Quimet i Quimet, Barcelona

If the guy from elBulli is willing to stand, squeeze and have no issues sucking in the breath, bad or not, of his fellow man in this closet box wine bar, then it should be good enough for you.



And why wouldn’t you tolerate bumping butt cheeks to hold a fine wine glass of white in one hand and an amazing pintxo in the other?



Cream cheese, salmon, honey and Worcestershire – it’s so right.



Pate, pickled onion



Red pepper, prawns, caviar, olive oil.




And more.



Definitely not for dinner, but you’ll be filled up before too long with so many things to try.

4.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? C/Poeta Cabanyes 25, Poble Sec, Barcelona
What? Tapas from 1€

Pinotxo Bar, Barcelona

This much loved pintxo bar with the Pinocchio presiding over the steady flow of foodie enthusiasts and tourists serviced by the effervescent man in the vest and bow tie sits pretty in the front of Barcelona’s most famous Boqueria Market.



Only had breakfast here but that heart starter coffee and chocolate filled sugar coated donut that’s a window to weight gain had me wishing I went back for more.



3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Boqueria Market, Rambla, 85-89, Barcelona, Spain
What? Cheap

Nice Markets, Nice

Makes Paddy’s or Queen Vic look like a rubbish tip.



With all the bright, vibrant colours and perfect shapes, you could be in a Sony Bravia ad.



When you’ve got access to this kind of quality produce, no wonder food is so good in Nice.



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Where? Old Town Nice, Nice, France

Vlaamse Frites, Amsterdam Airport

Febo memories.

Pronto, Amsterdam Airport

8am waffles after a 12 hour flight from KL.

Chez Palmyre, Nice

Economic theory is thrown out the window here.




This restaurant is quintessential old town Nice. I actually don’t know what that is, but it’ll be a place that would inspire Melbournians for that next cozy Northcote bar.

Now at the ridiculous price of 14€ for 3 courses that changes with what’s good at the markets, they could rightly, or wrongly just slap together leftovers from the night before and serve.

What you do get is something far more special that tries really, really hard to please and simply showcases what simple French cooking is all about.



Blistered tomato stuffed with ratatouille and smoked salmon and parmesan crisp – How pretty.



Soup of the day – a lovely rich, creamy pea soup. I could turn vegetarian for this.



Chicken “pie” – shredded protein topped with a silky potato mash and mustard sauce.



Duck rolled in pastry and red wine sauce – jackpot.



Chocolate terrine – the money maker.



It’s fair to say that when demand surpasses supply, prices can rise. Probably not here. Leave a generous tip. One of my favourite meals in Europe.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 5 rue Droite, 04 93 85 7 Nice, France
What? 3 courses 14€

Rossettisserie Restaurant, Nice

There are roasts, and there are roasts. Then there is this charming rotisserie in old town Nice.

The only choice is the meat either chicken, veal, pork, beef or lamb. And the side.

Desserts of the day. Crème brulee and a sabayon.

It’s a good Sunday everyday.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? rue Mascoinat 8, Nice, France
What? Meats 11-13.50€

Luc Saledo, Nice

I’ve probably said something like this before, but a meal at Luc Saledo is a bit like paying for a Target brand but getting Missoni.

A great introduction to contemporary French at a price that’s a no brainer for the deep pockets, and on the threshold for those on a budget.



Complimentary appetisers



Pan seared foie gras, seasonal fruits, baby salad



Beef tartare, lemon dressing, crispy vegies – primal and delicious.



Fillet of sea bass, peas and asparagus puree.



French toast, caramelised apples, cinnamon and toffee ice cream – a heavy finish with a classic morning starter.



All about strawberries – a 4 way is always fun.



Too bad you can’t exactly enjoy the meal though, because you’re constantly waiting for the flashing lights and police sirens to get picked up.  This cheap eat in Nice is an absolute steal.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 14 Rue Maccarani, Nice, France
What? 3 courses 44€, 5 courses 65€

Da Maruzzella, Milan

A place that wouldn’t be classed with the Dolce & Gabbanas of the food world, but certainly deserves to share the same catwalks. It’s Milan’s Sofia, only tastes at least 6 times better. Probably because it’s got the heart of real Italian cooking and not a western pacemaker.



Diavola – tomato, mozzarella, spicy sausage. Thin base, ample crust, sliced snag that has a bit of bite.



Maccheronicini Mediterranei – chunks of swordfish, eggplant and a thick tomato based sauce clinging to the pasta.



Filetto al pepe verde – good cut of steak topped with a green pepper sauce.



Homemade tiramisu – I’m jealous, and I want more.
 


Pannacotta – how it should be done.

A big, brash, bustling family restaurant. Reasonably priced too, a place you’d happily revisit.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan, 3 20129 Milan, Italy
What? Around 10-15€