New Spring in My Step: A Love Letter to Cafe Culture

There’s something relieving about the green buds I see as I walk around. There’s a gray film that’s lifted, and so many simple moments become so much more because there’s no need for a puffer to even step outside. The familiar pollen itch is back in my throat, I can’t decide if I need to bring a jacket, and I’ve started using three finger lengths’ worth of sunscreen again.

Most importantly, the new season is bringing in new fruits, vegetables, and seasonal menus in Barcelona’s very best local cafes. I tell anyone who cares to listen how much I love sitting and yapping for hours, watching people pass by and not feeling rushed by the cafe staff to leave.

I’m literally sitting in a cafe as I write this. I’m going on to my second hour here, and not one person has even given me a dirty look. I just got offered fresh blueberries with my matcha and didn’t have to beg to get the wifi code.

Here are some of favorite bites I’ve had in the past couple of weeks as the city excitedly transitions to spring.

Brunch and Cake

I’ve been in love with their French toast and their cutesy presentation. Can’t resist a pretty thing, truly.

I’m also notoriously anti-banana, but the presentation looked too good to pass up. I sometimes wonder what else I’ll try once if it looks appetizing.

I don’t love pastries but I lovedddd this chocolate and gianduia pocket. I’m so picky about flavor combinations, and I feel like this was really good.

Shoutout to the barista who sold me on this, God bless you, truly.

Cavatelli with pistachio pesto

Something I’ve discovered is that Barna does Italian food really well. One of my favorite spots is Bronzo. I’m so picky about Italian because I always feel like I could make the same quality at home, but this restaurant right here simply gets it. Will be back soon to try out more of their spring menu.

Burrito bowl that made me see heaven briefly because I’ve never seen such a simple meal done so well. It was from some random cafe that I found after class one day when I just pick a random direction and walk around. I told the waitress “girl surprise me” (but much more polite and in Spanish). She blessed me and I honestly wish I remember the name of the area I was in so I could return. Attempts to use the GPS location feature from this photo has literally led me to a wall. Pray that I find this spot again because this was one of the best meals I’ve had in a minute.

And the avocado is also another food I’m not a huge fan of, but it was the best complement to this dish. Maybe I liked these foods, but not in the way I used to eat them?

Pesto, tomato, mortadella, and burratta sandwich. When you see a place only has like 6 menu items then you already know that the food is gonna so good. This didn’t disappoint and this doubled as lunch and dinner because each half was probably the size of my (normal-sized) head.

The bread was so warm, pesto was fresh, and y’all know I love a good tomato.