Beautiful Barcelona

I’ve been away quite a bit lately, hence my lack of blogging. I was recently in Barcelona filming the small part of ‘Dana’ in the upcoming Robert De Niro film ‘Red Lights’. I actually spent more time in makeup and wardrobe than I did filming. However, I was certainly grateful for the three days I had in this gorgeous city and I spent my sliver of free time taking in the sights.

Those of you who have been there will know you can't miss the architecture of Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's foremost architectural visionary. His work is everywhere and incredibly unique. From the main boulevard, to the great cathedral to Park Guell- there is no escaping his fingerprint. I was most impressed with Park Guell which lies high above the city overlooking the sea. It is a garden complex with architectural elements situated on the hill of el Carmel in the Gracia district of the city. It was built between 1900 to 1914 was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count Eusebi Guell, whom the park was named after. It was inspired by the English garden city movement.  it is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When in Barcelona you must eat tapas...my favourites were found at Tapa's 24; C/ Diputació, 269, 08007 Barcelona, Spain. Tele: 934 880 977. The closest tube is Passeig de Gracia. It feels like a local dinner with a trendy edge. The food was literally finger licking good. We ordered 4 plates and it was enough to fill two people though I really wish we had room for more. The combinations of flavours were innovative and fragrant. Loved it!

If you're looking for an excellent cocktail, Boadas,Carrer Tallers, 1 Barcelona, (off La Rambla) is an institution. Established in the 1930's and supposedly the oldest cocktail bar in Barcelona, Boadas has been a hangout for the rich and famous through the years. It's understated and elegant and the cocktails are masterfully mixed. It's the smallest cocktail bar I've been in, even smaller than the fabulous Tiki Bar on Sunset Boulevard near Silver Lake in LA. It's a dark, wood panelled room where the mixologists look like they're as old as the establishment. The actual bar is magnificently crafted of beautiful mahogany wood and polished brass finishings. They can mix a mean drink with their eyes closed. I recommend the Caprihina or the Whiskey Sour. Try both if you really want to knock yourself out...Really The drinks are long on liquor and short on bullshit! Umm, Umm good! I'll be back!