And Spain week begins…the Boqueria market

If the dorky u-shaped neck pillow I finally broke down and bought in the airport (I get it now!) didn’t help make the journey to Barcelona fly by, thoughts of the delicacies that awaited us sure did. But the truth is, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect for my first trip to Spain (jamon Iberico falling from the sky, amazing fresh and canned seafood, delicious red wine, chorizo, Manchego, sherry, cava..the list goes on), but truly didn’t understand the culinary feast we were in for. It’s hard to know exactly where to start, or how to break down our eating adventures which truly tested even my four-stomach limitations, so I’ll begin at the famous Boqueria food market. The market had been a must-see suggestion not only from all of our guide books, but anyone who’d ever been to Barcelona, including friends who professed tears of joy upon walking through the mouth-watering kiosks literally spilling over with colors, flavors, delicacies, to chef friends who offered up suggestions for the best tapas counters inside. Located just off the touristy La Rambla, the market was just as colorful, decadent, delicious and overwhelming as everyone had promised. The photos speak for themselves, but the vendors sold everything from salt cod fritters to fresh eggs. We went back several times, and did some tapas hopping around the cava-soaked counters (post to come), but here are a few pics of our visit on our first jet-lagged day. We were bleary-eyed..but still able to ogle.

Entrance to the market, blue skies and delicious eats in the forecast

Peppers hanging in the market

Jamon Iberico

Delicious sausage and charcuterie

Fresh fruit juices on ice

Bananas and a study in cool straws

Salt cod fritters to-go

Fish (heads)...eaten later in the week, but that's a whole other post..

Seafood heaven

Chock full of nuts

Amazing display of eggs