Crudo Bar
Crudo Bar is a newly established bar which is located on the Gran Via de les cortes next to the famous avenue of Barcelona, passeig de Gracia. Even while walking the street one can see, including the side streets, at least for dozen times and get something different from microwaved Paella, or Bocodillos. Just the name Crudo Bar intrigues me, it sounds peculiar since in Spanish Crudo indeed means raw and this made I more curious. The establishment is relatively new and the design of the place is modern with a touch of romance, it has a quite narrow space and a small mezzanine over the bar area. But it’s the Crudo; concept, it’s so unique. It is also important to note that, I have never eaten this type of cuisine before, therefore, I had no good or even bad reference point to harbour towards the experience; but happily I was impressed.
So where do I start? This is if you are passionate about seafoods especially fish You’ll love it here. Characteristic for the Crudo style that is chosen must be excellent, and the excellence is reflected in the first sip. I had the privilege of tasting Ceviche with Red Tuna as well as coconut sauce; I did not prepare it in a conventional way, but words fall short of describing how great the dish was I have said it before and will say it again – quality of the ingredients defines the dish, and each bite of the dish was a delight. Next to it I opted with a Catalan specialty, Patatas Bravas. In another attempt by them to make their own perception, I am compelled by their approach and procedure. It was a hot summer day which I was quite lucky to have a beer; I have been quite busy in the week and needed to relax; moreover they had their own Ale bottled here in Spain, at the Flagship venue in Valencia. I was intrigued when the bottle said hecho con agua de mar or made with salt water well, I’m not a virgin to such a drink & I have no qualm of experimenting so yes for a Crudo Ale please. It does not taste like salt water but you notice a little saltiness, which enhances on the taste of the beer, especially the hops and little bitterness, what I would recommend each and every lover of craft beer to try out forgetting the usual bitterness, I believe your taste buds will respond to a new feeling or rather taste. It’s time to have dessert, and since I have been living in Spain for quite some time now, I just couldn’t have anything else but the Torrija de Chocolate and let me just say this to anyone who hasn’t had the chance to try one, get your posterior down here immediately. To be precise, it is the best I have ever come across. One is a masterpiece, similar to the Spanish slide known as the ‘French Toast’, served with ice-cream and covered with Chocolate sauce that is made from scratch at night.
It is time for the sweet, and for me personally after staying in Spain for some time now it has got to bit sweet, so the Torrija de Chocolate will do the job and I must say if you have not tasted one yet get to this place asap. In my opinion, it is one of the most fascinating ones I have ever come across. It’s rather delicious it is like Spanish-style French toast which is accompanied by ice cream and topped with home made Chocolate sauce I think about it in my dreams.
Lunchtime Menu Del Dia ranges from 10.50 to 13.50E, which is reasonable for a quality restaurant. An example of this would be a combination of Duck Ham & Potato salad and artichokes or Fresh croquetas or something smoother like Salmorejo – cold tomato soup served with pieces of Iberico Jamon. For the main thing of Paella style seafood rice, (do not forget about the quality of the seafood) or Tataki Tuna on a bed of sauteed vegetables or the appetizing looking Entrana steak with chimichurri sauce are delicious if there is still space left then there is a variety of desserts to choose from. The bread & drink for a mere 13,50 is indeed perfect. If there are more that 10 in your party, you can reserve a large table in the upper seating area where for 23Epp one will be leaving full & completely satisfied.
I was very pleased by the service of the restaurant, it was a complete pleasure to dine there. As I told you yesterday it is a new establishment and indeed it has that modern feel to it being located at Gran Via de les cortes. If you are looking to occasion a change of forecast and come across quality produce, try it the next time you are out to dine and you will leave fully customized with a new view of concepts. Or maybe catch it during happy hour for cocktails, happy hour is from 6pm-8pm and any cocktail will be 5 E. But I recommend the house beer, next time I will definitely get another one.
I would like to extend my appreciation to the entire team at Crudo bar.
