Portugal, Spain or France??

[DFW]

14. You'll love the city if it's your first time

And you’ll keep coming back.

Try any one of the Sensi tapes places in the Barri Gòtic (they don’t look fancy but get reservations!!). It’s worth it!

There is also the Taverna del Bispe right next to the Cathedral, right across from the old Hotel Colón. It may look touristy, but the food is first rate. Best papes braves in town. A little oily, very garlicky, but WOW!

There is another slightly touristy place where I often go for breakfast. It’s on the Via Laietana, Plaça del Àngel side, with old dark wood interiors. They have a thick bittersweet hot chocolate you can almost stick a fork in, and have it stand straight up, and their cruçants (croissants) are always fresh-baked.

If you know any Tagalog, you’ll get a big smile and great service from the many Filipino serving staff. Magandáng omagá means “good morning,” and magandáng gabí (gah-BEE) means “good evening”. Salamat-po (sah-LAH-mat Po) is a colloquial thank you. “Po” is an added syllable they often tack on to phrases in the spoken language. You don’t have to know it of course, but it is very much appreciated. Sort of like saying “rozh bazh” in Germany when the person you are speaking to is obviously Kurdish. Just a tiny “I know and acknowledge who you are.” Americans rarely do, so they love it.

The same goes for the Filipino saleswomen at the stands with candied fruits and nuts at the Mercat Boqueria near the front. If you speak Tagalog from the start, they may even ask you if you know me. I frequent those stands a LOT😁. It’s on the Ramblas, not far from the Plaça Catalunya. EVERYBODY knows where the Boqueria is, so just ask.