Sunday 28 November 2010

Mixing It Up At Cal Marino


From anchovies to stuffed peppers and cured beef - take your pick at Can Marino.
De achoas a pimientos renellos, y cecina - eligid en Can Marino.

Celler Cal Marino at number 54 c. Margarit is a place where you can sample great wines, vermouths and spirits at varying prices - from as little as €1.60 a litre, so long as you don't mind as a takeaway in a second-hand plastic bottle. These bargain basement brews are available from barrels situated  in the front of this cavernous space. 

Celler Cal Marino, ubicado en c.Margarit, 54 es un lugar por probar vinos, vermuts y licores sobresaliente a precios distintos - desde lo minimo de €1.60 por litre, siempre que no te moleste llevarlo en una botella de plastico. Estas bebidas baratas estan disponsible de los barriles, de delante de esta espacio grande. 


Mixing the traditions of the local bodega serving up cheap plonk to the masses, with more refined wines to drinkers and diners is what Cal Marino is all about. Which is why it came as no surprise when you take a look at the menu of various combination  plates available: in our case piquillo pepper stuffed with foie gras, smoked salmon stuffed with cream cheese, and figs filled with yet more foie, as seen below:




Mezclar las tradiciones de la bodega - con sus vinos barratos por todo el barrio - con vinos y comida más finos por clientes es lo usual en Cal Marino, y por eso la lista de platos combinados no fue una sorpresa. Eligimos uno plato de pimientos piquillos, renellos de foie, rollitos de salmón con queso crema, y higos renellos de más foie (arriba). 


These combined morsals are a new edition to the Cal Marino offering, and are in addition to a great cheese selection (although few if any local offerings), plates of jamón and cecina (pictured, left)plus a great range of individual tapas, fairly reasonably priced, as you can see from the board, below. 


Estos platos combinados complementan una gama de quesos - aunque pocos de España - platos de jamón y de cecina. También hay un montón de tapas de precios razonables como puedais ver, abajo. 


Celler Can Marino 
c. Magarit 54
Tel: 93 329 45 92
www.facebook.com/
cellercalmarino


Hours
Tues - Thurs: 
11.30- 3.00, 7.00 - 11.00
Weekends & holidays: 
11.30am - 3.00pm
Closed Mondays.


Horarios
Martes - jueves:
11.30 - 15.00, 19.00 - 23.00
Fin de semana y fiestas:
11.30 - 15.00
Cerrado los lunes.


Saturday 20 November 2010

Dead Good Show

Appearing at the XXII Sants Fantasy and Horror Marathon - the Altar Of The Mexican Dead.


The barrio of Sants might not be Poble-sec, but it's pretty close, and unlike Poble-sec, it has a yearly horror and fantasy film festival and competition, which I finally managed to attend this week after years of promising myself I'd do so.

Over 100 shorts were shown at the 22nd Sants Fantasy And Horror Film Marathon,  from Monday to Saturday night, with a raucous audience of well, mainly spotty young men with issues around the opposite sex, as you might expect. As well as the usual stalls of gore-related merchandise and a cheap bar, there was a very interesting series of Mexican altars, commemorating the 100th anniversary of that country's revolution, and as you can see, I took a few photos. You can find out more about the project they are part of here.

The following are some of the best of a very mixed bunch of movies I watched on Wednesday and Saturday nights. 


KORSCHA (Link to trailer)
Dir. Manuel Pérez. Barcelona. 12 min. The perils of cocaine and music boxes when you have  a dead body in the boot of your car.     
                              
IKER JIMENO vs LOS SUPERTARADOS (Link to full movie)
Dir. Ruben Grandos. Sant Llorenç Savall (Barcelona). 12.3 min. A very broad send up of psychic investigators, based on the exploits of Iker Jimenez, self-styled Journalist Of The Unknown


AMONA PUTZ
Dir. Telmo Esnal. Donostia (Guipúscoa). 9 min. A wry and very funny commentary on modern parenting from the Basque Country - watch the full movie with English subtitles, below.

LA MADRE (Link to promotional site)


Dir. Alberto Evangelio. Madrid. 6 min. Highly disturbing essay on how things can go very, very wrong when you're a busy mum - and how the media can turn you into a monster.

MACHETAZO (Link to promotional site)
Dir. Iván Ledesma. Madrid. 10 min. Slick, knowing commentary on cool gangster movies, with the protagonists debating the best crime movie ever, whilst engaged in their own nefarious activities. 

GPS (Link to the Making Of video)
Dir. Diego Sanchidrián. Madrid. 8 min. Funny, albeit rather smug treatise on the (potential) effects of modern technology on copping off.

ANOREXIA (Link to full movie)
Dir. K.Prada, J.Prada. Madrid. 3.3 min. A Spanish J-Horror homage. Dodgy acting but pretty creepy, nevertheless. Reputed to feature a member of the [REC] cast. 

THE MESSENGER 
Dir. James J. Wilson. Mallorca. 4.3 min. Another J-Horror-influenced piece (what DID they do for plots before the Internet and mobile phones?) and not bad at all for all that.

LA VERDAD SOBRE EL CASO DE LA MONEDA HIPNOTIZADORA. 




Dir. J. Oskura Nájera. Barcelona. 9 min. Intensely silly movie about horror fan boys, by fan boys and for fan boys. 



Wednesday 17 November 2010

Sec Soap Opera Continues


U E Poble Sec - El Culebrón Continua

Altercation at Iberiana. Thanks to the Gimnastica blog for the photo.
Altercado en el campo de Gimnastica Iberiana. Gracias ablog de Gimnastica por la foto.

Just when you thought it was safe to support Unió Esportiva Poble Sec, a double whammy belts you around the head like a penalty mis-kick from  a centre forward trying an ill-judged trick shot.

Justo cuando pensabais fuera justificado a apoyar Unió Esportiva Poble Sec de nuevo, de repente dos cosas os chocan, casi conjuntos.

The first new episode in this long-running saga of footballing folk opened when club president Pedro Venero made the sensible decision to sack coach Rafa Valencia. He chose former El Sec player, and experienced pair of hands, Paco Bonilla, as replacement, in reply to an appalling start to the season of three draws and six defeats.

El primero capitulo de esta saga futbolista de larga duración estreñó cuando el presidente del club, Pedro Venero tomó la decisión sensata a despedir entrenador Rafa Valencia. Elegió Paco Bonilla como sustituto,  un hombre con mucho experiencía y antiguo jugador del Sec, después los tres empates y seis derrotas de esta temporada.

After a disappointing loss, away against Sants on 31st October, Venero was vindicated with our first win of the season: 2 - 1 against  Tortosa at La Satalia, the following week. Then disaster struck. Or rather, half the team did. After having a meal out with the ousted Valencia, nine players announced to el presidente that they would be boycotting the team, effective immediately (Wednesday 10th November).

Después una pérdida decepcionante a Sants en 31 octubre, la accion de Venero se justifca debido a la primera victoria de la temporada: 2 - 1  a Tortosa en La Satalia, la semana seguiente. Entonces el desastre  se produjo. Después de cenar con Valencia, nueve jugadores dijieron al presidente ellos boicotaría el equipo, inmediatamente (el miercoles 10 Noviembre).  

This put the team in the difficult position of only having eleven players to call on in total, and me in the unusual position of being four-square behind Sr. Venero.

Esta acción resulta un equipo de once jugadores, en total. Por la primera vez yo tenía mucho simpatiá por  Sr. Venero.

The second act of this melodrama occurred this Sunday, the 14th November. Depleted in numbers and facing the sharp tongues of Gimnastica Iberiana's voluble fans, not to mention the variable footballing skills of the La Gimnastica themselves (motto: Humility, Hard Work, Sacrifice), El Sec now had to contend with another handicap - their own relatives.

El segundo parte de este melodrama ocurrio el domingo 14 noviembre. Con equipo muy reducido y enfrentando las lenguas mordaces de los fans de Gimnastica Iberiana y, además el equipo (lema: Humilidad, Trabajo, Sacraficio), El Sec tenía otra desventaja - sus proprios parientes.  

After what has been described as by some (but not all) as an unprovoked, off-the-ball attack by Sec player Cata on Gimnastica team member Guti in the 70th minute, a near fight broke out between the teams. This was reportedly joined by Cata's parents, brother and girlfriend.

Después de - según unos (pero no todos) - un agredido de sequista Cata a jugador de Gimnastica, Guti en el minuto 70, algo acerca de una pelea brotó entre los equipos. Según reportajes participaban en el incidente los padres, el herman y la novia de Cata.

The match was abandoned, with a final score of 1-0 to Gimnastica. Some reports mention that the Mossos d'Esquadra were called. What is clear, however, is that the situation was quickly calmed, due to the intervention of Gimnastica fans and Sec players.

El partido fue suspendido con el resultado final de 1 - 0 a favor de Gimnastica. Unos reportajes dicen que se lamó a los Mossos d'Esquadra. Pero lo claro es que la situcación se traqulizo rapidamente, gracia a unos fans de Gimnastica, y jugadores de U E Poble Sec.

But the damage has been done. The incident has been referred to the Catalan footballing authorities, who will also make a decision on the Sec players who are (as far as I'm aware) continuing to boycott their club. As to what will befall us at the next -  home -  match on Sunday 21st November, who can tell.

Las authoridades del futbol Catalan han se informan sobre el incidente, y juzgarán tambien en el caso de los jugadores involcrado en el boicot del equipo de Poble Sec que continuan su protesta, que lo sepa . Lo que pasará el partido proximo, el domingo 21 noviembre, no sé.  

Here's a short report from BTV: 








Saturday 13 November 2010

Bar Só Ló - Rones, arte y hablando en plata


Basta con los banalidades! | Throw triviality in the trash at Bar Só Ló.
Pasamos mucho tiempo en Bar Só Ló, ubicado en c. Margarit, 18 durante el campeonato mundial, mirando los partidos con amigos y tomando unas cervezas. Pero esta lugar, con su ambiente bohemio, muebles de segunda mano y rincones acogedores, es mejor disfrutado como un bar de noche, con un coctel de 6 por la tarde hasta 2 en la madraguda - excepte los lunes y martes, cuando esta cerrado.

Só Ló tiene más que 80 rones
Só Ló has more than 80 rums.
We spent a lot of time at Bar Só Ló - located at 18 c. Margarit - during the world cup, watching matches and drinking beers with friends. But this establishment, with its bo-ho atmosphere, second-hand furniture and cosy corners is best enjoyed as a a night bar, cocktail in hand, from 6 in the evening til 2 in the morning- except Mondays and Tuesday, when the bar closes.
O una copa de ron. El bar tiene la gama más amplia en el barrio - o quizas la ciudad. Podrías disfrutar algo de Nicaragua, Jamaica o Cuba mientras mirando a las cuadras que colgan en las parades del bar, escuchando a la musica (a veces en directo). Hay también sabores de rones caseras, como de especias y varias frutas si quieras.
Or a glass of rum. The at around 80 different types, the bar has the widest range in the barrio or perhaps even the whole city. You could be enjoying something from Nicaragua, Jamaica or Cuba whilst admiring one of the paintings that adorn the walls, listening to the music (which is sometimes live). There are also home-made flavours available, featuring a variety of different fruits and spices.

Lo que no puedes hacer es beber es Coca-Cola. En su lucha contra las banalidades del mundo barista de Barcelona, el dueño sierve Fritz Cola, como alternativa. Cosimo no tiene miedo a hablar fracamente de sus opiniones sobre el barrio de Pueblo Seco, tampoco. Aunque no lo comparto, es muy frescante oír otra punto de vista. Ve el video abajo por más detales...

The thing you won't be able to drink is Coca-Cola. In his constant struggle against the overly predictable in the world of Barcelona's night-life, the proprietor serves Fritz Cola instead. Neither is Cosimo worried to speak frankly about the barrio of Poble-sec. Although I don't share it, it's quite refreshing to hear another point of view. Watch the interview (below) and see for yourself...



Sunday 7 November 2010

Number One c. Blai, One Year Old, & One of The Best



La Tieta - Number 1 c. Blai. One year old. And number one in the area?
La Tieta - primer sitio en c. Blai - ¿y el primer bar en la localidad? 

A sure sign that I have fallen well behind in my postings is that La Tieta, a bar I visit on at least a weekly basis recently celebrated its first birthday - and I still hadn't got around to reviewing it. In fact I still don't have the usual photos of the dishes produced by this fine addition to the burgeoning c. Blai scene, so you'll have to take my word for it - or go to c. Blai 1, and try them yourself.

El primer cumpleaños de La Tieta fue un señal muy claro he ido atrasado con mis postings, porque todavía no había escrito algo sobre este bar, que visito al menos una vez por semana. De echo, ni yo tengo tampoco las fotos usuales de los platos, y por lo tanto tendrás probarles por tu mismo. 

Click to enlarge the wine list.
Haz click por ampliar la carta.
La Tieta is modelled on an old-style local, with a chill cabinet atop a modest bar, a few stalls and a price list written on a mirror. It also has a number of dishes you'd expect from a traditional bar, such as tortilla española (although this is rarely on the menu these days, unfortunately) plus cheeses,  complementary olives, and pan con tomate. 


La Tieta esta basado en el local de toda la vida, con un vitrino de enfriar encima de una barra modesta, unos taburetes y los precios escritos en un espejo. También, tiene unos platos tradicionales como tortilla española - aunque solamente esta disponsible raras veces, por desgracia - y quesos, aceitunas gratis, y pan con tomate.


What's new is a great selection of wines at reasonable prices, more innovative, nouvelle dishes such as artichoke hearts with romesco sauce drizzled with olive oil and scattered with sesame seeds, and mushrooms stuffed with black pudding.

Tiny bar, big recommendation.
Barra chica, muy recomendable.
Lo nuevo es una gama amplia de vinos de precios asequibles, platos más innovadores, como corazones de alcachofas con sala romesco, aceite y semillas de sésamo; y champiñones rellenos con morcilla.

Fusing traditional style with newer offerings and friendly service is what La Tieta does so well - both in the no-smoking interior and its terrace. It is also one of the very few good bars in the area with hours to fill the post-lunch-pre-evening dead zone.

La combinación de cosas nuevas y antiguas, y servicio amable es lo que La Tieta hace tan bien. Además es abierto despues de la hora de la comida, cuando la grande mayoría de bares por allí estan cerrados. 

One word of cation - although prices continue to be very good value, portions may be getting a little smaller as the  recession continues to bite. That said, I throughly recommend La Tieta as an enjoyable, inexpensive tapas and wine bar in the heart of Poble-sec.

Una nota de prudencia - aunque los precios se quedan razonables, es possible que el tamaño de raciones se hace más pequeño como una resulta de la crisis. Sin embargo, La Tieta es muy recomendable como un bar de tapas y vinos asequibles en la corazón de Pueblo Seco.