Then: At 5:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, I was rattled from my sleep with an idea. The sit-up-straight-out-of-bed kind of idea. Instead of setting up shop at one French cooking school, what if I hopped around the European continent and sampled from a variety of courses in different cities and countries? That's how Culinary Hopscotch was born. Follow me on an epicurean tour of cooking schools in countries around Europe and beyond. I'll be traveling and cooking for about three months, so if you're curious about where I'm headed, just ask. Otherwise, I'll be updating my whereabouts in the Twitter section on the right. The culinary crusade starts on January 29, 2010, and I'll be doing it all in a carry-on.


Now: We live in Portland, a culinary capital in its own right. I man the stove chez nous and plan our meals weekly on a colorful pad from Anthropologie. Things have changed a bit from the old school days of Culinary Hopscotch, but it makes sense (to me) to keep it alive. Look for posts on restaurants we visit, culinary happenings in the news, what's on the menu in our kitchen, and more!

Been There, Cooked That

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Barcelona's Boqueria Market

Despite having already discussed Barcelona, I decided Boqueria Market deserved it’s own post. And since I’m the boss of this blog, that’s what I’m doing.

Why, oh why, can’t we have markets like this in America? Why? Boqueria Market makes our farmers markets look like men selling oranges at a dirt junction on the side of the road. They literally had everything here. From gorgeous dried peppers that would make your eyes weep from their beauty (and presumably heat), to candies, nuts, fish, meats, and the most beautiful fruit I’ve ever seen. 

Upon entry, my eyes went straight to a clear, plastic cup of a grass green liquid dotted with dark seeds. It was fresh-squeezed kiwi juice. And it cost €1 ($1.36). I can only imagine how refreshing that juice would have been in the heat of a Barcelona summer. And I wished I had more time there so I could take home some of the bounty and create a feast.

It was fun to take a quick spin around the indoor market, and peruse the different stalls. Sure, a lot of them were slinging the same things, but I’m sure the patrons have their favorites they go back to over and over again. Listen up, Obama…while you’re tackling this health care issue, have Michelle work on instating markets like Boqueria around the country. If people saw what this market had to offer, they’d never eat KFC again.
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2 comments:

  1. Roser Goula February 10, 2010 at 4:05 AM

    I'm glad you finally had time to go to the Boqueria market ;) It's a "must visit place" in Barcelona! Also, you were very smart to buy the 1€ juices (at the entrance door they usually sell the same ones for 3€!!!). I hope you're having a great time in Southern Spain!
    A big hug from Barcelona (sunny again)!
    Rosie

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  2. KyleFebruary 10, 2010 at 9:34 AM

    Thanks Rosie! The market was so cool, and I'm glad we got a good deal on the juice. It was sooo good! Southern Spain is great, but the weather sucks. It's rained the entire time I've been here. I wish I was in sunny Barca for a bike ride. Miss you guys!

    ~ Kyle

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