Monday, August 27, 2012

Bubo Chocolatier and Pastisseria in Barcelona

  Not too far from our apartment in Barcelona, we discovered Bubo. Or rather, one night I feverishly searched Google for 'best patisserie in Barcelona' and came up with Bubo. Which happened to be quite close to us. (Pastisseria obviously being the Spanish version of patisserie, in case I'm not the only one getting confused by the spelling).
  Bubo, the mastermind of Carles Mampel, an award-winning pastry chef, actually consists of 2 storefronts, side by side: Bubo the chocolate/pastry shop, and Bubo the wine bar that serves amazing-looking tapas along with sweets from the chocolate side of the business. We unfortunately never got to dine at Bubo's tapas bar, but we did have a mid-morning treat in the chocolate shop.
 Upon arrival, I have to admit that I was a bit surprised by just how modern and stylish the shop was. I guess I was expecting something a bit more traditional and older-looking, but that wasn't the case. I'd actually say that it looked like it should be in Japan, based on the presentation and the sweets themselves. Bubo definitely exuded class and style. It was quite hard to choose what we wanted to eat, seeing as everything looked wonderful.
 The shop clerk spoke excellent English and was quite happy to inform us of the ingredients in various cakes and desserts, seeing as we're always cautious about Keila's peanut allergy. After much debate (there were a LOT of tempting cakes, see HERE for some of what they offer), we settled on a simple dark chocolate cake by the name of Creamy Guanaja and a hazelnut chocolate croissant. As much as Keila loves her croissants and we really shouldn't have had it within her reach, the hazelnut was just too lovely to pass up. (Side note: If you don't want your toddler to throw a screaming fit in a cafe, don't even think about trying to stealthily eat a nut-studded croissant in her presence).
  The Creamy Guanaja was just as good as it sounds, and the hazelnut chocolate croissant was well worth tasting, too. Of course, all the ambience and those tasty treats didn't come cheap--I think it was about 7 or 8 euros for those 2 sinful delights, plus a coffee. Still, I'd say it was worth it--amazing chocolate desserts, stylish and relaxed atmosphere (besides someone's kid screaming for a croissant, that is)....I'd highly recommend Bubo! And their wine bar if you get time. Like I said, we never got to eat on that side, but we did take a peek and their tapas looked as good as their chocolates. They had a lunch menu of something like 5 or 6 tapas plus a dessert for 16 euros. Probably a drink was included in that price too but don't quote me on it. A good deal, either way!
  Bubo and Bubo Bar
  Caputxes 10, Barcelona
 (right by the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar)


                                                   Bubo Chocolatier and Pastry Shop


                                 I don't know what this was, but I really wanted to eat it. Too bad it was huge and therefore not an option.


            Our mid-morning indulgence at Bubo. See above for the link to better pictures of their wares. I had an upset baby on my lap so didn't get to take as many pictures as usual this time.

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