Cava Cava!

La Champagneria (Can Paixano)
Cava Bar and Bocadillos
Reina Cristina 7, Barcelona, Spain
ph: 93 310 08 39

One of the best dining experiences I've had abroad was standing in a packed bar like sardines with a dozen or so cured pig legs or jamon dangling above our heads and sparkling wine or cava spilling on us as the bartenders hand out the customers' bubbly drink. La Champagneria or in Catalan, Can Paixano will not offer you a nice place to sit or give you personalized service but it surely is a great place for good food, fun ambiance and inexpensive drinks. Located in the streets of Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain, La Champagneria looks like a hidden gem as it is the only bustling place on the a pretty quiet street.

My sister who's been living in Barcelona for a few months, was raving about this local hot spot and so I was excited to have a sip of the One-Euro cava and taste the sandwiches or bocadillos that populate every food stalls of Spain. Upon entering, the friendly crowd almost pouring out of the bar and happily munching on their bocadillo made room for us as we found a spot for two by the bar. We ordered two cavas and opted for a plate of chorizo and manchego cheese. We steered away from carbs since we left my sister's apartment with almost full tummies but their bocadillo menu will definitely tempt you (we came back almost immediately after my first visit to try their foie gras and pork lomo bocadillo). Jamon serrano, Spanish cheeses, pork lomo, pimientos and other local specialities make up the filling of their bacadillos and all for under four Euros, it is clearly a good deal.

Cavas were pouring very quickly and being passed on to eager drinkers and as we enjoyed the small nibbles of their delicious, authentic chorizo and cheese.The sparkling wine is also getting to our heads as we soaked in the warm ambiance. We were already mingling with the elderly men standing beside us by the bar offering us more food and teaching us Catalan. La Champagneria just has this lingering great vibes with good conversations in the air and the aroma of Spanish delicacies. A place worth visiting when you have the opportunity to come to Barcelona and a good pit stop before heading to the beach. La Champagneria is an experience on its own, good Spanish hospitality plus yummy grub that won't put a dent on your wallet.