Calçotada (or what do we Catalans eat)!

Today I want to introduce you all one of the most famous traditions in Catalonia: Calçotada. "Calçotada" is  gastronomical event that comes from "calçots", a type of green onion or scallion, but less bulbous than normal scallions. They're longer and the taste it's completely different, since it's a special variety of vegetable exclusive from Catalunya. "Calçotades" are massively held by the end of winter (February, March and April), people usually goes to Tarragona province (usually to "Valls") where there are several restaurants specialised in "Calçots". "Calçots" are usually roasted on a BBQ and eaten with Romesco sauce, made of raw almonds, pine nuts, and/or hazelnuts, roasted garlic, olive or sunflower oil, bitxo peppers (similar to New Mexico chiles) and/or nyora peppers (a small, round, variety of red bell pepper) and sometimes bread.

Well, the thing is... Today I went to Valls to have a "calçotada" with my parents and my parent's friends! :) We first stopped in Cubelles, a small village halfway near the sea (where my parents' friends have an appartment) where we all met. I took a few shots of how the beach looks like in winter.

It might look sunny and beautiful, but it was super chilly x_______x 

Before we got to the restaurant we had "patatas bravas", as well as some drinks as appetizers. "Patatas bravas" are white cut potatoes fried in oil and served with a sauce such as a (mild) spicy tomato sauce& mayonnaise. It's sooooo typical Spanish, and I'll definitely miss them when I go abroad ;_;

I took some shots on our way to Valls. This is how the Catalan countryside looks like :)

When we arrived to the restaurant out table was politely set and ready! ^_^ Those glass thingies you see on the table are  called "porrons" (singular: Porró), glass wine pitchers typical of many regions of Spain like Catalonia and Aragón. It resembles a cross between a wine bottle and a watering can, right? XD

To drink from a porron, the person starts by bringing the spout very close to his mouth and tilts it forward slowly so the beak points towards the teeth. Once the liquid starts coming out, the porró is pulled away from the face while the drinker looks up. To finish drinking, the person lowers the porró and brings it back down and closer to the mouth again before stopping, quickly tilting the spout up at the last moment so there is no spillage.

 This is a friend of ours drinking from a porró. Dad's watching me ò____ó (????) Haha.

Before "calçots" came, it was time for the most famous Catalan food: "Pa amb tomàquet"! It consists of bread — optionally toasted — with tomato rubbed over and seasoned with olive oil and salt. Sometimes garlic is rubbed on the bread before rubbing in the tomato (that's why you see the garlic cloves there) :) We eat it just as a snack,  or along with some cold meat or cheese. It's also our way to eat sandwiches! XD

Then.... "drum rolls"... our beloved "calçots" arrived! 8D

Romesco sauce

Irene (a friend of mine since we were kids) and me with our bibs ^_^ 

Irene nomming <3

I made a video so you guys can see how we eat  "calçots" (it's pretty quick and derpy but at least you'll get an idea of our special way to eat them) ^_^ Enjoy!

Then we had grilled meat & veggies...

And "Crema Catalana" as a dessert! (Aka cremme brulée overseas).

And finally... This nice sunset from Valls ^_^ 

I'm happy I could share with you all one of the most famous (and important) traditions from my homeland. You definitely should try it out if you ever come over during finals of winter! I bet it might sound rather a weird way to eat scallions haha, but it's definitely worth it :)

Hope you guys enjoy this post and don't hesitate to ask me anything you'd like to know about "Calçotades"! Love you all, and enjoy your weekend! :)

Love,
CL

City wanders in February

I decided to make a photography post this time. Yesterday I was so bored at home that I just picked my camera and I walked around the city with Lucas. We walked around the harbour when the sun was going down. I took really nice pictures though :)

CL <3

Birthday parties and flea markets

Today (Monday) I started my week-off, yay! Best thing is, I had a really good weekend before that! On Saturday Sarah invited me to her birthday party. Sarah is a classmate and friend of mine, and we went with Marina (another classmate) and Ida (a friend of them) to a Japanese restaurant for lunch ^_^

I ordered Takoyaki and rainbow rolls *0* I loved it!

Marina (left), Sarah (center) and me ^_^

Later in the afternoon we want to a Japanese art gallery/tea house in the city called Akashi. I loved it there, I must go back with other friends as soon as I can >_< You guys know I'm a huge tea fan!

They sold postcards too, omg juhgfdcsmnhbgfvc <3 I couldn't resist one of my biggest temptations and I bought some. Some of them were sold as donations for the Fukushima disaster. I helped people, and they helped me on my personal hobby. What else can I ask for? :) And I'll definitely buy more when I'm back.  

I ordered Matcha Latte and Chiffon Cake ^_^

Àngel (left), Sarah (middle), me and Marina :)

I had a really nice day with them! ^_^ I spend way too much money, but if it's once a while it doesn't hurt hah :) Hope I can do this more often, I really like them and I think we have more things in common then I would've thought! Thanks for inviting me, girls :) Happy belated birthday to both! <3

Later I went shopping with Àngel since he wanted some fashion advice, haha. We went to some stores and he ended up buying a hoodie in Pull&Bear. We walked around the city center and I handed out some curriculums too (I've been looking for a part time job for ages >_< I'm not giving up, though!). We took a selca when we were on the line for paying XD

I swear to God Buddha this is the first and last usamimi I will ever wear. Weird face but who cares, we both look derp XD

On Sunday I went to a flea market in the city with Lucas and Raquel. It's usually held once a month, and I try to go as much as I can. I brought my DLSR this time and I took really nice pictures ^0^ The day was kind of windy and cold, but there wasn't a single cloud in the sky and the light was great. Such a good way to spend a Sunday morning! :)

I just fell in love with with this Chow Chow puppy degfkiljhgfdsdfgjukijhgf ;A; He was so puffy and adorable! <3 

I regretted not buying those beige shoes or the blue Emericas... But I didn't have the money ;_; *sobs* 

Seriously considering buying a Polaroid when I go to Korea 

Raquel bought herself a bag and a pair of boots, and Luckie didn't buy anything! Later we walked around Las Ramblas (one of the most famous and crowded streets in Barcelona) and we turned right to carrer Ferran, where we stopped to have a tea and talk a little bit.

Once I got home I took a picture of my two purchases of the day: A spiky bracelet for 3€ and a Cambells Soup shirt for 2€ :) You guys like them?

And that's how I spent my weekend! Nothing else to say by now ^_^ I want to update with a photography post soon but I'll wait for more interesting things to happen to me lol XD I'll be enjoying my free time this week, so wish me the best on my responsabilities (sleep as much as I can to stay flawless and meet my friends now that I can!). I'll be starting my 2nd semester the 11th though but hey! It's still a long way, I have a few more days to procastinate and enjoy my freedom ;)

Thanks for reading, and happy Feb break to everyone! ;)

Love,

CL