Tarragona (an hour’s drive from Barcelona), is one of the most fascinating cities we have ever seen.
In this ancient city, which boasts a mind boggling history spanning 2700 years, it is the blend of the old and the new that attracts us; the co-existence of tradition and modernity where a casino stares at the Roman Circus right across the road.
In such a wonderful city, my lunch at Balandra comes not as a surprise, but as a bonus! The quiet and unassuming restaurant doesn’t promise much at first glance, but wins over with its food.
After an exciting Segway tour, our ravenous appetites find a true match in a gargantuan meal there.The Mediterranean repast starts with guacamole, a creamy avocado wonder teamed with freshly baked breads (soft and spongy with crispy crusts), then proceeds to chunks of marinated tuna with finely grilled carrots and beans.
Grilled red peppers, eggplants, potatoes, zucchini, asparagus and mushrooms disappear as soon as they are placed on the table.
Baked pumpkin and onion faces reluctant takers, but once it’s tasted, it melts in the mouth. All baby vegetables – carrots, cabbage and tomatoes – are accompanied by marinated olives and a heavenly dip.
The Paella – rice with vegetables and mushrooms – turns out to be the best we ever had in Spain.
Then the waiter brings individual plates of a creamy white dish that looks like dessert, but biting into it, we find spinach.
Mothers would be mighty pleased with this finely mashed spinach concealed in a pretty, deceptive wrap.
Dessert is a visual as well as a culinary delight: Swiss roll cake with cream, yolk and truffle. The highly satiating feast turns out to be a sensual delight as well, with its artistic presentations, distinct flavours and lingering aromas.
