Justin B.
Yelp
anywhere that opens its doors (by making them glass) to invite you into the bread making process gets an a in my book. pastry chefs and bread makers run in and out of the back, the front and every which way making this a bustling, but charming little bakery.
the front window offers a literal reminder of what you are about to ingest--painted eggs, flour, little jars of jams, every bread ever made in any combination and a pennant banner to rejoice in the fact that you are eating carbs, carbs and more carbs. amen. the glass counter is overflowing with even more combinations, some with nuts, some with me, some with nuts and meat (i realize where this is going). the tiled floors and simple marble tables, accented with painted orange chairs makes the place inviting, while the faded newspaper comics along the walls add whimsy and character without punching you in a face with a fungal mural (there's one at another place up the block...i didn't make that part up) before you've had your first cafe con leche of the day.
i indulged in a lovely, flaky napolitana. buttery and slightly crispy on top with just the right amount of bitter chocolate running through the inside in two steady streams. the coffee is mellow, not bitter like some places you'll find in barcelona. i think next time i'll go back and try one of those nutty croissants with jamon y queso. savory seems to always be more satisfying in terms of bakery treats in my book.
sit outside if it's warm. the only downside is that it is on the wrong side of the street to catch the morning sun's rays. while valencia is a heavily trafficked street, it still feels cozy thanks to l'eixample's stunning architecture around you.
don't come here if you're afraid of relying on what few catalan words you know and hand signals to get by. not an english language friendly environment.
