Mercat de Mercats

Great meeting between flavors, people, and Barcelona

The tastiest proposal of the city, “Mercat de Mercats” has filled the beautiful Plaza de la Catedral with curious visitors and high gastronomy. Here last weekend, there were many participants from the sector, students from the Gastronomy School, and many collaborators who have been there offering the best of themselves.

A feast for the senses, where authentic delicatessens, original drinks, and the most delicious sweets paraded. Tourists and locals have enjoyed a weekend and an event where the sun shone and the bellies were happy.

          A walk to enjoy with five senses

The Avinguda de la Catedral shined with the best gastronomy and fresh market products during the celebration of what is already the 8th fair “Mercat de Mercats”. This year edition came with more products, more proposals and more news, and with a clear commitment to healthy, ecological and proximity food.

Thus, 21 stops of different municipal markets offered us an amazing selection of their products, and also a sample of local flavors from the rest of Catalonia, such as the “Cuina territori” from Girona.

Highlights

The tasting was represented by 15 local offers, among which there were market restaurants offering 32 different dishes around a large central kitchen. A zone of cheeses and another of sweets completed the party.

All of them were delicious proposals that revolutionized the world of tapas. With alternatives and combinations to fall in love with. It was a great pleasure to walk around, taste and discover the creations that students and chefs had created with so much affection.

The sweet things section, an authentic feast, with desserts examples from traditional “mató i mel” to tiramisú, including endless versions of cheesecake.

In addition, there were many other activities such as music, typical dances, interesting talks and the presentation of the gastronomic book by chef Joan Gurguí.

Working with my baristas

For the break, we were there the whole weekend with two of my baristas at the coffee stand, just in front of the Cathedral. There was great acceptance among the assistants. The boys were side by side serving and smiling almost 12 hours a day, and time flew.

Dani, one of  Xavi Iglesias baristas at the coffee stand

The lectures

During this edition of Mercat de Mercats, there were many interesting subjects, I summarize those that were lived on Sunday, when I also had the pleasure of participating with my own talk, with new trends in coffee and gastronomy as a theme.

A morning that started full of emotions, and extended to a whole day sharing with great professionals, it was a real privilege for me to be among them.

Starting strong at noon

The first one I saw was “Els Tinars” with their talk: “Clásicos del Empordá”, starring the Gascons, Eduard and Marc. Who showed up in a block with all their saga: dad, son and granddaughter included – the little one, 6 years old that was already emerging as the next gourmandise revelation of the family. They made traditional dishes with the modern  “GASCONS” brand touch: gastronomic tradition since 1978, when the grandfather founded the first restaurant.

Then came Mr. Ramón Parellada, with his talk “Updating Catalan cuisine”. He also arrived with all his clan on stage, and with another exciting demonstration of the most famous dishes on his menu.

My conference

A moment during Xavi Iglesias conference: “New trends”

At the time of coffee it was my turn, with a talk on trends that left its mark among 80 attendees who also witnessed the tasting … they congratulated me, they asked me for recipes, everyone happy, and everything very dynamic. A theme that can certainly be extended, we will continue to develop and expose it, and so many other exciting and interesting topics like these: specialty coffees, non-alcoholic cocktails, and new pastry.

Great finale and toast with those who know best

After our talk, and to toast and close a cycle of groundbreaking conferences: great people, colleagues and friends such as the winemaker Ferrán Ureta with his talk on organic wines, Sergi Estévez who made a cocktail demonstration with Royal Bliss, and Mr. Carlos Cervantes from Damm, brewing expert and an authentic eminence in the beer world.

Conclusion

Mercat de Mercats, an unforgettable meeting for all of us, who love Gastronomy so deeply. It has been a pleasure to be part of this experience.

Thanks to all those who have placed their trust in me with this participation. And let’s hope to meet again in next year’s edition, there I will be waiting for you friends!

Xavi Iglesias

“In love with coffee and service”