October 7th, 2013
I’ve blogged Joanet several times over the last couple of years. It’s a family owned and run restaurant, in a quiet little square on the far side of El Born, near to Parc de la Ciutadella. During the week, Joanet is only open for lunch and does a menu del dia for 11€. It’s open at the weekend too, but the prices are à la carte. Recently Joanet has stated opening in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays.
I met Anita and Nookie for lunch and was immediately prompted to reblog the restaurant because of an unusual starter – Alcachofas a la Marinera (artichokes in a seafood sauce). I hadn’t come across this before, but having looked it up I discovered that it’s quite popular in Spain. This one contained artichokes, clams, mussels, squid, white wine, onion, garlic and tomato. There was also some white fish in it, probably rapé (monkfish) and possibly cigalas (crayfish) – these seem to be likely ingredients as they are included in other recipes. All three of us ordered the Alcachofas a la Marinera as a starter and it was excellent!
I ordered Boquerones y Sardinas a la Malagueña (anchovies cured in vinegar with sardines, Málaga style) for my main course. The fish is battered and deep fried, served with a simple salad and lemon.
As always, when it’s on the menu, I had Crema Catalana for pudding. It’s very much like crème brûlée, but additionally contains lemon and orange zest with cinnamon. Traditionally it’s burnt on top with a heated iron, not a flame. Joanet’s Crema Catalana is one of the best!
The 3 course menu del dia comes with 500ml wine, beer or a soft drink. It costs €11. The restaurant is closed on Thursdays.
Joanet is at: Plaça de Sant Agusti Vell, 6 , 08003, Barcelona
Just excellent. The tables outside the cafe look very tempting on this grey morning.
Thanks Roger, Barcelona can be warm enough for eating out into December on a good year 😉
Lovely – I can’t get fresh artichokes here but when I’m back in Spain….
Me too – I’m surprised that I’ve never seen that dish before, considering the number of recipes available on the web 😉
Wish I lived closer.
Hi Ruth – me too 😉
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Looks great. I think I’ve said this before but, you really do find the best restaurants!
Thanks Tessa, Joanet is a very popular one 😉
Alcachofas a la marinera as a starter? When I read that I knew you were in for a great meal. I wasn’t wrong. And for €11 ?!?!? That is just amazing, MD. I’d go back to the restaurant whenever I was in town, too.
Thanks John, it’s a good one – I could go there two or three times a week!
How interesting to mingle in the artichokes with the seafood….this is a tip I must try! I’d continue to return to that restaurant too, all that food looks fabulous!!
Yes indeed – I’d never seen or expected that combination before and it tasted great 😉
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