mdn

One last note on the Bless hotel: there was not any bath butler service, at least we were not made aware of it. Also, there was no DJ or other loud music in the lobby. The lobby cafe was lively but not loud with middle age people who looked more like locals and business folk rather than party loving tourists. Maybe one can email the hotel and check if the music is a seasonal thing or done on weekends if one wants to be sure. During our stay, the room as well as hallways etc. were quiet.

Maribel Now you’ve got me salivating over Valencia! I’d started compiling a list for Valencia: Llisa Negra, MercatBar, Central Bar, La Salita,Horchateria de Santa Catalina, Ca Pepico and La Pepica and Quique Dacosta if I am in Denia, which Eric Ripert has said was one of the best meals of his life! 🤤

Maribel

That's really great to know, mdn, because I toured the hotel right after it opened and things do change very much as the hotel matures and adapts to the needs of its clientele.

You've done excellent work, mdn, as I would expect from you , compiling your list! But please eliminate La Pepica (seen better days--kind of a "has been") and instead substitute Casa Carmela instead.

More thoughts later...

ekscrunchy

MDN: I have those same restaurants on my list for Valencia! There is a recent thread about the city here that I started about a month ago!

Maribel: I've gained weight guest reading about all the sweets near me! Oh, Oriel Balaguer! I went to his main out post in Barcelona--near Sarria, a beautiful neighborhood a bit outside the enter of the action.
I bought the most gorgeous assortment of his chocolates..all different colors and flavors...the most beautiful chocolate array I've ever seen!!!! Packed the box wrapped in clothing, in my checked bag. Opened the bag and, with much fanfare, opened the box to present as a gift. OH< NO!!! Every single bon bon was smashed, shredded, cracked.....demolished in every which way! They still taste great, but I was as crushed as the chocolates!!!

Maribel

Oriol Balaguer is the pastry chef par excellence! Good for you to have gone to his Barcelona mothership (of course, I would expect nothing else from ekscrunchy!).
So sad about the smashed bon bons! But they still tasted great, kind of like my Alex Cordobés cheesecake that arrived smashed but still delicious!

mdn,
Here are the Macarfi Guide winners for your next trip to Valencia and to other regions in Spain!!!-
https://www.huleymantel.com/barras-e...01900_102.html