Missing Meal Deals

In my penultimate conversation with an expat who has left Spain behind them, I got back in touch with Brian who I first met several years ago in beautiful Barcelona.
He is now back in London where he tries his utmost to get a taste of what he has been forced to leave behind.

I wonder what he misses about Spanish food.

“How long have you got? he replies. “I could fill a book with the Spanish food I miss. And not just the food itself. But the drink that goes with it. Superb Spanish wine, those big servings of brandy and post lunch liquers where the waiter leaves the bottle on the table from which you can help yourself.

“I have virtually stopped drinking when going out in England. The measures are so small. Specifically I miss the variety of chorizo, I miss Serrano ham, I miss Catalan curd cheese, I miss sitting on the coastline eating shrimp. I can still taste the last Catalan fish stew (Suquet de Peix) i ate before waving goodbye to Barcelona. And, of course, I miss going to the great food market in the city, the Boqueria. What a place that is! I used to buy so much fresh fruit and veg there. I loved the grapes they sell there and have not found any here that taste as good.

“You see. I told you I could fill a book. Yes, there are lots of tapas bars and Spanish restaurants in London. And some of them are very good. But they cannot replicate the atmosphere of eating out in Spain. The noise of a busy Spanish restaurant on a Sunday afternoon. The laid back lunch.

“Here I am often offered the bill before I have been asked if I want a coffee. They just want you in and out as fast as possible in so many English restaurants. That was never an issue in Barcelona or in Spanish restaurants I was taken to on a regular basis by friends living in places such as Seville.

“I miss touring Barcelona bars and enjoying the tapas served there. I always found the quality of food served there to be of the highest standard. Despite being such a popular tourist haunt, Barcelona prides itself on serving some of the best food in Spain. Or, as my friends there would correct me; the best food in Catalunya.

“I found the ingredients used there to be much more varied than when I travelled further south in Spain. The variety of meals or tapas was greater in number. More original. I got to know one Barcelona based chef quite well and he said that he spent every minute when he was not working, thinking of new ways to serve popular Spanish food.
"I also miss the real meal deals. A set lunch for 10 euros or less. Good food at good prices.

“I find that in England the whole culture of fast food has made its way into so many restaurants and bars. In London I have had meals with Spanish names served to me in minutes when I know that, if prepared fresh, that dish should have taken much longer to be ready.
“I guess I was spoiled in Spain. Smashing food served in a superb country.”

My mini survey of expats who have left Spain has shown me that they all miss Spanish food. And that they all miss different Spanish food.

Whether it is the classic Spanish breakfast of coffee and tostada, fresh vegetables from a local market, spicy peppers, fish, seafood or paella.
The list is endless.

Next, and finally, i speak with a girl born in England and brought up in Spain. She headed back to the UK a few months ago and is already packing her bags for a return journey to Spain. She misses the food that much.