Me (or the understated sophistication)

Finding a truly innovative fusion restaurant is no easy task nowadays. We are used to all sorts of cuisine combinations, and I think that very few places manage to come up with something really new. However, Barcelona is a workshop of culinary innovation, and there are some really interesting options in the fusion department.

Me is perhaps one of the most brilliant places I have been in Spain, and it proposes a blend of viet-namese and New Orleans creole cuisine, an unusual combination, at least in the Old World. Founded by a viet-namese chef and a Catalan well travelled partner, this restaurant manages to offer a perfect blend of flavours from two different continents. The place feels laid back and sophisticated at the same time, and proposes an understated and stylish decoration. You can see a small collection of paisley patterned ties hanging from some of the wall lamps: that used to be part of the manager's wardrobe. You will doubtless get to meet this guy if you go. He walks around the tables, always in an impeccable dandy outfit, and literally sits with you to explain the dishes, recommend wines and take your order!

The menu features a short list of elaborated dishes that combine the cornerstones of creole cuisine (e.g. crabs, shrimps, dill, citronella) with Asian flavours. Slices of fresh fish sashimi match dill and red onions, Lousiana crabs come in a light tempura crust, and Saigon style entrecôtes marry citronella and tasty grilled potatoes. It is hard to recommend a specific dish, as they all have strong and different personalities, and vary according to season and availability of ingredients. My pick is the cooked tofu with mushrooms, spinach and pomegranate.

Me is a cosmopolitan experience: expats and well travelled locals are the usual crowd. If you have a bunch of friends visiting from abroad, I recommend that you take them here. Intrestingly enough, some of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona are a few blocks away (off the top of my head, Dry Martini and Bar Ideal). My very personal Me dinner ritual begins with a Martini cocktail at Bar Ideal and ends with a glass of amontillado wine right after the main course.

Me
Carrer Paris, 162 - Barcelona
Phone: + 34 934 19 49 33
Price range: 55€ - 60€

Ideal Cocktail Bar
Carrer Aribau, 89 - Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 531 028

Dry Martini
Carrer Aribau, 162 - Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 17 50 80