[bolderite]

OK, right up front I am going to admit that this is a lazy way out of trying to map all of the wonderful food suggestions that I have culled from Wilfrid's and other posts. We have 5 days in BCN in July and no doubt, with two teens in tow, we are going to find ourselves in touristy areas doing touristy things and so it would be nice to know of good lunch places (menu del dia or otherwise) or markets to pick up provisions near to the following:
Park Guell
Fundacio Joan Miro
Port Vell
Port Olympic
Tibidabo

And, since I have everyone's attention, we are dining at Cinc Sentits one evening and trying to decide between Abac and Alkimia or ? for another evening, keeping in mind that after we leave BCN we will be going to both Can Roca and Can Fabes.
Any recent experiences that put one of the A restaurants over the other?

Muchas gracias

[Wilfrid1]

Let me tackle the tourist areas. Two big hills overlook the city of Barcelona: Tibidabo is at the top of one of them, and is the sole attraction there. It's a church with a big statue on top. Right across the plaza in front of the church is one bar which serves tapas and light meals. That's it. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's the only choice right there (there are some places on the climb up).

The Fundacio Joan Miro is one of a number of attractions scattered about the summit of a smaller hill, Montjuic. If you want to spend, say, half a day up there, I would recommend going to the Pueblo (oh, it has a longer name, but Pueblo is all I can think of right now): anyway, this is a life-size model village, if you know what I mean. Okay, it's a village which incorporates recreations of historic architecture from many different regions of Spain. It's good - not too Disneyish. And there are a large number of restaurants, cafes, bars and tapas bars therein. I recall only one tapas bar near the Joan Miro museum - which is ona fairly deserted stretch of road; I had to shelter there from a storm once, but there's nothing to recommend it.

Personally, I would reserve a full half day for Montjuic, and no more than an hour on top of Tibidabo (not including travelling time), and I would make sure to eat in the city itself, before or after. By the way, once you've seen the church at Tibidabo, walk around the back and enjoy the gorgeous views over the valley.

I would say the same for Parc Guell - there's a bar inside which sells sandwiches. However, this is actually within the city proper, so there's really no reason you should have to eat in the actual neighborhood.

Port Vell is actually a few minutes walk from the main tourist strip, Las Ramblas, so you'll be able to eat in the Barri Gotic or Barri Xines (the old town) - see my other posts. But there is also a string of quite swish new restaurants built into some old dock building, all with plenty of outside seating with sea views. I must have liked Merendero del Mari, as I still have the card. Good paella.

The Port Olympic is in the vicinity of Barceloneta, which is the old, slightly downbeat dock area. The main street which leads down toward the Port and Barceloneta is lined with tourist-geared seafood restaurants, and if you take a walk around the very narrow streets of Barceloneta itself, you'll find smaller seafood restaurants used by locals (take a look before you go in, there are some grim bars down here too).

[bolderite]

Thanks-
I think the only reason to go to Tibidabo would be to actually go to the amusement park, so we should eat first!
I have read that the cable car to the top of Montjuic is out for repairs for all of '05, so it may take longer to get there.
As to Parc Guell, would you suggest going to the Boqueria and getting "picnic" supplies and then heading to the park? I assume the answer is yes, but is it permissible to drink wine in the Parc (and other public places?)

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I can't wait!

[fml]

I spent a week in Barcelona with my daughter in spring of 2001. Visiting Parc Guell, Fundacio Joan Miro, Sagrada Familia, all the Gaudi buildings, the beach area around Barceloneta, walking the Ramblas--all were great. Seeing the largest cactus garden in Europe, Els Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera, was a kick for a Colorado kid (and her mother). We indulged in churros and chocolate, tortillas, jamon, tapas, etc. at holes in the walls all around the city.

El Barcelona Bus Turistic, a hop on, hop off bus with 27 stops at all the major tourist attractions was a hassle free way to get around and see everything; I'll bring a copy of their brochure/map/routes for you when we meet at Yummy Yummy on March 22.

[Wilfrid1]

The cable car to Montjuic is always under repair. I have never seen it working. It follows that there must be another way up to the top, and although I have been half a dozen times, I am trying to remember it. I don't think I used a cab, although it wouldn't be expensive. I think there's a subway station that lets you out a good way up, then you walk. I always come down by foot: you head towards the back of the vast old palace which is now an art museum, and you find a whole series of escalators which take you down and dump you near the Plaza d'Espanya. It's easy (I have done it with my Beloved, and she don't like walking). And the views as you come down are terrific.

Check a guide book for alternative routes up.

I don't know if Parc Guell has any rules against picnicking, but it sounds like a good idea. I don't believe there are any rules against drinking in the street; as I say, Parc Guell may have specific regulations. Note: don't expect large green spaces. This is a sort of mad open-air folly. But there are benches with lovely views over the city.

[little ms foodie]

Our best lunch last year in Barcelona was at Cal Pep!! We had to get in line early as it is a local gem. No menus, everything is cooked in front of you. The best experience and great food at great prices.

Plaça de les Olles, 8
Barcelona, Spain 08003
+34 93 3107961