Whenever I hear Rafa Peña, owner-chef at Gresca Restaurant and Bar has had a hand in something I want to visit immediately. Even so, as someone who prefers lunch over dinner, it took me some time to make it down to Bar Torpedo which is opened evenings only.
A striking spot that emits a vintage green hue from a block away. I recognize Bar Torpedo from this colour, the colour of wine bottles. The colour, also, of Gresca’s fluorescent sign. That particular shade of green engulfs every corner of Bar Torpedo. It’s on the walls yes but also the ceilings, the floor, the toilet seats, the soap dispenser. Everywhere.
I walk in at eight pm to a convivial atmosphere. Lucky for me, my date has arrived before me and secured us the last free table.
We peruse a small oil splattered menu, no larger than a wallet to see what we will eat. There are 5 starters, all fried – we try the Kentucky Fried Guatlla (Quail 8.5€). Two burgers (10.50€). And 8 sandwiches. I try the tongue pastrami (7.5€) but am tempted by the callos or tripe sandwich (8€).
“That’s a lot of grease, I would love something acidic to cut through this all.”
“Yes. That’s what the wine is for.” jokes Sara.
She has a point, Rafa Peña loves food but by his own admission, he loves wine even more. And whereas for me when I learn a bar has been opened by a local chef, I automatically put a “gastro” in front of it.
This is a bar, a place to enjoy a craft beer or a natural wine and there are greasy snacks to line your stomach.
The other thing that is special about Bar Torpedo? The design. I don’t remember seeing the sign as I approached the bar but I knew I was looking at Bar Torpedo. The interior is unmistakable. The brains behind its design is Maite Fuentes of design studio Alapar Estudio (I wasn’t clever enough to know this, Anna pointed it out to me). If the company you keep reflects on the person you are than surely a good interior can inspire the evening?
Bar Torpedo
C/ Aribau, 143
08036 Eixample
www.bartorpedo.com
instagram.com/bartorpedo
Always a pleasure to hang out with you sweetie! Let’s grab a coffee next week!