Barcelona: brunch at Milk and Catedral de Barcelona

IMG_8879.JPG

Only five minutes’ walk from our hotel was this cute place serving some of the best brunch in the city. I found this out via Time Out and I was certainly not the only one as we were met with a long queue, but it moved quickly and about 15 minutes later we sat down to eat.

IMG_8882.JPG

It’s a cosy place with a lot of tables and a few seats at the bar. It was packed and buzzing; nice atmosphere for a Sunday brunch before exploring more of Barcelona.

IMG_8887.JPG

The service was really quick, so we got our cappuccinos, and my freshly squeeze orange juice almost directly after we ordered them.

IMG_8895.JPG

And soon after that our food arrived. Emma had the Greek yoghurt with fruit salad and granola which was really nice and fresh. Extra points for serving the yoghurt in another bowl.

IMG_8888.JPG

I was craving eggs and had the scrambled eggs with morcilla and gruyère on toast.

IMG_8900.JPG

We also got a bread basket just to make sure we had enough carbs for our long day walking around the city.

Milk, Carrer d’en Gignàs, 21, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

IMG_8902

After brunch we headed to La Pedrera, via Catedral de Barcelona. We both like “ticking” things off along the way. Efficient sightseeing – that’s us!

IMG_8903

The Cathedral is rather breathtaking and definitely worth a little detour.

Catedral de Barcelona, Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

IMG_8914

I also enjoy looking at pretty old buildings, and especially Barcelona offers a lot of nice facades.

IMG_8921

Some more traditional, and some in the iconic modernista style.

IMG_8926

Like Palau de la Música Catalana; a pretty concert hall with pillars, angels and painted walls.

Palau de la Música Catalana, C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

IMG_8935

I think I prefer the simpler styles though, like these more traditional facades with shutters and balconies. So pretty!

Eating NYC: amazing ABC Kitchen

fullsizerender41

When I was in New York in August I met up with two friends I know from London. One has moved there for the first time, and one has moved back. And they both recommended ABC Kitchen to me. As I trust these friends, I made a reservation that day. For the same evening!

fullsizerender40

So off we went, Sinead, her friend Hazel from home, and I. After waiting only a few minutes at the bar our table was ready (which was good as it proved near impossible to get a drink at the bar). As we walked through the restaurant I noticed the lovely interior. Part Scandi chic with lots of clean lines and white, part romantic with a few rustic touches and pretty pastel flowers.

fullsizerender44

We ordered wine and some starters and really enjoyed our dishes. My crab toast with lemon aioli was lovely and fresh. And Sinead’s salad of roasted carrots, avocado, crunchy seeds and citrus was amazing! (I got a little food envy actually.)

fullsizerender45

Hazel’s heritage tomato toast was simple but nice. Good produce goes a long way.

fullsizerender48

For her main course Hazel had the lovely fettucine with peas, sweet onions and basil and pistachio pesto.

fullsizerender51

Sinead had the fried chicken with collard greens and a basil and hot sauce butter. A little spicy but really nice.

I decided to go all out with a whole baked lobster with oregano and a lemon and chilli vinaigrette. And mash on the side. Maybe not the most conventional choice but the kind waiter assured me plenty of people order lobster and mash. The lobster was seasoned very differently to what I’m used to but stunning! Can’t wait to come back here on my next New York trip.

ABC Kitchen, 35 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003