Article published on August 11, 2014 in LF Recommends
“Let’s Do Brunch” Part 1: Our top recommendations in Barcelona, Sitges and Madrid
Barcelona
Brunch and Cake
Brunch and Cake is the latest addition to the “Cup and Cake” family, set in the heart of “Gay-xample” on the beautiful Calle Enric Granados. Their covered terrace and cosy cream upholstery makes this quaint American style café perfect come rain or shine. Their motto is “Long Live Grandmothers”, in keeping with the sumptuous home-baking on offer and the friendly waiting staff wear braces and flat caps!
Try the… Truffled egg and bacon bagel served in a “skillet for 1”. It tastes like home and is enough to feed a small army! Their quinoa salad is also delicious and they make a mean flat white (recently named by a self-proclaimed “coffee snob” friend to be her favourite in the city!).
Enric Granados 19
08007 Barcelona
info@cupcakesbarcelona.com
www.cupcakesbarcelona.com
Picnic
A stone’s throw away from the lush oasis of the Ciutadella Park, on the edge of the hip Borne district, Picnic is a favourite among brunch-lovers. Spend the morning perusing the independent and vintage boutiques on the quirky neighbouring streets, then pop to Picnic to load up on scrumptious brunch tapas (a novel concept which we enjoyed very much!). With a strictly Mediterranean take on the classics (think eggs benedict with spicy hollandaise sauce, or tomates verdes fritos, fried green tomatoes with crumbly feta), the menu is fresh and colourful. The perfect prelude to a siesta under a palm tree.
Try the… Sobresada toastie (known as a “bikini”) with honey, for a local treat with a twist. The salmon gravlax is also delicious as well as their infinite and ever changing list for those with a sweet tooth. Be sure to book in advance (the secret’s out and the tables are sparse).
C/Comerç 1
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 511 66 61
Café Federal
Originally Aussie owned, the Barcelona Federal venue is “easy like a Sunday morning” (if you don’t mind queuing for a table that is – they have an annoying “no reservations” policy). The ultimate hipster hangout in up-and-coming Poble Sec, yummy mummies are equally at home as twenty-something art students. For inspiration on rainy days, cosy up in their comfy rocking chairs on the second floor with a steamy mug of joe. On the remaining 363 sunny days, bask on their roof terrace in the privacy of parasols and bamboo for gossip with tangy Bloody Marys.
Try the… Smoked salmon ribbons with potato pancakes and crème fraiche mousse. Heaven! Their healthy juices are great for clearing any lingering weekend cobwebs, or if you fancy a naughty treat to reward bad weekend behaviour, the oreo red velvet cupcakes are to die for!
C/Parlament 39
08015 Barcelona
+34 931 87 36 07
For the busy inter-city commuters, Café Federal has an equally lovely twin sister in majestic Madrid (Plaza de las Comendadoras 9)!
Madrid
“The Hidden Patio” at La Tita Rivera
Located in the trendy Chueca district, this brunch spot is one for those truly in the know (though the secret is most definitely out). Enter the unassuming Tita Rivera, walk to the end of the bar and out into the (usually packed) courtyard for a hipster garden party vibe under a lush green canopy. This brunch is best eaten late, in true Madrileño fashion.
Try the… Different menu options for three degrees of hunger and budget (nicely priced at €11.50, €14.95 or €16.90). Feeling thirsty from that downtown city heat? Taste the establishment’s homemade sangria served in kitsch cans for your convenience.
C/Pérez Galdós 4
28004 Madrid
+34 91 522 18 90
El Ferry
Decked out like a 1920s cruise ship (complete with Art Deco portholes), El Ferry is the city’s coolest vintage style brunch option. This lively establishment hosts fantastic live jazz by musician Pepe Nieto (who doubles up as the highly skilled chef!), bringing a cool sea breeze to the super-hot district of Chamberí.
Try the… Brunch burger, as well as anything from their weekend “JAZZ Brunch” menu, which perfectly marries traditional Spanish cuisine with classic American favourites for just €17 including a welcome cocktail (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere).
C/Sandoval 12
28010 Madrid
+34 91 447 28 88
elferrymadrid@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/ElFerryMadrid
La Mallorquina
For a no-nonsense, traditional Madrileño breakfast, head to La Mallorquina. Founded in 1894, this infamous establishment in the heart of the capital serves up exquisite pastries with black-as-midnight coffee. Definitely one for the early birds, sit in the upstairs “salón” for (brisk) table service (or fight tooth and nail to the counter for a delicate treat to take away).
Try the… Chocolate napolitanos, still warm from the oven! The assortment of confectionary looks like a scene from a Wes Anderson film – everything tastes as scrumptious as it looks.
C/Mayor 2
28013 Madrid
+34 91 521 12 01
www.pastelerialamallorquina.es
Sitges
Medium Romàntic
This boutique hotel is set in a converted 19th Century villa, and retains many of the original features. This is one of the most peaceful spots in Sitges, which retains its calm oasis feel throughout the frantic summer period. Each morning breakfast is served in their parlour or in the walled garden surrounded by honeysuckle, palm trees and Greek statues. One of Sitges’ lesser known gems, I could spend hours in their giant wicker sofas with a good book and a café con leche.
Try the… Continental breakfast. It’s not as sophisticated as some of the trendier venues in Sitges, but the setting could not be more idyllic!
C/San Isidro 33
08870 Sitges
+34 93 894 8375
