La Fonda del Port Olimpic Restaurant: March 11, 2010

La Fonda del Port Olimpic is located at the heart of Barcelona's tourist area in the port. It is a traditional Catalan restaurant that has great food for a good value. The restaurant is traditional and well-run. A large amount of the restaurant's menu is seafood, but there are also meat, pasta, and other dishes. There was a large group of about 20 of us all at one big table. We sat inside because it was cold outside, but they have a tent across from the entrance to the restaurant with heating lamps where people can eat. They have this special that consists of bruschetta, salad, calamari, mussels, and then a choice of either paella, salmon or a steak. I ordered the paella which was probably one of the best paella dishes I have had since I have been in Barcelona. The calamari and mussels, which are personal favorites of mine, were also very delicious. In addition to all of this food, they provided us with all you can drink red and white wine. So you are probably assuming this going to be an expensive meal, right? For everything, including a dessert shot at the end of the meal it was 17 Euros. The service was phenomenal. I was never looking for the waiter asking for more wine or anything. They were extremely friendly and rather than having one waiter who takes you through your meal, we had various waiters throughout the meal. They also had musicians playing guitars throughout the restaurant almost as if it was a mariachi band.

This experience solidified what I had been learning and hearing from teachers and friends. A meal like this is all about the dining experience and being social with one another. Rather than rushing the customers out of the restaurant like many places do in the U.S., they want you to relax and enjoy the food. Not only is La Fond great because of its food and unlimited amount of wine, but it is also located next to the beach front. As you walk to the restaurant you will pass several small bars/clubs that are not as crowded as some of the larger clubs we go to. Once we finished our meal and on our walk to one of the larger clubs, we bar hopped from one to the next. It was a complete change of scenery than we were use to but it was really fun. I would highly recommend this restaurant because of its prime location, great food, and fun atmosphere.