The Streets of Spain…In London!

It’s not every day that one of the world’s most vibrant and famous food markets goes on tour! In fact it is the first time that market stall holders from The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria – better known just as La Boqueria – have come to London from Barcelona. For 3 days this weekend part of the Southbank was turned into a mini La Boqueria! The largest area, sponsored by Campo Viejo wines, included a restaurant, bar and wine tasting area. We were lucky enough to get into one of the wine blending classes and the wine makers there shared lots of information about the range of climates, altitudes and soils in the Rioja region. We tried unblended wine – all tempranillo – from the different areas to experience the different aromas and flavours. We also tried the same wine aged in French oak or American oak – the difference was enormous – one quite sweet and fragrant the other much bolder, a great comparison. And then of course there was the food! One of the favourite quick snacks in La Boqueria is meat on a stick – typically 6 different meats for 1 euro. And they had that here in London – albeit 4 different meats for £1! There were lots of delicious meats, salamis, olives, cheeses, oils and chocolates. Some beautifully presented. One of the places we ate when we were last at La Boqueria was El Quim and so I was pleased to see they had a stand and were serving tapas. One of their featured recipes, which is on their site , is this Eggs With Small Squids – a different and delicious way to have your morning eggs!   Eggs with small squids. Recipe for one person. Ingredients:

• 2 eggs.
• 100 grs of small squids.
• 1 garlic.
• 1 chilly pepper.
• Olive oil.
• Maldon salt.
• Black pepper.

Preparation: 1. Fry the eggs in a pan with plenty olive oil. 2. Slice the garlic and deep fry it with the chilly pepper until golden brown. Then, add the small squids and saute them. 3. Serve on top of the fried eggs with Maldon salt and black pepper on top. Is it like being there? NO!!!! But was it a fun addition for a Bank Holiday weekend? Absolutely. Were you there too? Or have you been to La Boqueria? Do let me know, I'd love to hear your comments.