rural getaway at the family’s farm in Mont-roig introduces the young artist who worked in the early Twenties in an almost timid, high-key palette, rendering his forms in a primitive two-dimensionality. (Miró was born in Barcelona, a stone’s throw from the Ajuntament, but he felt rooted in this small town 140 kilometres away.) So genteel are these early works that the sudden transformation of his palette in the first Paris paintings, starting in 1925, comes as a shock! All at once his backgrounds are black, and his abstracted figures glowing reds and blues. Altered though he may have been by the time spent with the Surrealists in Paris, Miró continued to return to Catalunya, even after the military uprising of 1923 began to transform and suppress his beloved homeland. The goats on his farm are by now surreal shapes on a background of Yves Klein ultramarine.

By the time of the ‘October Events’ in 1934, when the Generalitat of Catalunya was condemned and imprisoned, Miró’s production responded in kind. His ‘Savage Paintings’ are a product of this period, with his palette ever more intense as he experimented with the slick support of copper panels. With the military uprising against the Republic in 1936, Miró, with the rest of Republican Spain, had reached a sense of bewilderment. A subject as seemingly mundane as the Tate’s Still Life with an Old Shoe becomes a harrowing expression of internal tension. Following the fall of Barcelona and Madrid, and rise of Franco to power, Miró left for exile in Varengeville-Sur-Mer. However, when the Germans occupied France, he self-exiled back to Spanish territory, taking refuge on Mallorca, where he lived off and on for the rest of his life. There he reworked earlier paintings, giving them double dates, and found an uneasy peace in the post-war years, as reflected in such contemplative paintings as Woman and Bird in Moonlight (1949).The high point of the show for me is the thrilling installation of the enormous deep blue 1961 triptych from the Centre Pompidou. By this time his work shows the inescapable influence of the American Abstract Expressionists, and it is one of his strongest periods, where the reductive process has created large works of great power. After that things fall off a bit, and the subsequent white triptych (Paintings for the Cell of a Recluse, 1968) is a particular disappointment because its somewhat grubby condition detracts from the purity of its forms. (Where are the Foundation’s conservators when you need them?)The exhibition ends with a quote from Miró who gratefully outlived Franco and survived peacefully to a ripe old age. The artist, he said, “is someone who, amidst the silence of others, uses his voice to say something and who has the obligation that this thing not be useless but something that offers a service to man.”

Bleu I, Bleu II and Bleu III (L-R), 1961. Centre Pompidou, Paris. © Successió Miró, Palma de Mallorca

IDEAS: ART 31

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Pablo Román, leader of Granada group Elastic Band, answered our questions ahead of their show at Sidecar this month.

Metropolitan: Where did your name come from? Is it a reflection of your music or just a fun play on words?Pablo Román: It was a sound effect that we widely used in the first demo; later it became a way of understanding the band.

How was the band created?We wanted to prove that it was possible to create pop music by mov-ing away from the traditional rock pattern—so we replaced the electric guitar with a mandolin. We then found certain limitations at the crea-tive level that moved us to add other elements, such as samplers and synthesizers.

Why did you decide to write and perform in English?If we played folk music like flamenco, we would surely perform it in Spanish. But pop music has its roots in Anglo-Saxon culture, so we be-lieve it’s more aesthetic and rhythmical to do it in the native language.

Can you explain the title of your new album, M oo D? Why not just Mood?When you spend so much time recording an album, you cannot avoid going through different moods personally and professionally. I consider that M oo D is a clear reflection of that, hence the title. M oo D (written that way) only corresponds to the brilliant album of Elastic Band!

The Eighties are clearly a big influence for you—what’s their ap-peal?We were biased against this decade aesthetically, but these prejudices gradually disappeared and our resources increased. Nothing is more positive in the Eighties than its lack of prejudice and breaking with tra-ditional patterns from previous years.

What do you think of the indie music scene in Spain? Is it over-shadowed by bands from the US and UK?The scene is becoming more interesting, but not having the right in-frastructure forces Spanish bands with possible international impact to disappear. In the past, our groups did not have to compete with foreign bands, but current globalisation has exposed the lack of skill of the Spanish industry for exporting music.

Keeping your creative independence is clearly important to you—how do you see the future panning out for the group? Is it possible to stay independent in today’s music industry?It is increasingly difficult to distinguish between mainstream and indie bands. So far, we’ve tried hard to keep our identity because we believe that is more attractive to certain audiences concerned about this.

Elastic Band, Sidecar—February 24th

INTERVIEWIDEAS: MUSIC 33

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While a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers can often do the trick, we take a look at some more unusual options available here for saying “I love you”.

SLEEP IN THE TREESJust imagine: you awake to the chirping chorus of birds, the room still sweetly fragranced from the aromatic candles of the night be-fore. As you pull back the bedsheets, you can see the morning sun glistening over the Pyrenees and the only sign of life is the busying of the woodland creatures below. No wailing children, no traffic noise coming in the window, no phones ringing; just the sounds of Mother Nature. Stepping onto the balcony, the country air chills your cheeks as you take in the pure tranquility of one of Catalunya’s fin-est romantic paradises. Below you, an organic food basket is wait-ing to be pulled up to your treehouse. That’s right—your treehouse. Cabanes Als Arbres is an idyllic hideaway in the treetops of Girona, in the picturesque Sant Hilari Sacalm forest. It offers couples a luxury retreat from their busy working lifestyles with eco-friendly, peaceful accommodation where they can enjoy the joys of nature close-up. Savour the pleasures of being able to disconnect yourself and sleep amongst the branches of a majestic tree in a cabin suspended above the ground. The treehouses have no electricity, running water or phone coverage, making them the ideal location for that much-needed romantic break. There are 10 treehouse cabañas to choose from, each with a dif-ferent colour scheme and unique rustic style but every one as cosy as the last. A series of romantic essentials are available to help you satisfy your relaxing requirements, from a bottle of cava (€8) to a massage kit (€35). What is perhaps most striking about the cabañas is the way in which they engage with the natural surroundings and contribute to an environmentally-friendly ideal. They are made entirely from untreated natural wood while the chestnut exterior and douglas fir fiber assure total insulation. Guests can use the facilities at the nearby Masia Vileta, a 14th-cen-

DON’T SAY IT WITH FLOWERSSurprise your partner with these ideas for an alternative romantic experience suitable for Valentine’s Day or indeed most other times of the year.

By Max Bentley and Nicola Reid.

tury Catalan guesthouse, which is equipped with a restaurant, bar, lounge with WiFi, showers, swimming pool and garden. Bikes can be hired from reception (€5) for those who want to venture along the winding country lanes or take a trip to one of the nearby attrac-tions. Guests at Cabanes Als Arbres are elegible for a €2 discount at the Parque de la Selva de l’Aventura where there are an array of adrenaline-filled obstacle courses and tree-swinging activities, al-lowing you to step into the roles of Tarzan and Jane. For those who simply want to kick back and relax, take a trip to the Font Vella Spa Hotel where you can enjoy a wide range of natural treatments and therapeutic remedies. Both of these options are within a 10-minute journey from the cabins.

CREATE YOUR OWN CAVAIf you’re looking for a special gift for your loved one, then why not whisk them off to a vineyard to create personalised bottles of Catalunya’s favourite bubbly? Lifestyle Barcelona offers this unique experience at Masia Can Battle in the Alt Penedès region for just €30 per person. For that price, you can enjoy a guided tour of the winery with an in-depth explanation about how cava is made. Fol-lowing this, there’ll be a tasting session, so you can select the ones you want to use for your own creation. Based on your preferences in colour, taste and texture, you can each choose some of your fa-vourites to blend and create the unique bottles of cava to take home with you (one per person). Combined with the stunning scenery and the blue skies above Catalunya’s famed wine-making spot in the Penedès region, this makes for a special romantic outing. And if this experience gets you in the mood for vinification à deux, at Can Battle, for around €1,000 you could make a cellar of 100 bottles of your own cava together, going through the entire process, starting with grape-picking.

MAKE IT STEAMYFor those of you who have yet to explore the natural beauty of the Catalan landscape, an excellent way to do it in romantic style is with the ‘Tren dels Llacs’ (Train of the Lakes) route in the Lleida and pre-Pyrenees region. This is one of Spain’s most picturesque and nostalgic journeys, and is one that can be taken on certain days of the year on a classic steam or diesel locomotive. The route, which runs from Lleida to La Pobla de Segur, opened in February 1924 and snakes through the Catalan countryside, giving

See some of Catalunya’s beautiful lakes from the seat of a historic trainEnjoy a romantic weekend with your partner in a luxury treehouse

34 IDEAS: ESCAPE THE CITY

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MORE INFOCabanes Als Arbres—average nightly rate for a double room for two adults is €107. www.cabanesalsarbres.comLifestyle Barcelona—www.lifestylebarcelona.comMasia Can Batlle: Artcava—www.artcava.comTren dels Llacs—www.trendelsllacs.cat. Advance booking for the historic trains is necessary; go to Espai Provença at Provença FGC station (Balmes with Rosselló), tel. 93 366 4553. Tickets are priced at €24 for adults (€12.40 for the normal service), €13.20 for children 4-13 and under-fours are free. At the time of writing, the 2012 timetable for these trains was not available but in 2011, started in April.

See some of Catalunya’s beautiful lakes from the seat of a historic train

spectacular panoramas of its lakes and rock formations. The fi rst two lakes you’ll see are Sant Llorenç de Montgai and Camarassa, which become visible as the train chugs past the La Mitjana Park, opening up into a blossoming wildlife nature reserve to reveal impressive gorges. Going past the salt mines of Vilanova de la Sal towards the town of Cellers, the open waters of Terradets await as do the lammergiers and vultures who anxiously linger to prey upon any fi sh who dare rise to the surface.The fi nal stage of the journey approaches the El Pallars Jussá region, passing through some of Catalunya’s most ancient rural villages and heading towards the Sant Antoni lake, the largest surface of fresh water in the province. Springs, waterfalls and natural beaches produce a beauti-ful montage of the local scenery as the train ends its jour-ney at La Pobla de Segur, perhaps best known nowadays as the birthplace of the admirable FC Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol. The train journey takes just under two hours, but if you want to make it last longer, the lakes are popular spots for kayaking, so once you’ve enjoyed them from a distance, you could also spend some time paddling around them.The Tren dels Llacs route operates with normal trains throughout the year, so you can take your loved one there this month. However, if you can wait until the spring, that’s when the historical trains start running, making this a truly romantic trip.

IDEAS: ESCAPE THE CITY 35

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✪ - NOT WORTH THE TRIP, ✪✪ - COULD IMPROVE, ✪✪✪ - GOOD, ✪✪✪✪ - VERY GOOD, ✪✪✪✪✪ - NOT TO BE MISSED

FRENCH STYLE

You don’t have to travel across the Pyrenees to enjoy classic French dishes. By Tara Stevens. Photo by Richard Owens.

Cafe Emma is one of those places that opened to the sound of ringing bells. Why? Because of the pedigree of the chef of course or, in this case, the pedigree of

two. Romain Fornell came from the one-starred Caelis restau-rant in the hotel that we all thought was The Ritz but turned out not to be, and Michel Sarran who hails from a two-star joint in Toulouse. They’ve opened it on the site of the old Relais de Venise, which long-time residents of Barcelona will remember as the place to go for steak frites. I was sad when I realised it was no more—not that I’d been for a long time, but in the back of my mind it was always reassuring to know it was there. Hey ho, times move on.In the case of Fornell and Sarran, they’ve come together not to open a ‘bistronomía’, which by now everyone seems to have agreed is an idiotic term created and used with gay abandon by writers like myself to describe a mid-range restaurant put together by a generally destitute, but talented chef. Rather, they’ve simply opened a good, old-fashioned bistro serving sturdy, unpretentious dishes that won’t make you cry when you get the bill.For the most part, it’s very successful, though there are some elements of bistrodom missing. It’s a big space filled with tiny tables, which is great if you want to foxtrot to the bathroom, a pain if there’s nowhere to put the Le Creuset your lentils came in. The heated porch at the front is warm and welcoming with its faux wicker chairs and dark walls, but inside, the pale greys

and greens, lit by cold, white eco bulbs in the chandeliers, are a tad gloomy. Grumpy service doesn’t help the fantasy.Still, it’s packed to the rafters on a Wednesday night and our request for a bigger table so we can pig out is denied. Around us are families with kids, dapper old gents out for a mid-week supper, cooing couples and giggling friends, and the menu immediately makes you feel at home, if home is France. An all-French wine list features bottles from the Loire to the Languedoc, with the vin du table going for €14 a bottle, and the most expensive Bordeaux a not-too-terrifying €43. A map on the back of your placemat shows you exactly where everything came from and on the other side there are cuts of the steer, so you can tell your aiguillette from your bavette.Elsewhere, the menu offers classics like the humble salad niçoise for €6.50, a cheese omelette for €8.50 and moules frites for €12. There’s an oyster bar and the excellent bread is baked in-house. All signs of something solid though I order none of it. Instead I have my first ever oeufs muerette, which I argued blind with a friend not so long ago didn’t exist and am suitably shamed that something so great has managed to pass me by these past 40 years. Here, a perfectly cooked egg is poached in a rich wine sauce and served on a slab of sour dough toast with wild mushrooms and a generous shaving of truffle on the top. I would go back for this dish alone. It was the stand-out of the evening.My companion’s cep soup was a little cold, though tasty

36 IDEAS: GASTRONOMY

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Cafe Emma, Pau Claris 142,tel. 93 215 1216, www.cafe-emma.com. Open Mon-Fri, 8am-12.30am; Sat and Sun, 9am-12.30am. Approx €40 for three courses with a mid-range wine.Tara’s rating: ✪✪✪

enough and his lentils with Toulouse sausage verg-ing on the bland. “It needs salt,” he declared, which, let’s face it, is unusual for sausages. But my onglet—a much under-rated cut from the diaphragm—‘con escaluñas’ (shallot sauce), was spectacularly beefy if a little bloody. I’ve come to the conclusion that al punto just isn’t right for this cut. It needs to be pink and juicy in the middle with plenty of crusty char on the outside to bring out the rich flavours, medio hecho in other words. But the frites were great and the cheese plate a joy to behold.A couple of days later I went back for the club sand-wich (OK, but nothing to write home about so I won’t) and a triumphant one-man tarte tatin topped with gooey, caramelised apples, pert as babies’ bottoms on a disk of buttery pastry. Oh la, la!Long live the plain old bistro I say: the perfect place to spend this Valentine’s.

IDEAS: GASTRONOMY 37

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Barcelona has 73 different barrios and 46 markets, 40 of them dedicated to fresh produce. It also has several independent markets like the cheese and honey market on Plaça del Pi on

the first Friday and Saturday of the month, and pop-ups like those run by Slow Food Catalunya. You would think we had more than enough to keep us sated, yet, in our increasingly stressful lives we’re always on the alert for a way out: if you’ve attempted to wade through the crowds in the Boqueria on a Saturday morning, you’ll be all-too-famil-iar with how stressful the weekly shop can be.

Enter the ‘lifestyle supermarket’, a burgeoning trend in middle-class Barcelona where you can stock up on basics like bread, oil and wine, but also get a cup of coffee, a fast lunch or a three-course meal; a far cry from the miseries of trawling round El Corte Inglés or Caprabo at rush hour.

If Spain hasn’t quite gone the way of the British high street yet, it’s certainly getting harder for small, independent stores to survive here. The lifestyle supermarket strives to recall the days when we went to different high street stores for our groceries, ensuring on your behalf that products have been carefully sourced, often from small produc-ers and artisans. By placing them under one roof they have a better chance of survival.

The Woki Organic Market is arranged like a high-class food hall-cum-organic grocery, the like of which you might expect to find in New York’s fashionable Chelsea district. It has an excellent bakery and shelves heaving with all sorts of organic goodness ranging from miso soup to goat’s cheese and pork sausages, to Jerusalem artichokes and ginger. Several small sections with smart, marble-topped bars and mismatched tables and chairs are spread throughout. There’s one for pizza (which looked top-notch by the way) and pasta, another for sushi and wok, a third for raw food and salads, one for organic steaks and burgers. Portions are generous, reasonably priced and, best of all, good. My Mexican inspired organic burger topped with avocado and cilantro oil was just the ticket for lunch on my tod while out running errands, and I picked up dinner on the way out. Genius. Ronda Universitat 20, tel. 93 302 5206, www.wokimarket.com (see page 21 for details of other branches)

BEST OF THE RESTCornelia & Co: a more upmarket option with a large dining space and deli-style counters for stocking up on cheese, charcuterie, bread and pastries. It also does dinner party packs for entertaining at home.València 225, tel. 93 272 3956, www.corneliaandco.com

Mary’s Market: posh groceries at their finest with lots of high-profile brands like Kettle chips, Italian cheese biscuits and single-estate chocolates. Good for a sandwich and an excellent cup of coffee. València 266, tel. 93 487 5786, www.marysmarket.es

La Cuina d’en Garriga: artisan and specialist products, most of them from Spain, as well as beautiful kitchenware and foodie gifts. You can book the back room for private tastings for groups of 8-12 people. Consell de Cent 308, tel. 93 215 7215, www.lacuinadengarriga.com

quick bitestHe Rise OF tHe LiFestYLe suPeRMARket. By Tara Stevens. Photos by Tashoma Lemard.

38 IDEAS: GASTRONOMY

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Icho restaurant blends authentic

Japanese cooking with the best

Mediterranean products. This is an

unequalled, exquisite and innovative

gastronomic option, totally unique in

Barcelona.

Our guests can enjoy a fine dining

experience with excellent cuisine. The

list of starters is a hideaway for some

of master chef Tan’s most precious

secrets, while the sushis

and sashimis are

evidence of chef

Tan’s mastery

of the

intricacies of Japanese cuisine.

You can enjoy the most exquisite

tradition of the Japanese coast,

created in a unique manner with

Mediterranean products. To finish,

the influence of Italian and French

confectionery blends with Japanese

techniques to produce succulent and

refined dessert offerings. The blend

is masterful.

The tasting menu is pure gastronomy

fantasy. You will delight in an

emotional journey beyond your

senses. The range of sake, wine and

tea on offer has been exclusively

selected, and IchO’s sake is the

most venerated of its kind in Japan.

To accompany the delicacies from

IchO’s kitchen, there is a wide

wine list, which includes 12 splendid

suggestions from around the world.

Ana saura, the creator, and Yukihiko

shidaran, the master chef, agreed

to open something completely

different that breaks the moulds of

the existing impressions of modern

Japanese gastronomy in spain.

Traditional Japanese cooking is a

symbolic ritual in which the spirit also

participates, and that is why Icho will

always be remembered.

The biggest novelty at IchO this

season is its original food and drinks

bar. Our guest can enjoy tapas as

delicious first samples of IchO’s

cuisine.

open: Monday to saturday, 1.30pm-4pm and 9pm-11.30pm

Deu i Mata 69-95, 08029 BarcelonaTel. +34 93 444 [email protected]

www.ichobcnjapones.com

Totally Japanese, completely Mediterranean,

absolutely unforgettable.

Advertising feAture


Food&drinkFor more in food&drink visit our online directory www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/eating-and-drinking

� under 20 | �� 20-30 | �� 30-40 | �� over 40RV Reservation Advised | NEW in food & drink this month

NEWIN F&D

Bar

Muntaner 7 | Metro Universitat Tel. 93 453 6445 | www.7sinsbar.com Mon-Sun 1pm till late | RV

7SinS Bar and Lounge4EIXAMPLE E

If you’re looking for a friendly and good value place to get a bite to eat, 7Sins is the place you’re looking for! Their menu has a vast selection of dishes to share as well as a large choice of gourmet 100% beef burgers. After your meal there’s an elegant lounge with Chesterfield sofas and impressive decor, ideal for having a drink or cocktail. 7Sins also has a terrace where you can enjoy a meal or a drink outdoors. You can see their full menu at www.7sinsbar.com �

Cinebar

Plaza Cardona 4

Carrer Paris 200

Tel. 651 970 971

93 002 2300

Ever wished you could

share Barcelona cocktails

with Audrey Hepburn or

Humphrey Bogart? Now you can.

The newly opened CINEBAR in Plaza Cardona is a

magnet for fi lm fans and the good news is, there’s

another branch opening on C/Paris, 200 (with C/

Enric Granados) this month.

Cinebar brings the golden age of cinema back

to Barcelona with original version screenings of

everything from Hollywood classics to French

New Wave and Italian neo-realism. All fi lms are

screened as a backdrop with subti tles so you can

also enjoy the carefully selected music from the

Thirti es to the Sixti es.

While you’re there, enjoy a ‘cine sandwich’ made

from a selecti on of rusti c breads, a movie-themed

salad, fresh juices, smoothies, proper Italian coff ee

or, of course, a cocktail.

Cinebar is the perfect locati on for your events,

from projecti ons and mini fi lm festi vals to swanky

soirées. So whether it’s a Marti ni – shaken not

sti rred – that you’re aft er or a Champagne cocktail,

you’ll fi nd it at Cinebar. Here’s looking at you kid.





V.O.sV.O.s

VOS Bar Dec 2010.indd 1 11/2/10 12:25:47 PM

V.o.S CineBar4SARRIÀ & EIXAMPLE

Ever wished you could share a cocktail with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart here in Barcelona? Well now you can! Cinebar brings the golden age of cinema back to Barcelona with original version screenings of everything from Hollywood classics to French New Wave and Italian neo-realism. While you’re there, enjoy a ‘cine sandwich’ made from a selection of rustic breads, a movie-themed salad, fresh juices, smoothies, proper Italian coffee or, of course, a cocktail. �

Plaça Cardona 4 | FGC Gràcia Paris 200 | Metro DiagonalTel. 93 002 2300 | Open 8am-3am

Plaça Joaquim Xirau | Metro Drassanes Tel. 93 412 6263

fLaherty'S4BARRI GÒTIC

Since it was established in 2001, Flaherty’s has become one of Barcelona’s best known and busiest Irish pubs. By offering food all day from 10am til midnight (including our popular Full Irish Breakfast as well as group menus), live satellite sports on big screens, WiFi, a sunny terrace and a pool room where you can also play darts, not to mention its very spacious premises, Flaherty’s has rightly become known as the pub that has it all! �

american

the originaL aMeriCan SuPerMarKet 4SAnT GERvASI

Good news from Taste of America! All ofthe products you miss from the U.S.A., from BBQ sauces to breakfast treats, are now inBarcelona. Cheerios, Hershey’s chocolates,peanut butter and jelly, Newman’s Ownsauces, Wilton, root beer, PeperidgeFarm, marshmallows, macaroni & cheese,bagels and more are just some of the good-ies that await discovery. Go visit, you’ll beamazed! And for your convenience, there is public parking right at the rear of thestore! New opening in Sant Cugat!

Balmes 322 I FGC Sant Gervasi I Tel. 93 211 9792 C/Plana Hospital 18 I FGC Sant Cugat Tel. 93 187 5070

Bagels

Planeta 37 (Pl. del Sol) I Metro L3 Fontana and Gràcia I Tel. 93 518 7151 I [email protected] Open from Mon-Fri 9.30-2pm and 5pm-8.30pm, Sat 10am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm, Sun 10.30am-2pm

Be My BageL 4GRÀCIA

Do you dream of great bagels? Then Be My Bagel is the right place for you. They sell authentic bagels from Barcelona, just how you like them. They have an extensive range of bagels and cakes, from the more classic choices such as poppy and multigrain to delicious and innovative chocolate, almond and coconut bagels - you’ll not come away disappointed. �

PinK eLePhant4EIXAMPLE

Barcelona’s first contemporary American restaurant and cocktail bar, now in their fourth year, invite you to indulge your senses. All menu items are made to order and their desserts are baked on the prem-ises by an American chef. To complement your visit, browse their selection of wine and beer from the U.S. including the latest additions from the Brooklyn Brewery.�

Villarroel 82 I Metro L1 Urgell/L5 Hospital Clinic Tel. 93 502 4825 I [email protected] www.pinkelephantrestaurante.comMon-Fri 1pm-4pm, 7pm-1am, Sat 1pm-4pm, 7pm-3am, Sun 7pm-1am

40 FOOD & DRINK

Food & drink Jan 2012.indd 44 1/26/12 1:52:07 PM

Plaça Catalunya 21 | Metro Catalunya | Tel. 93 270 2305 | www.hardrock.com/barcelona | Restaurant: Sun-Thurs 12am-2am, Fri, Sat and hol eves 12am-3am | Rock Shop: Sun-Thurs 10am-1.30am, Fri, Sat and hol eves 10am-2am

hard roCK Cafe4CIUTAT vELLA

Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona offers an inspired, creative ambience with incredible rock‘n’roll memorabilia on display. Come and taste authentic American food. Their barbecue entrées slow cooked in the cafe’s hardwood smokers are delicious. Visit the bar to try a premium cocktail and check out the live music and special events on offer. Don’t forget to stop at the Rock Shop for fi ne, classic, cotton T-shirts or a collectable Hard Rock pin. �

international

Joaquin Costa 47 I Near Plz. Universidad and MACBA Museum I T. 93 185 9517 Open every day 1pm-11pm, delivery fri-sun 7pm-11pm www.thedogishot.com or call for our delivery service

the dog iS hot4RAvAL

Taste the best hotdogs in town! Choose from more than 20 differ-ent toppings and sauces, including a vegetarian option with tofu sausage. Our specialities will surprise, with crazy fl avours from all around the world.

delivery

Pasaje Milans 28 | Tel. 93 260 0789 www.gourmet-express.es

gourMet eXPreSS4BARCELOnA

‘Lunch Box’ by Gourmet Express. The best alternative to pizza or Asian food. A new concept in Barcelona; they are specialists in delivering high-quality food to your home or offi ce at reasonable prices. They can deliver within 30 minutes, exquisite menús, made by our own chefs using only the freshest products. Traditional Cata-lan and Mediterranean food to satisfy the most discerning palate, thoughtfully served with all you might need, including metal cutlery and glasses. All so you can enjoy food in the comfort of your home or offi ce. Free delivery to readers of Barce-lona Metropolitan. �

LiLiBurger:4BARCELOnA

You can choose from four types of burger: classic, cheeseburger, barbecue as well as bacon cheese, for �8 to �9.50. Sides include fries, bbq chicken wings, chicken nuggets and salads. Free delivery. �

Tel. 93 458 0710 Tue-Sun1pm-4pm and 7pm-11pmwww.liliburger.com

VitaLi PiZZa4BARCELOnA

Gourmet pizza delivery from 3 locations offering 50+ thin-crust, homemade pizzas. With specials like three large cheese pizzas for �15 and the option to pay by credit card, it makes for an af-fordable meal at home without all the fuss. Special offer: 2X1 on every Mon-day home delivery! �

Paris 109 I Metro Hospital Clinic Tel. 93 444 4737Calle Rosselló 270 I Tel. 93 458 0710Taxdirt 13 I Metro Joanic/Gracia Tel. 93 285 41 95www.vitalipizza.com

gut4GRÀCIA

Firstly there’s the food. Using only the fin-est quality ingredients, the kitchen spe-cialises in Mediterranean cuisine with an international twist and plenty of options for vegetarians. Try their quinoa and tofu burgers or a sinful home-made dessert. Secondly, there’s Gut’s attention to detail and the friendly, respectful service. It’s the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy the night in good company. Try it for yourself and find out why everyone is talking about Gut. �

Perill 13 I Metro Diagonal Tel. 93 186 6360 I [email protected]

FOOD & DRINK 41

Burger

PiM PaM Burger4BORn

Here quality is of the upmost importance, making it the best burger and frankfurter take-away in town. Special hamburgers, chicken burgers, bratwurst, frankfurters, home-made chips and stroganoff are also available and are all prepared on the premises. �

C/Sabateret 4 - Bor I Metro Jaume I Tel. 93 315 2093 I [email protected] Bigai 1, Bonanova, 08022 I Tel. 93 211 5606www.pimpamburger.com I Every day 1pm-12am

Ample 54 I Open every day from 7pm-3am

SWeet reBeL Bar4GOTIC

Located in the heart of the Gothic quarter, this cool ‘beach bar’ is the place to enjoy the sweetest reggae music 365 days a year. Chill out with a beer or try a Jamaican cocktail made from natural fruits and sweet rum. Its comfortable surroundings and ambiance make it a great place to relax. Beers 2�, Cocktails 5�.

NEWIN F&D

neVerMind4BARRI GÒTIC

Nevermind is a cult place for those looking for a more alternative scene in touristy Barcelona. Mixing large amounts of grunge music, graffi tti and urban sports, they serve up amazing cocktails, special house shots, cheap beer, Happy Hour till 10pm, free freshly-made popcorn, authentic decoration, skate videos and much more. �

Escudellers Blancs 3, 08002 | www.nevermindbcn.com | Open every day from 7pm

NEWIN F&D


42 FOOD & DRINK

SUSHIEXPRESS4EIXAMPLE

If you want to enjoy the best sushi service in the city, this is your place! Sushiexpress takes great pride in using top quality in-gredients to ensure excellent sushi. They are conveniently located in two places in the city: l’Eixample and Santaló, and they can deliver it to your home or hotel. Deliv-ery is from 1pm-3pm and from 8pm-11pm. You can choose individual pieces of maki, nigiri, sashimi, temaki, menus, combos, and other Japanese specialties from an extensive menu that you can check on their website. If you eat at any of their locations at noon the menus are accom-panied by a free drink. �

Consell de Cent 255 | Tel. 93 451 5454Open 12pm-4pm, 7pm-11pm 365days/year!Delivery 1pm-3pm, 8pm-10.30pm

Rec Comtal 15 | Metro Arc De Triomf, Tel. 93 295 5378 | www.nakashitabcn.com Mon-Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm, 8.30pm-12am

naKaShita4BORn

Nakashita is Barcelona’s newest sushi restaurant, a cosy place where you canenjoy the best Japanese food and freshest seafood. Located close to the Arc de Triomf, the restaurant feels like an authentic Japanese tavern with a very intimate atmosphere. Enjoy your delicious food along with wine, Japanese beer or sake. �

Japanese - Sushi

Torrent del Olla 10 | T. 93 459 2630 www.restaurantetoyo.comOpen 1.30pm-4pm, 8.30pm-Midnight Closed Mon night

toyo - SuShi train-4GRÀCIA

Among the youth it’s the most sought af-ter Sushi Train Restaurant in Barcelona. It’s the absolute place to be if you’re in with the in crowd and always packed fi ve minutes after opening. It has a qual-ity buffet with super fresh food prepared daily, Toyo is the place to go. Not only do they have a huge amount of different types of dishes, but you can also eat as much as your heart desires. Choose what you like while it passes in front of you, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get great service. Toyo gives you amazing food for a good price. The midday menu is only 10 and the evening one is 15. �

BeLLaMia heLaderia itaLiana4BORn

After a long day of discovering Barcelona, people queue up to taste Bellamia’s exquisite gelato. The reason: friendly staff, an excellent location, but most of all, delicious, freshly made ice cream that gets rave reviews from everyone who’s tried it. �

Epaseria 14 | Metro Jaume I | Tel. 93 310 4210 1pm-midnight (50m from Santa Maria del Mar)

ice Cream Shop

to advertise in thissection please call93 451 4486 or [email protected]& food

drink Deu i Mata 69-95, 08029 | Metro Maria CristinaTel. 93 444 3370 | [email protected] Mon-Sat ,1.30pm-4pm and 9pm-11.30pm

iCho4LES CORTSIcho restaurant blends authentic Japanese cooking with the best Mediterranean products. This is an unequalled, exquisite and innovative gastronomic option, totally unique in Barcelona. The tasting menu is pure gastronomy fantasy - you will delight in an emotional journey beyond your senses. This restaurant breaks the mould of the existing impressions of modern Japanese gastronomy in Spain. �

NEWIN F&D

Centre comercial l’illa Diagonal planta el rebost Diagonal 557, 08029 | Metro Mª Cristina/Les CortsTel. 93 405 2645/93 430 48 90 | Fax. 93 430 3743Restaurant Mon-Thurs 1pm-5pm, 6pm-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 1pm-9.30pm Shop Mon-Sat 9.30am-9.30pm

SaKura-ya4LES CORTSSakura-Ya is a serene-yet-busy little joint that combines a Japanese restaurant, bar, souvenir shop and food store. Located in L’illa shopping centre, at lunchtime it offers the very best traditional Japanese cuisine and take-away. The quality of the food is excellent, and so is the service. Sakura-Ya defi nitely lives up to its standards, so whenever you are in the mood for some shopping and good food, treat yourself to a Sakura-Ya experience. �

NEWIN F&D

Pau Claris 96 | Metro Passeig de Gràcia | Tel. 93 270 3585 | [email protected] | Mon-Fri 1pm-4pm, Mon-Sun 8pm-3am

nirVana4EIXAMPLE

Located in the heart of Barcelona, Nirvana is a relaxed and intimate place, inspired by the refi ned esthetics of Oriental culture with modernist touches. They provide an original mix of Indian style and the latest trends from the world’s major capitals, creating a special environ-ment that transports you to a place of feelings, tastes and nuances that make any visit to Nirvana an unforgettable experience. From noon, you can enjoy a creative menu that combines a selection of traditional Indian fl avours with Mediterranean cuisine, and features exquisite details of Oriental cuisine. Later on, enjoy their Club Lounge where Nirvana offers excellent service in an area designed for you to enjoy a varied menu of drinks and cocktails, as well as a live event or show. � � �

indian


FOOD & DRINK 43

Juice and Smoothie Bar

JuiCy JoneS 4BARRI GÒTICBarcelona’s emblematic juice bar now also serves vegan breakfast that includes tortilla de patata, muesli with raw cashew yogurt, muffi ns, waffl es, coffee and tea. Chill out in the bar for smoothies or enjoy a sandwich or a full meal in the restaurant. �

Cardenal Casañas 7 | Metro Liceu | Tel. 93 302 4330 Every day 10am-Midnight

Sano 4GRÀCIA - BARRI GÒTIC - SAnTSWant a healthy, tasty alternative? Try a refreshing smoothie like Antioxidant, Mango & Passion Fruit or Coco Muesli (�3.80) or a deli-cious juice made only with fresh blended fruit and no added water, milk or sugar (�3.60). Can’t decide? Try one of their convenient com-bos from �4.50. �Gran de Gràcia 16 | Metro Diagonal | Tel. 93 217 8115 Jaume 1 | Metro Jaume I | Tel. 93 310 3247Creu Coberta 50 | Metro Espanya | Tel. 93 117 0891Every day 10am-8pm | [email protected] | www.sanojuice.com

Mexican

Bruc 115 | T. 93 457 5409 | Metro Girona Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8.30pm-midnight. Bar open all day. Lunch menu €10.30 Mon-Fri

frida'S4EIXAMPLE DIn the heart of L’Eixample Dret, Frida’s is an inviting spot dedicated to the great Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Taste exquisite regional cuisine from both northern and southern Mexico, as well as traditional specialties. Margaritas, Mexican beers and many types of te-quila. Ask for our “Al Pastor” tacos offer of Thursday and Fridays! �

Catalan/Mediterranean

CerCLe d’aMiCS 4EIXAMPLE

Enjoy high level gastronomy at this classy new restaurant headed by chef Jani Paasikoski and offers an exciting blend of traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine with an exciting modern style. By using fresh produce and seasonal fl avours, they create interesting and deli-cate dishes which are sure to arouse your senses. At night, the soft lighting and comfortable surroundings provide the perfect atmosphere for you to relax and enjoy their fantastic cocktails. Daily menu �16. ��

Rosselló 209, 08008 | Metro DiagonalTel. 93 237 8902Open every day 1pm-4pm, 8.30pm-11pm Closed Sat lunch and Sun

Our Restaurant Directory

at www.barcelona-metropolitan.comonlineVisit

BarnaBier4PORT OLÍMPICLocated at the base of the Mapfre tower at Port Olimpic Barnabier specialise in Mediterranean cuisine, paellas, fresh seafood, tapas and have a great list of international beers. Their fantastic menu also includes salads, grilled meat and pasta with something to suit all tastes. For group reservations consult their website for the complete menu. �

Marina 16 | Metro Port Olimpic Tel. 93 221 0212 | www.barnabier.com

Bailén 115 | Metro Verdaguer or Girona | Tel. 93 457 0640 [email protected] | www.romerobcn.com | Mon to Sat Lunch starting at 1pmMon-Fri 5pm-9pm, Thu-Sat Dinner starting at 8.30pm

roMero4 EIXAMPLE D

Located in the centre of the city, just a few streets from Passeig de Grácia, this exquisite and charming restaurant serves fresh, organic produce sourced directly from local mar-kets. The staff are determined to share their love for Barcelona and its culinary wonders and only use the best ingredients to create their delicious dishes. The idea behind the res-taurant was to create a unique space where good friends could come together and enjoy great Mediterranean food and wine. The chef at Romero, José Antonio Camacaro León, has an unmatched passion for food and offers his guests creative, natural dishes based on Mediterranean cuisine. With options for vegetarians and gluten-free menu items, there’s something to suit all tastes. Be sure to check out the great value set menus and daily specials too. �

Mediterranean

Breakfast from �2.70, Lunch from �9, Dinner menu �17.95 (Sun-Thurs) �25 (Fri-Sat)Ciutat 5 | Metro Jaume I | 93 304 2376 | 691 504 [email protected] | www.magnoliabar-celona.com | www.facebook.com/magnolia.rnaMon-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri 9am-3am, Sat 1pm-3am, Sun 1pm-1am

MagnoLia 4BARRI GÒTICIn the heart of the Gothic quarter, Mag-nolia offers exquisite signature cuisine from chef Gianni Fusco at affordable prices. With its warm and loungy interi-or, it is the place of choice at any time of the day. During the week, breakfast and lunch menus attract huge crowds thanks to their great quality and reasonable prices. During the afternoon, clients can choose from a variety of tapas or enjoy mojitos for just �3.50. ��

Bruniquer 26 | Metro Plaça Joanic Tel. 93 210 7056 | Tues-Sun 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11.30pm

Veg WorLd4GRÀCIA

Discover a world of sensations in a re-laxed and homely atmosphere. Try vege-tarian delicacies from all over the world such as delicious bread home-made in a Tandoori oven and south Indian dishes like Masala dosa and Idly. Daily conti-nental and Indian menus, �9.50 inc. Free soup and salad buffet. �

indian - hindu


Nova Mar Bella Beach, S/N, Espigó de Bac de Roda 1 Metro Poblenou (L4) | Tel. 93 225 0100 [email protected] | www.elboo.esTue-Sat 12pm-2.30pm, Sun,12pm-18pmClosed Sun and Mon night.

Boo4POBLEnOU

BOO Restaurant has a privileged location on the coast of Barcelona and it’s the perfect space to organise meetings between friends, business meetings, events, etc. Boo has daily activities, weekend, daytime and evening entertainment, group bookings and special events. In Boo Restaurant you can enjoy the best Mediterranean cuisine in its two restaurants: The Restaurant and Boo Mirador and they have different options for groups and vegetarians as well as special cocktail and snack menus. �

Bun Bo ViÊtnaM4BARRI GÒTIC

Satisfy your craving for fresh, healthy Vietnamese food just steps away from the Gothic cathedral. Sit under the leafy trees of the quiet terrace or inside the restaurant which is entirely decorated with bright colourful pieces straight from Saigon. Start with delicious fresh summer rolls, crispy Asian pork lettuce cups, followed by traditional Pho or Bun noodle dishes. Accompany your meal with a fresh and exotic cocktail like the sakirinha (caipirinha made with sake). The menu of the day is an affordable �10 inside and �11 on the shady terrace. The kitchen is open non-stop all day. �

Sagristans 3 | Metro Urquinaona | Tel. 93 301 1378 | www.bunbovietnam.com Every day 1pm-1am

44 FOOD & DRINK

JuiCy JoneS – Vegan reStaurant 4RAvALBarcelona’s best vegan restaurant , Juicy Jones never compromises on freshness or quality. They serve a range of Mediterranean and Indian cuisine with a funky ambience they also offer a large variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies. Don’t be fooled by imitations. Go Juicy! �

Hospital 74 | Metro Liceu | Tel. 93 443 9082 | Every day 12pm-1am

Vietnamese

Patisserie

Còrsega 398 | Tel. 93 207 0764Passeig Maragall 66 | Tel. 93 455 1987Passeig Maragall 269 | Tel. 93 435 4873

MaS PaStiSSerS

Established in 1966, Mas Pastissers have a long tradition of pastry-making in Barcelona. Since then, they’ve continued to create explosions of flavours in their patisseries. Through experience and research they’re constantly improving to make small works of art. All of Mas Pasitssers’ products are made from the perspective that they have a personal responsibility to their customers to help them maintain a healthy and balanced diet. The Slow Food philosophy is found in their line of products. Lunch menú available. �

thai thai graCia4GRÀCIA

Expect authentic ingredients all imported from Thailand and cooked by experienced Thai chefs. The Pad Thai and green and yellow curries have excellent subtle fla-vours. Simply delicious! The special tast-ing menu for �21 is a huge hit and allows you to try all the exotic dishes Thai Gracia has to offer. An affordable �11 menú del diá is avail-able during the week. The warm hospital-ity and attention to detail to every dish at Thai Gracia will keep you coming back for more. ��

Còrsega 381 | Metro Verdaguer / Girona Tel. 93 459 3591 | www.restaurante-thai-gracia.com Every day 1pm-4pm, 8pm-12am | RV

La VietnaMita 4GRÀCIA La Vietnamita is a new food concept in the heart of Gràcia - of-fering fresh and healthy Vietnamese inspired cuisine. They offer light and nutritious dishes such as traditional ‘Pho’ soup, the typical rice noodle dish ‘Bun Xiau’ and classic ‘Goi Cuon’ spring rolls. All their dishes are prepared in the moment and served with ingredients that are naturally full of flavour. Veggies and vegans: They have a lot to offer you, too! So what are you waiting for? � Torrent de L’Olla 78 | Metro Diagonal | Tel. 93 518 1803 | www.lavietnamita.com

Vegetarian

goVinda (Vegetarian)4BARRI GÒTICFounded 25 years ago, Govinda contin-

ues to thrive on a blend of experience and fresh innovation in vegetarian Indian cuisine. The international menu features talis, a salad bar, natural juices, lassis, pizzas and crêpes. Govinda offers a veg-an-friendly, non-alcoholic and authenti-cally decorated environment with lunch and weekend menus. �

Placa Villa de Madrid 4-5 | Metro Catalunya Tel. 93 318 7729 | www.amalteaygovinda.com Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11am, Sun-Mon 1pm-4pm

aMaLtea4EIXAMPLE E

Visit Amaltea vegetarian restau-rant, where a warm and welcoming environment allows you to fully enjoy a tasty and healthier alternative to your everyday meal. Dishes include cereals, pulses and vegetables with home-made puddings. The cuisine is creatively inter-national with care taken to ensure that each meal is well-balanced and made with the freshest ingredients. Menu of the day �10.70, night and weekend menu �15.30. �

Diputació 164 | Metro Urgell | Tel. 93 454 8613 | www.amalteaygovinda.com Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8pm-11pm, Closed Sun


HAIRDRESSER · MASSAGE BUSINESS DIRECTORY 45

Anthony Llobet English Hair Salon - HAIRDRESSER

Don’t let your Spanish come between you and your hair. Anglo-Catalan Anthony Llobet has over 20 years’ experience in hairstyling and a passion for excellent client service. Anthony leads a dedicated team of stylists who specialise in a variety of services, including Afro hair, extensions, straightening and make-up (and speak over 11 languages between them). The original retro interior and friendly staff create a very special atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy a stylish cut. Put your trust in Anthony and the team, who are strongly committed to providing you with outstanding service at affordable prices.

Gràcia, C/Ros de Olano 19 T. 93 218 0449 / M. 692 371 307 Raval, C/Sant Pau 122 T. 93 441 3177 / M. 692 371 308El Born, C/Carders 34 T.93 295 4871 / M. 692 371 404 Gòtic, C/Avinyó 34 T. 93 301 4513 / M. 692 371 405 www.anthonyllobet.com

Taller - HAIRDRESSER

What sets apart an Aveda beauty professional? Their mission is to bring out their client’s natural beauty. Aveda partners with salon and spa profession-als around the world. They see beauty as a craft and believe that authentic beauty is one that works in harmony with nature. Authentic beauty cares for the environment we inherited and that we’ll leave to the generations that fol-low us. Authentic beauty cares about society, creating harmony in the way we live and the way we interact with one another as human beings. Taller lives this mission to the full, offering gentle and natural hair and beauty treatments in a unique and beautiful space in the heart of the Born.

Pescateria 8, Born T. 93 315 0980 Metro: Barceloneta (L4)Open Mon 2pm-8pm; Tues-Sat 11am-8pm

Kinki - HAIRDRESSERKinki peluqueros is an international hairstyling group from Holland with over 40 salons in their home country. They put their heart and soul into cut-ting and colouring the most beautiful hairstyles, from the latest trends to classic cuts. If you bring a friend for a full treatment they will give you both a 15% discount and a free glass of cava. English, Spanish, Dutch, Ger-man and French speaking.

Pintor Fortuny 14, RavalMetro: Catalunya (L1, L3)T. 93 302 3379 www.kinkipeluqueros.esOpen Mon 4pm-8pm, Tues-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10.30am-8pm

Scissors of London - BRITISH HAIRDRESSERTim aspires to listen to your needs and suggests how they might be met in distinctive and exciting ways. Style is unique and Tim will craft you a look achieving a harmony of shape and style. Tim has been hairdressing for over 12 years. Having trained, taught and worked in London’s top salons including Toni & Guy and Vidal Sassoon. Opting out of salon life, Tim works to fi t in with the modern pace of life and offers a one to one service orientated around your needs.

Carrer Viladomat 45-47, Atico M. 633 382 [email protected] dn.com

Business directoryTo advertise in this section, call: 93 451 4486 or email: [email protected] also our online directory at www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

*READERDISCOUNT

* Discount for Metropolitan readers. Check our website for details.

MP 45-50 feb.indd 43 1/26/12 11:19:58 AM

Dr. Steven Joseph - DOCTOR

Established in 2005, Googol Medical Centre offers its patients comprehensive healthcare in a friendly, discreet and relaxed environment. UK doctor Steven Joseph provides a wide range of medical care for the English-speaking community in Barcelona with access to all medical specialties and tests.

Gran Via Carles III nº-37-39 Metro: Les Corts (L3)T. 93 330 2412 M. 627 669 [email protected] Mon-Sat

46 BUSINESS DIRECTORY HAIRDRESSER · MASSAGE · VETERINARY CLINIC · DOCTORS

Bonavet - VETERINARY CLINIC

Professional and friendly, the Bonavet veterinary clinic provides veterinary consultations, x-rays, analyses and surgery. They can also advise you on dietary requirements and stock a complete range of special food products, beds and toys to keep your pets healthy and happy. If you make an appointment you can even bring your pet down for a grooming session and trim.

Plaça Bonanova 10T. 93 211 0204

Mary D. McCarthy - DOCTOR

Feel confident with Dr. Mary McCarthy, an American-trained doctor for adults. A native English speaker with over 20 years’ experience in Barcelona, Dr. McCarthy offers professional, private health care. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and is also certified as a Specialist by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Aribau 215 Pral. 1a

T. 93 200 2924 M. 607 220 040FGC Diagonal or Gràcia

La Hair Boutique - HAIRDRESSER

Trained by Toni & Guy London, Veronique runs a friendly salon with a dedicated team who speak English, Spanish, French and Swedish.La Hair Boutique is a relaxed and cosy salon that offers progressive cuts and colours with great style advice too. They are especially talented at creating new, personalised looks using the latest techniques.

Plaça Regomir 5 Metro: Jaume 1 (L4). T. 93 269 1937 M. 699 643 462www.hairboutiquebarcelona.com

The Vital Touch - MASSAGEStart your New Year 2012 with the ‘Complete Healthy You’ programme. It includes weight management, personal fitness, therapeutic massage.The benefits to you:• Eat and live like a confident, healthy person achieving your ideal weight.• Enjoy exercise, tone up and renew your energy.• Feel relaxed, detoxified, free of pain.Ask about this fabulous six-month programme offered at a special discounted rate!

M. 659 995 [email protected]

*READERDISCOUNT

VeterCat Melisa Oddo HOME VET CARE

The best at-home veterinary care for your pet in the province of Barcelona. French and English-speaking veterinarian. Vaccination, general medicine, behaviour problems, emergencies, etc. Thanks to her love for animals, Melisa Oddo offers you the best vet service in your home. Try it for yourself and be impressed.

M. 620 157 [email protected] www.vetercat.es

BCNMED - INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONSULTING

An integrative health care service that combines scientific and medical expertise with a deep, sensitive understanding of each person’s needs.Our complete, impartial and independent support will provide you with the best medical solutions available in modern medicine.Seamless access in the most prestigious professionals in healthcare.Clear and simple diagnostics and clinical results.A break down of geographical and linguistic barriers.

M. 605 513 774 [email protected] www.bcnmed.com

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CHEMIST · DENTISTS · CHIROPRACTOR · LIFE COACH BUSINESS DIRECTORY 47

American Chiropractic Center - DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC

Do you suffer from problems such as lower back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, shoulder and articular pain, discal hernia, fibromyalgia, or stress? Dr Chiappinelli and his team pride themselves on providing friendly and professional chiropractic care, with the clear aim of improving the patient’s health. The clinics, located in Barcelona and Sitges, have individual treatment rooms which are equipped with the most up-to-date and innovative technology. Dr. Chiappinelli and his team all qualified from the top American and French universities and have worked for 20 years to ensure and provide an unbeatable service. They speak English, French, German and Italian. Make an appointment at one of the clinics and let the team help you to reach your maximum health potential.

Barcelona: Pau Claris, 139 3o 2a T. 93 487 5035 Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L3, L5)Sitges: Rafael Llopart 74, T. 93 811 0101www.bcnchiro.com

Isabel Solanich - LIFE COACH / COUNSELLOR

As a trained Life Coach, Counsellor and Emotional Therapist, I will help you to change situations you don’t like in your life.Life is your opportunity to learn and understand, and what life asks of you in return is to achieve that understanding so that you feel happy and gleaming with content. You did not come here to suffer, live in rage, envy, rancor, resentment, dissatisfaction or sadness; but to laugh, love and feel lucky.Maybe you have limiting or painful thoughts that make you believe that “this is all there is,” but in reality you have within your reach the fascinating power to change your way of life and relate to other people with well-being and happiness (even though right now it seems difficult or impossible).


Dra. Susana Campi - DENTIST

For all your dental needs, a team consisting of our first-class professionals can offer you excellent treatment. We have more than 30 years of experience and are pleased to offer you our services in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.

Rosselló 95, local,08029, Barcelona Metro: Hospital Clinic (L5) Entença (L5)T. 93 322 9114 Fax. 93 322 [email protected]

Tingsvall & McCarthy - DENTIST

Dr. Stefan Tingsvall offers general dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics and endodontics, whilst Elena McCa-rthy is a qualified dental hygienist and specialises in comprehensive preven-tative care and tooth whitening Bright Smile. Together, they aim to provide a relaxing and pleasant experience for the patient.

Castellnou 47 T. 93 205 1903M. 636 312 522 / 696 664 430FGC Les Tres Torres (L6)Bus: 16, 30, 66, 70, 72, [email protected] Mon-Sat

Dr. Christian Eickhoff deutsche zk - DENTIST

Highly recommended among the international community uses the latest in dental technology like digital prothetics and orthodontics.The whole german team is English speaking and the doctor has an American training in implantology and orthodontics. Check-ups and X-rays are free. Centrally located

Consell de Cent 249, bajosMetro Universitat (L1/L2)T. 93 323 [email protected]

Pharmacy Serra Mandri CHEMIST

The helpful and qualified pharmaceutical staff at this well-known Barcelona chemist can help and advise each client to ensure they get exactly what they need. They also stock a great range of products, including homeopathy, natural medicine, aromatherapy and organic cosmetics. The pharmacy is open 365 days a year and also offers a home delivery service.

Av. Diagonal 478Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5)Chemist T. 93 416 1270Homeopathy T. 93 217 3249Open every day 9am-10pm

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48 BUSINESS DIRECTORY PSYCHOLOGISTS · MIDWIFE · OSTEOPATH

Jonathan Lane Hooker - PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Jonathan Hooker can help if you’re looking for support, guidance or help with any aspect of your life. An English-speaking psychothera-pist, counsellor, coach and guide, he is dedicated to helping people make sense of their lives. Jonathan provides one-to-one sessions or work-shops for groups of four to 12 people. Metropolitan readers are invited to a free 20-minute introductory meeting.

T. 93 590 7654 M. 639 579 [email protected]

Hestia - PSYCHOTHERAPY

The Hestia International Centre of Psychotherapy has become a reference in the city. The professional team work with individuals, couples and families through psychotherapy, coaching, counselling, clinical hypnosis, art therapy, NLP and EMDR. They speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Portuguese and Greek and the first consultation is free.

Passeig Sant Joan 180 Pral 2a

Metro: Joanic (L4) T. 93 459 [email protected]

Nick Cross - PSYCHOLOGIST /PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Nick Cross is a registered psychologist, specialised in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you with the causes of distress and unhappiness and it provides treatment for anxiety, fears, relationship difficulties, depression, problems adjusting, loss and trauma.


Manuel Isaías López, MD, PhDChild and Adolescent

Psychiatrist & Psychoanalyst686 991 742

Claudia Ros Tusquets MAClinical Psychologist& Psychotherapist

934 102 962 / 657 570 692

Network of English Speaking Therapists

www.barcelonanest.comAll NEST professionals are Licensed / Certified English - Spanish - Catalan - Dutch - German - Italian

Established in 2000

NEST - NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

NEST is a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of English-speaking therapists who provide professional services to individuals, families, schools and companies.

Established in 2000, their highly-qualified, licensed psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists offer outstanding services in English and several other languages.

For more details on their practitioners, visit their website or see their advertisement in the main pages.

www.barcelonanest.com

Eugenia Espinosa - PSYCHOTHERAPY

Eugenia is a dedicated professional who specialises in psychological issues related to immigration. She offers effective treatment for mood and anxiety disorders as well as couples and family therapy. The first consultation with Eugenia is free.


Krishinda Powers Duff Bsc Hons - MIDWIFE

Krishinda is a fully-qualified and trained British midwife offering home birth and home dilatation service. She also provides antenatal and postnatal care and support to mothers and babies for six weeks after birth. She is supported in her practice by a team of Spanish but British-trained midwives and alternative health care professionals as well as a breast feeding consultant/Doula. Midwife means ‘to be with woman’.

M. 665 143 437 Marenostrum Centre de Salut familiar Fontanella 16 Principal, [email protected]

Paloma Azpilicueta - PSYCHOTHERAPIST

English-speaking clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. Forty years of professional experience with adults, children and adolescents. She has worked in both the public and private sectors in mental health as well as in education and social issues. Psychodynamic orientation.

Barcelona: T. 93 415 6646Mataro: T. 93 799 [email protected]

Berta Garcia, M.D, MsC. - PSYCHIATRIST

Having specialized in neurobiology and anxiety disorders for her Masters at the University of Maastricht and Florence, she is also well experienced in adult and child psychiatry in both public and private systems. As an English-speaking psychiatrist, she has worked for many renowned international institutions providing an excellent service with multidisciplinary treatment.


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Graham Collins - INTERIOR DESIGN

Graham Collins is an experienced interior designer and property consultant and can help with everything concerning property, design and decoration. So, whether you need help working out the property market or are looking for someone to renovate your home, Graham is here to help you.

Consolat del Mar 35, 3erMetro: Barceloneta (L4)M. 678 757 [email protected]

Advalua - ARCHITECTS

Advalua is a team of architects and professionals that can find and/or reform the property for sale or rent that you’re looking for, whether to live or work in. They offer a complete range of services: they inspect and evaluate properties; carry out renovation estimates and projects as well as coordinate all the work to be done; process the permits, technical documents and everything you need.

M.693 726 [email protected]

Inysi - CONSTRUCTION

The Inysi Industrial team are professionals in plumbing and electrical services, air conditioning and satellite installation. Providing services for over 60 years to households and companies, no job is too big or too small for them. If you’re looking for someone reliable that you can trust, then get in touch today.

M. 657 994 630 Alcolea 42, BajosMetro: Plaça de Sants (L1, L5)

tProject - CONSTRUCTION

Looking for help without the worry of getting lost in translation? This experienced team of builders provide a range of services, including renovations, bespoke carpentry, kitchens and bathrooms, decoration, shopfitting, electrical installations, IT networks, satellite TV, architectural services and exhibition stands. Get in touch with tProject for an obligation-free quote.

Contact: John Steven ThorpT. 93 460 7803 M. 691 664 [email protected]

Steve Elite Fitness - PERSONAL TRAINER

Steve is a fully-qualified, professional personal trainer, who has workedwith some of the strongest British and American athletes (UK strength coachfor national judo team) and is now enjoying bringing these benefits tomotivated private clients in the Barcelona area and beyond. After years of experience and with a fun, personalised and hands-on approach, he guarantees an impressive change in your physical fitness, energy levels and confidence.

M. 635 661 961 [email protected]

HEALING · PERSONAL TRAINER · MOPED RENTALS · CONSTRUCTION · ARCHITECTS · INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS DIRECTORY 49

Via Vespa - MOPED RENTALS

Explore Barcelona in style with Via Vespa. Rent a new and automatic Italian Vespa LX 50 and go from the beach to the hills, dive into the city centre and find your way through the charming little streets of Barcelona. Rent your vespa by the hour or take a tour with friends. The coolest way to see the city.

Princesa 56T. 93 319 6754 M. 656 860 [email protected]

Clustermedica - LASER TREATMENT

The B-Cure laser provides relief and treatment for a wide range of orthopedic problems in the neck, back and joints that generally result from bad posture, excessive use of a computer keyboard or sports injuries. Now you can stop pain and heal the source with just a six-minute treatment, twice a day. It’s ready to use anywhere, lightweight and rechargeable. If you’re suffering from this type of injury, then call now or visit their website for more information.

T. 90 210 6989 Vidal i Guash 13 [email protected]

Terraza Barcelona -CARPENTRY

Dirk has a passion for creating affordable carpentry designs for both interior and exterior spaces. From terrace decks to planters, pergolas to storage sheds, he will impress you with the quality of his work.Wooden furniture for: garden, terrace, balcony, living, bedroom, bathroom, office - you name it, he makes it! Everything is custom made - choose from one of his designsor bring your own ideas. Please contact Dirk for an obligation-free quotation.


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50 BUSINESS DIRECTORY CARPENTRY · REMOVALS · PROPERTY · INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL · LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

Corase - REMOVALS

Corase specialise in international removals and have a worldwide network of agents. You can trust them with any type of move, big or small. Their staff are attentive to each client’s needs and are trained to ensure that you get quality, speed and security. Corase also offer a range of other services, including storage facilities. They will be happy to give you a free quote.

Av. Diagonal 249Metro: Monumental (L2)T. 90 070 2270 (free)[email protected]

Van - REMOVALS

VanBCN offers experience, good service and inexpensive rates to make your move or removal safe and easy. Whether you are looking for man with a van for a quick move or if you want to do a complete removal, just call or send your request online. VanBCN adapts its service to your needs. They can pick up your stuff or take it to the port, airport or storage. Deliver home your purchases from IKEA or any other shop. Move your office, your room or your house. Just contact VanBCN. They know how to do it.

T. 93 426 7684 M. 647 533 344www.vanbcn.com

BCN Metropol - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Study Spanish in one of Spain’s most established and prestigious language schools. Since 1982 Metropol have provided high-quality language train-ing to students of all nationalities. The school is right in the heart of Barce-lona city centre and it’s a great place to learn or improve your Spanish. It’s a popular and specialised school, with more than 27 years of experience and they offer great value Spanish courses for all levels.

T. 93 301 8241 Pau Claris 87, 1o1a

Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4)www.bcnmetropol.com

Aspasios Rentals & Services - PROPERTY

Staying at Aspasios in Barcelona and Madrid is the perfect way to enjoy Spain. Feel at home in a new city while staying in a luxurious furnished apartment. Aspasios provides accommodation for days, months or years. They offer check-in at any time and day of the year as well as a 24hr phone service. Aspasios has multicultural staff willing to welcome you in different languages.

Adriana Romero T. 93 304 [email protected]

Spaces for rent - PROPERTY

They offer a range of rooms and spaces for rent at a low price. Perfect for a variety of classes and events like yoga, theatre, dancing, business meetings, seminars and rehearsals. They have different sized rooms at Liceu, Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya that are both clean and comfortable with central heating, A/C, tables and chairs to suit your needs. You can rent their space by the hour, half or full day, weeks or months. For more information please call Jubran.

T. 93 303 4154 [email protected]

Benjamin Franklin - INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona offers a differentiated, American curriculum from nursery to grade 12; English language college-preparatory education, including learning support and foreign language programs; Fully accredited, with strong academic programs: American High School diploma, Spanish Baccalaureate Certificate, and IB Diploma program; Active Parent Teacher Association and welcoming global community

Martorell i Peña 9 T. 93 434 2380 F. 93 417 3633 www.bfischool.org

One-to-One - SPANISH CLASSES

Learn exactly what you need with one-to-one Spanish classes in the office or at home. Focus your classes on the language and vocabulary that best serves you according to your own personal or professional needs. Business Spanish and small group classes are also available. Get confident in Spanish with Pilar.

M. 610 057 266

Flat for sale - PROPERTY

Flat for sale (71m2) in the up and coming area of Poble-sec. 5th floor (including Principal) in a listed building with a lift. 3 bedrooms, lounge/dining room, kitchen, bathroom and store room. Central heating and air conditioning, double glazing with aluminium frames and 3 balconies with lots of light. In the heart of Barcelona, 15 minutes to Las Ramblas and to the port. Well maintained, ideal for investors. Price: €245,000.

To view call VictorM. 661 673 [email protected]

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LANGUAGE SCHOOLS · TRANSLATION / INTERPRETING · CONCIERGE · COMPUTERS BUSINESS DIRECTORY 51

Geo Mac - COMPUTERS

George Cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac com-munity in Barcelona for over 15 years. Among the services he offers, George can help clients with maintenance and upgrades, hard drive replacement and ADSL setup. He can also provide consulting and tutorials according to his clients’ needs.


ZumoSEO - DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES

Increase the visibility of your website, brand and online presence with a powerful digital marketing campaign. Engage with and grow your customer base online, to help increase your business revenue. They do all the work for you: Develop and manage your digital marketing strategy; SEO; video production and marketing; Pay-Per-Click campaigns (PPC); email market-ing; content marketing; social media and professional web design.


Análoga Traducciones -TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING

Análoga offers you a wide range of quality services:

Translations:Specialised native translators.Legally-certifi ed translations:Offi cial translators appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.Interpreting:Qualifi ed professional interpreters. Rental and installation of equip-ment for simultaneous interpreting.

Paseo de Gracia 122, 3º 1ªMetro: Diagonal (L3, L5)T. 93 412 [email protected] www.analoga.es

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Languages4Life - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Languages4Life is a small schoolin a charming building in the heartof Eixample. Our teaching methodis visual and intuitive thanks to our interactive classrooms which have tactile whiteboards and internet. We have inspirational native teachers who have experience in language instruction. Access to internet on Macs or via WiFi.

València 275 3o

Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4) T. 93 487 [email protected] languages4life

Kingsbrook - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Kingsbrook have been helping people learn Spanish in a simple, pleasant and fun way since 1985. The school is located in the heart of Barcelona and has a team of experienced and dedicated staff. In order to create an optimal learning environment, the school ensures that classes have only between 7-10 students.

Trav. de Gràcia 60 Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5)T. 93 209 [email protected]

BCN L.I.P. - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

BCN L.I.P. Languages is a small school with a warm and welcoming atmosphere in Barcelona’s old town. They offer both intensive and extensive courses and it’s the perfect place to ensure success in your language immersion. The centre is equipped with the most advanced facilities to enable you to succeed in your chosen language.

T. 93 318 [email protected]

Lotus Concierge - CONCIERGE SERVICE

If your company needs help and expert assistance in hotel booking, looking for meeting venues and conference rooms, arranging and setting up roadshow or tradeshow stands, transport arrangements and much more, then contact Lotus Concierge today and they can discuss your needs in greater detail. They offer a no-obligation discussion and quote for the fi rst-class corporate event management and hotel booking services they can provide for you.

T. 93 200 [email protected]

Spanish for foreigners

Versión Original - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

The experienced teachers at Versión Original are thrilled to share their enthusiasm for the Spanish language and culture. This small city centre school, with classes of no more than 10 students, is devoted to languages, especially Spanish. There’s a great atmosphere here and a 5% discount for Metropolitan readers.

Gran Via 636, 1o 1a AMetro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4)T. 93 412 [email protected]

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52 BUSINESS DIRECTORY DESIGN · GUITAR LESSONS · PIANO CLASSES · TELEVISION SERVICE

Libby Barnes - PIANO LESSONS

Ever dreamed of playing the piano? Now you can, with enthusiastic teacher Libby Barnes. Libby has over 15 years’ experience and can teach a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, blues and rock. Everybody from complete beginners to the advanced can improve with every session. It is never too late to learn, and Libby’s classes are available to all ages, at all levels.


BritSat - TELEVISION SERVICE

BritSat offer great television packages so you’ll never have to miss your favourite TV programmes again. Craving a bit of classic comedy, your favourite soap or just fed up of feeling out of the loop of the best TV at home? BritSat will install the full package you choose for a great price. Take your pick from some of the best television in Europe as they install British, Dutch, German, Italian and French satellite TV. The team will create tailor-made installations to suit your requirements, always aiming to find the most discreet location for the dish and cables. BritSat provides excellent customer care and can also incorporate sound systems and multi-screen viewing.

M. 649 605 917 [email protected] www.britsatlive.com

Mrs.Q design studio - GRAPHIC DESIGN

Need a logo, brochure or poster? Mrs.Q design studio can design it for you. They work in partnership with their clients to ensure that their visions can be expanded upon to create a unique solution. Mrs.Q design studio has a fresh and creative outlook on every project. Whether you want branding, website design, tailor made wedding invitations or advertising—let them come up with a visionary original design.


Guitar lessons - MUSIC

Alen holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees in guitar performance, and has been teaching all levels of guitar for over 18 years. He accepts students for private or online/Skype lessons. His students have been top prize winners in numerous guitar competitions and have gone on to earn performance degrees at major universities throughout Europe.

T. 652 477 269 [email protected]

Europa Digital - TELEVISION SERVICE

Tired of being out the loop on the best documentaries or are you a secret soap fan? Or, maybe you’re just missing your favourite television programmes from home. There’s no need to miss out anymore—now you can see all of your favou-rite channels here in Barcelona! Europa Digital are licensed and fully insured to install all satellite systems, including a whole range of channels from BBC HD, Freesat, ITV HD, Sky, Sky 3d, Sky Sports and many more. They can also supply all European systems and viewing cards. They were the first company to start operating in Catalunya and, as well as private installations, they have worked for hotel groups and put multi-systems in apartment blocks.The experienced and professional team give friendly advice to ensure that you receive the best pack-age to suit your needs. They are the only company of their kind with a registered office and a 24-hour helpline. Visit their showroom before you buy or call them now for a free quotation. They are fully licensed and insured.

Floridablanca 78 Metro: Sant Antoni (L2) T. 93 325 1797 M. 666 556 452Sant Josep, 32, Sitges T. 93 894 72 99www.europadigital.tv [email protected]

François Roudière (Dip. Mus, ABRSM Grade 8) - PIANO LESSONS

François has 18 years’ experience teaching music and languages in the UK to both adults and children. He will adapt to every individual requirement and tailor his lessons to the needs and pace of each student. Learn to play the piano for fun, to entertain your friends or study for the ABRSM or other exams. He teaches beginners to intermediate level. If you wish, you can also practise your French, English or Spanish while you learn the piano.


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TELEVISION SERVICE · TAX · INSURANCE BUSINESS DIRECTORY 53

Grupo Catalana Occidente - INSURANCE

An expert in the insurance fi eld, Dagmar Schittenhelm provides his services to many satisfi ed custom-ers in German or English. Contact Dagmar if you’re looking for free, professional insurance advice with no obligation. Dagmar is a member of the prestigious Grupo Catalana Occidente.

T. 93 630 2190 / 93 630 1637Afternoon T. 93 371 3868M. 617 320 [email protected]

Spain Accounting - TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES

Qualifi ed UK accountant with 25 years experience in Spain offers:· Tax services for freelance ‘autónomos’ & companies· Income tax returns for employees & non-residents· Registration of ‘autónomos’ & company incorporation (SL)· Practical advice on setting up a business in Spain· Fast, reliable email service

Call David Cook 678 702 [email protected]

Brumwell Brokers -INSURANCE AND TAX SERVICES

They not only care about your well-being, they “insure” it. With over 20 years of experience under their belts they can help you will all your insurance needs.Working with most insurance compa-nies they guarantee you the best quote and best cover for what you need. They can even insure your bicycle!!Bromwell Brokers’ service team can also help you with tax, accounting, legal and labour laws. (Set ups, Autonomos).

Pl. Gal-la Placidia 1-3 08006T. 90 262 7810F. 90 262 7811

Smartsat - TELEVISION SERVICE

Want to watch UK television? Smartsat was set up in 2002 to offer people living in Spain the choice of watching their favourite UK TV channels including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and the entire FreeSat platform. They have since gone from strength to strength and have installed systems for hundreds of satisfi ed customers. They’ll build a package perfect for you, whether it’s an individual satellite installation for your home, or multiple installations for of-fi ces. Based in Barcelona, the team can go to homes and businesses across Catalunya. Choose from a variety of packages including Standard, Plus (integrated hard drive) and Plus HD (High Defi nition). A full after-sales service is available and all of the equipment provided is guaranteed. Get in contact with Smartsat today, for all of your satellite needs.

M. 610 092 848 [email protected] www.smartsat.tv

Staysure - INSURANCE

Staysure, experts in products and services for the over 50s, provide British nationals and Europeans living in Spain with a wide range of great value specialised insurance products. For a tailored, no-obligation quote for car, travel, health, home and holiday home insurance, contact Staysure — they understand your needs.

T. 95 201 0018www.Staysure.comStaysure.co.uk Ltd is an FSA authorised company. No 436804

Dragon - INSURANCE

Whether you need car insurance, building and contents house insurance, health, life or travel insurance, Dragon’s Insurance’s friendly staff are always ready to help and give you the best advice on insurance in Spain. With multilingual staff speaking English, Spanish and German, there is always somebody ready to help you with your individual needs. Their prices are absolutely unbeatable.

T. 96 649 3762F. 96 649 [email protected]

Easi-Sat - TELEVISION SERVICE

Easi-Sat are specialists in satellite TV, HD and audio-visual installations and are unmatched for quality and reliability. The professional team provides satellite television from across Europe and a personal, effi cient and friendly service. Contact them now for a free quote and special New Year offers.

T. 93 845 9874 M. 649 413 832 [email protected]´T MISS YOUR FAVOURITE

PROGRAMMES

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The Spectrum IFA Group - FINANCIAL ADVICE

The Spectrum IFA Group creates and provides fi nancial planning solutions for expatriates and foreign residents. Their experienced and qualifi ed team in Barcelona can help you with all aspects of fi nance including:• Pensions/ Retirement Planning • Savings & Investments• Life Cover • Health Insurance• Currency Exchange • Mortgages• Tax Planning • Asset ManagementThey are regulated fi nancial planners with offi ces in seven European countries, dedicated to providing the best advice and solution for each individual client. Please email or call them to arrange an initial, no-obligation introductory meeting.

T. 93 665 8596 Passeig de Gràcia 63, Principal 2A [email protected]

INTERESTED IN DOING A DESIGN INTERNSHIP?Requirements:· English speaking· Have graphic design training· Have a good knowledge of Photoshop and Indesign

Send your CV [email protected]

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

Legal Practice A&E - LEGAL PRACTICE

- Foreign trade (Export/Import)- Transport Law- Commercial/Civil law: contracts, lease...- Insurance law and professional liability- Legal defence (Litigation and arbitration)- International merges- Wills- AdministrativeThey speak English.

Passeig de Gràcia 118, ppal, 08008T. 93 125 [email protected]

deVere Group - FINANCIAL ADVICE

The deVere Group is the world’s larg-est independent fi nancial consultancy with a truly global presence. They pro-vide expert, impartial fi nancial advice in international savings, bonds, life insurance, pensions, as well as struc-tured products, to expatriate clients and international investors around the globe. Their commitment is to help their clients create value and wealth by suggesting the right fi nancial products that best suit their needs. Their advice is free and with no obligation.Passeig de Gràcia 56, planta 7 T. 93 487 [email protected]

Sánchez Molina - LEGAL PRACTICE

The lawyers at Sánchez Molina speak English, Spanish, Italian and French. They can help with your business licensing services, legal defence and representation, registration under any form of ownership, accounting services and work and residency permits.

Gran Via Carles III, 84, 5Metro: Maria Cristina (L3)T. 93 490 [email protected]

Gabinet Jurídic Tessal - LEGAL PRACTICE

Founded in 1983, Gabinet Jurídic Tessal is made up of a small team of highly-qualifi ed professionals. They can help with all types of law including property, construction, accident, damages, family and immigration. They are also experts in business law for accounting services, taxes and social security. They can discuss your legal matters in English and French. Ask for Esther Maya.

Perú 40-44, Escala 2, 2ºAMetro: Glòries (L1) T. 93 486 9451 F. 93 486 [email protected] www.tessal.com

54 BUSINESS DIRECTORY INSURANCE · LEGAL PRACTICE · FINANCIAL ADVICE

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Job directoryTo advertise in this section, call: 93 451 4486 or email: [email protected] also our online directory at www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

For the latest jobs for English speakers in Barcelona, follow us on Twitter @WorkInBarcelona

55 EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT 56

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main pages - August 11 .indd 3 7/18/11 1:31:46 PM

HOROSCOPEAries Love and affection are important to you this month, so it’s a good moment for spending time with friends and loved ones. Your positive approach makes it a great time for winning people over with your ideas.

Taurus February is a month of activity and communication; personal advancement will come easily to you. It’s a great time to catch up on paperwork or apply for a job or promotion. Enjoy the positive energy and ego boost.

Gemini You’ll feel clear about your goals at the month’s start. Make the most of this calm period to organise your work and home. Some frustration arises later on; deal with it quickly before becoming resentful.

Cancer You are full of enthusiasm and positive energy. Use this well—it will open professional doors and help form unexpected friendships. There may be constructive talks about a new project you’re working on.

Leo This is a busy month and you may find yourself overwhelmed by daily tasks and errands. Try to keep focused and prioritise your time well. Take care of your health, too, and make time to treat yourself.

Virgo Some projects may go slower than you would like as it’s not the best time to look for cooperation from others. Be patient and adjust your expectations. People are attracted to your creative energy.

Libra Keep this month’s carefree attitude to life under control. You’ll prefer to go out and have fun than deal with issues. Enjoy engaging with others, but also watch out for overindulgence with money, food or alcohol.

Scorpio There’s plenty going on, so try to stay focused on the important matters. Your honest and logical thinking will help establish new partnerships. If things get too hectic, take time out to recharge your batteries.

Sagittarius You’re feeling great and people will pick up on your warm and friendly energy. You will also enjoy a heightened creativity, so try something new. Make the most of this balanced and relaxed phase in your life.

Capricorn The start of February may find you feeling lazy and unmotivated. Don’t worry—things start to pick up and you’ll be full of energy by mid-month. Make sure you nurture flagging but valuable relationships.

Aquarius Negotiations and business dealings are positive. It’s also a good time to clear up paperwork and issues pending from 2011. You may struggle to find the balance between your personal and professional lives.

Pisces This is an intense month with frustrating challenges to overcome. Don’t become angry with difficult situations; use your energy to motivate yourself. Better self-awareness helps you understand yourself and others.

Everywhere you look, people are steal-ing time. Not wasting time—though there’s plenty of that around—actu-

ally stealing it. In Samoa, they stole a whole day recently, of which more below. Globally, there’s talk of stealing a second every year, by abolishing the leap second that allows the earth’s rotation to keep up with what it says on the clock. Yes, even the earth is slacking these days. It might not sound like much, but it soon adds up. Almost a minute and a half over the course of an average lifetime, and who wants to lose that?

If the leap second is under threat, how long before they go for February, trying to make off with the extra day that comes round every four years? Even if it isn’t under immedi-ate threat, we should still make the most of February 29th this year, anyway. It’s a special day, not least for all those people who have the good fortune to be born on it. You might only get a real birthday every four years, but it means that, like the Queen, you can pick a more convenient date to celebrate getting

older—when the weather’s better or school’s out, or you’re not trying to get over the crush-ing disappointment of Valentine’s Day. Just don’t pick August, because everyone will be away and no one will come to your birthday party.

For the Samoans, losing a whole day is a double whammy. First they jumped straight from December 30th to January 1st, missing out on New Year’s Eve (though technically, the last day of the year is always going to be New Year’s Eve, however short the year). But that was the least of it. They also lost their three-day weekends. Forever.

The new calendar leapfrogs them over the international date line, to bring them into the same time zone as Australia and New Zea-land, their closest trading partners. Before, they were a full day behind, thanks to the ar-bitrary drawing of the international date line, which owed more to geometrical elegance than Samoan convenience. So when it was Friday in Samoa, it was already Saturday in Australia, and they were unable to do busi-

ness. Instead they could happily head for the beach or Ikea or wherever Samoans like to go at the weekend. Now they have to man the phones and watch the clock dawdle its way to going-home time, just like every other mug on the planet.

It seems particularly cruel to do this in a leap year. Why steal one day and add another two months later? One theory is that Samoan marriage rates have been dropping, so Samo-an women need the chance to propose every four years if they’re to get their feckless boy-friends off the sofa and down the aisle. (This is pure surmise, of course, based on lazy Euro-centric assumptions about Samoan lifestyles, before any aggrieved ambassadors write in to protest. You know what they’re like.)

Of course, there might be no point worry-ing about losing a second here or a day there. If the Mayan calendar is right, the world’s go-ing to end this year anyway. And no amount of rejigging the date line is going to help.

--Roger de Flower

Time? It is a-changing

scoop

By Ben Rowdon

58 BACK PAGE

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This is not just any ordinary sushi. It is made on-site with top quality

ingredients. You can take away, enjoy in our shops, Sushiexpress

Eixample and Sushiexpress Galvany or call us and we’ll deliver it

to your home or hotel. Have a look at our menus to get to know

our maki, nigiri, temaki and other specialities or you might be

interested in our combos or menus. At lunchtime the menus are

accompanied by a free drink.

We also offer you the chance to buy from our wide range of

oriental products, including sauces, condiments, frozen foods

and much more.

SUSHIEXPRESS MERCAT GALVANYSantaló, 55, 08021Tel. 93 200 9293Open from Tuesday to Saturday. 9am-3pmNo delivery

QUalIty SUSHI IN BARCELoNAwww.sushiexpress.net

SUSHIEXPRESS EIXAMPLEConsell de Cent, 255, 08011Tel. 93 451 5454Open 12pm-4pm, 7pm-11pm 365days/year!Delivery 1pm-3pm, 8pm-10.30pm


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