going to barcelona next weekend, then on to perpignan, in the south of france. does anyone have a recommendation for a fun, medium priced restaurant in barcelona. staying in the las ramblas area. thanks

Try Set Portes (very pretty-a Barcelona classic) for several different versions of paella, including the Catalan fideua, a paella made with noodles rather than rice. <BR> <BR>Also La Fonda (inexpensive and wildly popular-always a line) and Los Caracoles (for roast chicken) both on Carrer Escudellers in the Barri Gotic. <BR> <BR>For a great champagne bar, head straight to the Bar El Xampanayet on Carrer Montacada above the Picasso Museum and order a glass of cava, anchovies and pa amb tomaquet (a kind of Catalan bruschetta). Great homemade potato chips are on the house. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Oops! Spellcheck: El Xampanyet at Carrer Montcada (#22) <BR>

thanks maribel. also, has anyone ever tried a place called el mussel, or mussel in barcelona? i think i saw a recommendation on here months ago, but don't recall. thanks.

Me, yet again...Try to access the NY Times archives and pull up a 2 page article in Sunday Travel Section, 9/12/99, "Barcelona Brings Flair to Its Classics"-7 classic restaurants are reviewed here, including Cal Pep, which friends enjoyed very much last summer.

Jim, <BR>I was the poster who mentioned El Mussol ( I think it's Catalan for "owl"). It's in the old quarter and was in walking distance from the Gran Via Hotel. <BR> <BR>It has an industrial feel to it with a large open grill. It's very popular with just about every segment of the Barcelona population, dating teens to grandparents, plus a few tourists. The food is mostly grilled meats and poultry with excellent aoili sauce and good crema catalan. As you can tell, we really enjoyed the place. If you can't get into LA FONDA ( we couldn't), try EL MUSSOL, which from the looks of the line outside LA FONDA, caters to a more diverse crowd. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I was the one who recommended EL MUSSOL(OL). I emailed you with the details as I am having trouble posting today. (This is about my third attempt.)

Cafe de l'Accademia! Make reservations for 9 pm when it opens. Wonderful ambiance in old quarter, very well-prepared and presented food.