This is a restaurant at the central area of Girona, at the Plaça Catalunya. It is famous for its rice dishes. It is situated at a house in a small street. It looks attractive and gives an impression of professionalism when one gets it. It has a quiet reception hall, where one is received by a staff member who has an earphone attached to her ear, giving her a conspiracy look. We went for lunch, and after telling our name, since we made a reservation beforehand, we were told to go upstairs. There is even an elevator within the restaurant. We chose to walk up since our table was on the first floor. When we got there, our arrival was already announced by the modern technology and we were shown to our table. It did make one feel important.
Once settled, modern technology ended. We had to wait for over five minutes to be shown our menu. It was difficult to even catch the waiter's eye, which kept evading us. There is a second floor presumably for the smokers. I had quite a bit of time to examine the decoration; the space was small which fit no more than ten tables but it was pleasant. A glass window showed the back staircase, with each step graced by a pot of flowers. Then I realised that the system was that only the head waiter could give menu and take order. The head waiter, as down at the reception, was equipped with an earphone; but it seemed that our presence did not come to his notice in spite of that.
We were given the menu to study. There was a big selection of rice dishes, paella and arroz caldoso (soup rice), among other choices. Of course we went for the rice. It is recommended to ask all questions to the head waiter before one can catch him again.
While we were waiting for ordering, we were given a glass of vermouth and an appetizer, which came with olive oil and a dish of black salt and one roll. It is not a bad idea, but it looks so mean in a restaurant, that for two people we were given only one roll to share. Among casual acquaintances that might not be too comfortable to have to tear the bread each time. Every time when it was finished, we were offered another one roll portion. I regret that I forgot what the appetizer was, but I took a picture of it, as shown above.
For first dish, we had shrimp carpaccio and buñuelo de bacalao, which cod dumplings. Both were delicious. The shrimp carpaccio has taken up a spot in creative restaurants and it deserves to be.
For second we had soupy rice with shrimps, cuttlefish and clams. As usual, there is a minimum of two people for a rice dish. The restaurant truly deserves calling themselves expert in rich dishes, it was delightful.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to write about our lunch until now, which was two weeks ago, so I apologise for not talking about the desserts, because they simply escape my mind right now.
If you would like to try out some rice dishes while in Girona, this is the place to go despite its deviation from traditional restaurant customs. For two people, be prepared to pay around 100 euros for the meal with a bottle of wine.
