Well, it must officially be spring…. outdoor seating has returned to Lilla Torg!  Only in Sweden can you sit outside and not be the least bit chilly. This concept confuses foreigners:  Can you really sit outside in 5C (40F) degree weather and *enjoy* yourself?  The answer is yes. Swedes aren’t crazy — they have the best heaters around and the tall, linked umbrellas keep the heat in like a tent.  And if you’re still cold, there are fleece blankets on every chair just in case.  Food always tastes better with a beer and fresh air.  (Sorry for all the close-ups; I only had the macro lens with me….. below: Pilsner Urquell, daffodils, lingon gräddfil, potato wedges)

By some weird coincidence, Systembolaget in Malmö has txakoli wine!  Txakoli is a slightly sparkling dry white wine produced in Basque Country.  We recently tried txakoli at Euskal Etxea in Barcelona, Spain.  This is a truly refreshing wine, and I look forward to drinking this in the summer, as I reflect back on our Barcelona trip. Please note that there was a “Tillfälligt i butiken” (Temporary in-store) sign in front of the wine.  If you want to try it, don’t wait too long; it’s likely that it won’t be re-stocked.

Wine:
Maskuribai, 2008
Arabako Txakolina, Spain

Purchased at:
Systembolaget
Södra Förstadsgatan 50 B Malmö

Casa Batlló: Roof

The restaurant info for the places we loved are up — but for those of you interested in just photos, please visit the gallery.  We ate amazing food, and saw some very inspiring architecture… definitely one of the best 5-day vacations we’ve had. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy Viewing!

Esqueixada de bacallà

Day 5: We almost didn’t make it out for dinner at Café de L’Academia, another LUXE City Guide recommendation. It had been snowing all day, and we weren’t looking forward to going out in the melting slush. I’m glad we did! It was the perfect ending to a short-but-sweet vacation. This small, quiet, romantic restaurant is another place you’ll want to book in advance. We arrived without reservations 15 minutes after opening, and were offered either a seat at the bar or right by the door. We opted for the bar, and ordered a bottle of red wine bottled exclusively for the Café. For dinner, we split the Esqueixada de bacallà (raw cod with romesco sauce) and Fideuà (Catalan noodles with seafood). Again… the seafood is as fresh as it gets, and the presentation is beautiful.

Café de L’Academia
Carrer Lledó 1
+ 93 319 82 53
Metro:  Jaume I

Quimet & Quimet: Mussels w/ caviar

Day 5: Lunch at Quimet & Quimet was definitely a huge surprise hidden-gem. It is mostly full of locals: this is what a true Spanish tapas bar feels like.  Recommended by LUXE City Guide, this extremely small bar specializes in canned produce and seafood.  Don’t be put off by the cans:  Spain is known for having the highest quality canned goods. In fact, the canning just makes everything *better*.  Anchovies, salmon, dried tuna, sardines, pate, shrimp, caviar and mussels…. everything was high-quality and served with a smile.  Don’t pass up the assorted cheese plate — you won’t be disappointed.  It was a beautiful meal — and to add to the already special ambiance, it started snowing (which eventually  made the news).  I’ll never forget this amazing afternoon.

Quimet & Quimet
Calle del Poeta Cabanyes 25
+93 442 31 42
Metro: Paral·lel