Those who know me well know that I like food a lot. And when we travel, the Chief Penguin and I enjoy sampling the specialities of the cuisine in new places. And I write about food extensively. If you are not a foodie, feel free to skip over the detailed explanation of yesterday’s lunch.
We also walked some new streets in Tarragona and happened upon a gathering of local folks listening to and dancing to an exuberant singer/performer in the main square.
LUNCH
After a week of eating tapas for both lunch and dinner, we splurged on a meal at El Terrat. On a street away from the old town and definitely not touristy, El Terrat is helmed by a rising young chef, Moha Quach, of Moroccan heritage. He offers creative Spanish cuisine focusing on local ingredients from the Tarragona region. The dining room is light with blond wood tables and wood chairs wrapped in green leafy patterned fabric.
We opted for the a la carte menu and began with a white vermouth with lemon. Two amuse bouches arrived; a mini crunchy sandwich cookie filled with smoked cheese, and a small “olive” which was an egg that exploded with a burst of intense olive-flavored liquid. Marvelous!
My first course was a version of shrimps Romesco with foam on top. The shrimp, nestled in a lavish amount of sauce, were tender and tasty. The Chief Penguin had marinated tuna and cherry tomatoes in an almond cream sauce. For entrees, he had a lovely portion of sea bass while I, unusual for me, sampled the shoulder of lamb tagine with carrots.
The lamb was luscious and delicious. Several slivers of citrus peel added just the right piquant note. To go with the entrees, we each had a glass of a different local red wine. Tiny balls of a coconut confection and a fruity one rounded out the meal as our dessert. This was a treat!
SIGHTS
Central Boulevard
Later in the afternoon, we explored a bit more of the new section of Tarragona and discovered the lovely boulevard that runs down toward the sea and the beach. Named Rambla Nova, it was built in 1854 to connect the upper and lower parts of the city. Flanked by restaurants, shops, and apartment buildings on either side, it is perfect for strolling. White benches entice one to pause and just watch the world.
Before the sea at the beginning, is a large monument with a statue of Admiral Roger de Lauria. Lauria was a 13th century Sicilian knight and likely the most talented naval tactician of the Middle Ages.
Celebration on the Forum Plaza
In the evening, we returned to the old town and the main square, attracted by singing and dancing. We were not sure what the celebration was all about, but a performer was encouraging the women and children to come forward and dance.
Men and others sat watching from the low wall nearby or at café tables enjoying beer and wine.
The music was lively and included several familiar songs including Springsteen’s Born in the USA. I had fun gazing at the scene and tried to discreetly capture as many photos of couples and others as I could.
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
