Hot chocolate
Salty, crunchy, tingly: So you think you know all there is to know about chocolate? Then it’s high time you sampled the mouthwateringly memorable creations of a bunch of young chocolate artists who work their magic in Barcelona.
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How does the Arctic Ocean taste? Mainly salty, and somehow cool. Enric Rovira has enveloped a grain of salt in white chocolate that melts on your tongue like a drop of seawater. “Each ocean has its own particular characteristics and
is associated with different sensations,” says Rovira, who looks more like a physicist than a chocolatier with his close-cropped hair, athletic physique and clear eyes, “I have been trying to transform these sensations into chocolate.”
His Oceans collection comprises five chocolate boxes the size of cobblestones, each in a color that resonates with the sensual properties of its designated ocean and of the truffles inside.
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From sensational chocolate bars to traditional drinking chocolate
Postcard substitutes: Say it with brightly colored bars of Xocoa chocolate instead
Chocolate and chocolate again – plus much more besides: Master patissier Oriol Balaguer has also created some finger-licking cakes
Granja Viader is an old-fashioned milk bar in the Raval district of Barcelona that has been going strong since 1870. That might have something to do with its signature drinking chocolate, velvety-sweet and topped with whipped cream.
From world-famous chocolates to artworks made from chocolate
Prettily packed and popular the world over: These chocolate truffles from Cacao Sampaka go from Barcelona via Berlin to distant places like Dubai and Tokyo
Just desserts: At the Espai Sucre restaurant, entire menus are composed of truly inventive creations
Museum of fine chocolates: This life-sized statue of a chimpanzee on show at the Museu de la Xocolata is made of… well, what else? White chocolate, of course.
Lufthansa Tips
Tip 1:
Enric Rovira::
The shop décor is as minimalist in design as the chocolate boxes. Saffron and Cabernet Sauvignon are just two of the flavors in the Gastronomic Collection.
Information::
Carrer Josep Tarradellas 113, Tel. +34-93/419 25 47, www.enricrovira.com
Tip 2:
Oriol Balaguer:
In addition to chocolate truffles, Oriol Balaguer sells pastries and cakes. One famous chocolate cake has layers of cracknel, sponge, mousse and pure cocoa.
Information::
Plaza Sant Gregori, Taumaturg 2, Tel. +34-93/201 18 46, www.oriolbalaguer.com
Tip 3:
Xocoa:
The spacey boutiques of this rapidly expanding chocolate empire can be found all over Barcelona. They sell classic truffles as well as luxury items, such as gold-plated chocolate bars and cocoa-flavored beer.
Information::
Carrer Petritxol 11-13, Tel. +34-93/301 11 97, www.xocoa-bcn.com
Tip 4:
Cacao Sampaka:
Unlike Barcelona’s other chocolatiers, this company also produces its chocolate base product itself. A plethora of chocolate bars and truffles leaves you spoilt for choice, but luckily many of the wares can be sampled in the café before you buy.
Information::
Carrer Consell de Cent 292, Tel. +34-93/272 08 33, www.cacaosampaka.com
Tip 5:
Bubo:
Macaroons, truffles, tartlets and desserts are set out like jewels in illuminated display cabinets. The shop is truly beautiful – ultramodern décor within ancient walls. In the café next door, they serve croissants from Bubo’s own bakery.
Information::
Carrer Caputxes 10, Tel. +34-93/268 72 24, www.bubo.ws
Tip 6:
Espai Sucre:
The 18 seats at this dessert restaurant, which opens only evenings, are fully booked nearly every day. And for all those who just have to have a “regular” meal, they also serve a few savory dishes – duck with chocolate cake, for example.
Information::
Carrer Princesa 53, Tel. +34-93/268 16 30, www.espaisucre.com
Tip 7:
Museu de la Xocolata:
Just inside the entrance there’s a large statue of Ben Hur and his chariot in a glass case – all in chocolate. Also on show are some historical machines and tools of the chocolate trade. The museum also has a very nice shop and an equally nice café.
Information::
Carrer del Comerc 36, Tel. +34-93/268 78 78, http://pastisseria.cat
pictures: Christiane von Enzberg
