Barcelona Frugal City Guide
 |
| Downloadable map, City Spy |
Sagrada Familia, great to see, but quite expensive to go in (around €20 each) and the best architecture can be seen from the outside...
Parc Guell – we loved walking around here, the park designed by Gaudi: surreal, mad colours and amazing views. And best of all - FREE. I would do this early as you have to climb a huge hill so best not to do in the heat of the day.
Tapas in Barcelona is amongst the best I've ever had – I would rather do all these restaurants again over the sights...
Catalana – if you only do one restaurant, do this. It is BUZZING and full of people both inside and on the streets, all waiting for a table.....the trick is to go, put your name on the list and then go back (or stay and drink) but it is worth it, which is why there are so many people waiting! The tapas is amazing – and great value (Spanish know a good thing when they see it) - we loved the croquetas jamon (ham & potato croquettes) and the calamari.
C/ Mallorca, 236.
Bar Lobo – on street called Pintor Fortuni - just off Las Ramblas, v trendy restaurant but still great value. Tapas with a twist, we loved the raw tuna and guacamole and Calamari Andalusian.
Bar Velodromo – on Calle Muntaner, we loved this place – bit of a walk but worth it. Very Art Deco, like The Wolseley in London, or Pastis in NYC.....very Spanish – their croquetas jamon were the best.
Cafe L'Academia
- tucked away on the backstreets of the Gothic Quarter, this restaurant
serves modern Catalan cuisine and is always very busy - a good sign!
"Oh my god it was good. I could have stayed there all day!" - May Frost, Freelance Journalist
NEW YORK
SHOPS
As I am often in New York for work, I don't get much time to get to the shops. So I have to make a list of my top places to nip into after shoots. I generally make a rule only to visit shops we don't have over here, this is my list:
As I am often in New York for work, I don't get much time to get to the shops. So I have to make a list of my top places to nip into after shoots. I generally make a rule only to visit shops we don't have over here, this is my list:
- J Crew - so I know we can all buy from Net A Porter now but nothing beats going into the store. Here you'll find all their gorgeous cashmere is every colour under the sun, the entire range of fabulous costume jewellery, as well as Crew Cuts (the kids department). We usually head to the Soho branch on Prince Street.
- Old Navy - I don't really shop here on a personal level, but it is great for menswear (I look for cargo shorts and classic tees for my partner, and baby clothes for friends)
- Kate's Paperie (435 Broome Street) - you all know about my love of stationery. This shop has definitely enhanced it! I found it a few years ago by chance and have been back every time since. I bought my sister's thank you cards for her wedding here (Vera Wang) and I always stock up on cute, never seen in the UK cards...
- Bleecker Street – this is a great street for wandering down, it has great record stores, second-hand book stores, the world famous Magnolia Bakery and of course, the MARC by Marc Jacobs shop and Surplus store. When the exchange rate is good, you can get a good deal on accessories at the MARC store. I love going in the Surplus store, where they sell necklaces, wallets, flipflops, umbrellas etc for as little as $10. I love bringing back presents for friends here.
 |
| Last time I spent too much money in the MARC by Marc Jacobs store! I'm much more restrained now... |
- Fishs Eddy (889 Broadway at 19th Street) - this is what I call a 'Nester's Paradise' - a store filled to the brim with crockery! Mugs, plates, coasters, bowls - all with a New York twist (FYI, if you can't make it to New York, they are stocking a selected range in Liberty's in London).
- ABC Carpets (888 and 881 Broadway at East 19th St) - I don't spend any money here, but as a stylist, I love being inspired by new products and visually stimulating stores. If you love interiors and design, you need to pay a visit.
FOOD
Arturo’s Pizza, 106 W. Houston Street
I don't expect everyone's experience here to match my first: we arrived
late on a Friday evening, the place was heaving, a Jazz band was playing
and we met Matt Dillon (and NO photographic proof, can you believe
it?!). But the pizzas are huge (4 can easily share one), the food is
cheap and the buzz excellent. Need I say more?
The Cupping Room, 359 West Broadway I love this place for brunch. The portions are huge and keep you full ALL day, I always take the opportunity to order American style French Toast with lots of luscious fruit on the side.
 |
| One small portion of French Toast coming up! |
Catch, 21 9th Avenue
Great location in Soho (via a small doorway - be careful you don't miss it) and the seafood is delicious. Very relaxed, tapas style food, you can order small sushi or crab linguine dishes without the oppulence of 'seafood dining'. And the truffle fries are delicious! Also, great restaurant which you can guarantee would have an atmosphere on say, a Tuesday evening.
Shake Shack, 691 8th Avenue (but based all over New York)
You
know my list wouldn't be complete without a burger restaurant! This is a
bit of a cult restaurant (with people queuing to get in - but don't let
this put you off, it moves quickly). All burgers are 100% Angus beef,
all
served medium and they use green and sustainable materials in the
building.
Recommended: ShackBurger (American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce).
ShackBurger and cheesy fries= $8.95
It's actually a Spanish 'n' but I couldn't find the key! I passed by this with my friend a few years and we had
to go in - it's so sweet - very narrow with small tables with candles -
great to stop by for a pre-dinner drink and they serve Tapas too.
This is the place I'd open in London if I could. Very New York, brasserie style food and uber cool dining without the hefty price tag. I love that the wine is listed by price and just labelled 'Cheap', 'Decent' or 'Good'. Try to find out what nights the DJ plays too...
Artichoke Pizza, 114 Tenth Avenue (but there are more locations)
They say you're not a New Yorker if you haven't had this pizza...and I
only tried it last month. There is no point even looking at the menu,
the Artichike Pizza is incredible, if a little rich...make sure you
share it (or order by the slice)!
Balthazar, 80 Spring Street
If you've visited New York but not Balthazar or Pasti's, why not?! Make a reservation and enjoy a taste of New York.
No comments :
Post a Comment