Chicha / Limoná

Two staples of the Catalan capital, the vermouth and the Passeig de Sant Joan have recently reemerged.

One of the most popular artistries of the Example and the peak of the vermouth ritual, with its aspect of shared happiness, it turns out to be the best medicine against the mind control that the guests’ smartphones have.

The meeting point of both concepts results in a sport for those who enjoy their booze and the snacks fans. It is an impressive space, which actually is two separate spaces. One section is more for during the day and healthy with artisanal breads, brunch, snacks and coffee. The other section is more for the ecologic wines, artisanal beers, premium preserves and quality tapas.

The owners, Victor Burgues and Sara Reixach, wanted to create a place where you could drink something and at the same time buy the bottle on site, to resemble the classic wineries that are slowly disappearing.

The head che is Rodrigo Nieto, who was trained by Xano Sangue and Jordi Butron of the EspaiSucre restaurant school. The preserves arrive from Galicia, Azores and from Casa Espinaler in Vilassar de Mar. On a chalk board, there are wine recommendations of the week. Each week small unknown wineries and 11 varieties of vermouth are highlighted.

The food menu is based on classic dishes with a personal touch. There are many different tapas to choose from like patatas bravas, squid, anchovies, mussels and even chickpeas with butifarra sausage, Angus burgers or BBQ ribs. The best are the croquetas that are extremely crunchy and filled with creamy roasted chicken.

Without a doubt one of the best finds of the year. Because vermouth is not just a trend, it is an art form.