Barcelona's Champaneria

A neat place to eat in Barcelona is the Champaneria.  My friend, Allee, first recommended it to me before I started this study abroad adventure, but sadly it has taken me over three months to make it there.  This hole-in-the-wall shop is located at Reina Christina, 7 off of Port Vell (Barceloneta).  If you don't know where to go, it can be very difficult to find.  It is hidden between a few shops on a side street, but is well worth the search.

Cava is the Spanish equivalent to champagne.  This sparkling wine used to be called Spanish champagne, however due to EU law it is no longer allowed to be called this because champagne has Protected Geographical Status. Basically because the grapes aren't grown in the Champagne region of France, the French demanded that everyone else change the name.  However, in many areas it is still called champán or champaña in Spanish or xampany in Catalan.  Now, in the United States, we are required to change the name to sparkling wine.  Hm, that should be interesting.

Anyways, I had heard this was an excellent and cheap place to eat, so Liz and I decided to check it out. Inside is a large bar where sandwiches, jamon, cheese, and cava are sold.  Most people order their meals and stand around to eat, so it can get very crowded easily and quickly.  If you are able to stake out a space to rest your food and glasses, it makes for a more relaxing outing.  Otherwise, watch your bags and glasses because you will be pushed around as people attempt to walk back and forth through the store.

Each of us ordered a cheeseburger sandwich and shared a selection of cavas. I had debated the chorizo sandwich, but instead made the order less complicated and went for the American classic.  For only 5€, you are able to get two bocadillos and a bottle of cava.  There are many different types of cava and you are able to choose a cup or a bottle.  From white to rose, sweet, dry, and more.  Depending on the type, glasses can cost between 0,70€ to 0,90€.  Great for sharing with people and very filling. Make sure to add this to your list if travel to Barcelona!

Matt, Mike, Sam, Liz, and Nuria