Barcelona’s Eixample district reminds me most of New York. The grid layout no doubt has something to do with it, plenty of generous sidewalks. More than that, it’s that the ground floor of every apartment block has a collar of shops wrapped around it. There are more nail salons per capita in Barcelona than anywhere else in Europe. (This is not a scientifically proven fact more an observation.)
Then there is the love of food. They love their food here. There is a shop for every category of ingredient. Low end or high end.
La Castafiore is definitely high end. It starts with Cipriani dry pasta in the front, in packaging that looks like Tiffany’s went into the pasta making business. On the other side, wooden boxes with fresh ravioli lying in piles of semolina. Their pasta is made fresh each day using seasonal local ingredients. The bread they sell is by Daniel Jordà. It’s at the back though that you really understand what kind of establishment this is: Joselito and Cinco Jotas ham hang. These two are up there when it comes to Jamon. Joselito is better for you than an avocado because it’s rich in oleic acids and antioxidants, it will actually reduce your cholesterol! (I made the avocado thing up but the rest of it is all true!)
The prices, the selection, the formality of the place. In spirit, it reminds me of a little Dean and Deluca, minus the salad bar. The people that shop here are similarly well to do. I would like nothing more than to follow some of them home, especially the men that seem to be buying for themselves, money no object. What are their apartments like? What do they do? Are they going to share those 4 cannolis or eat one while they unwrap their Joselito?
La Castafiore
Carrer d’Aribau, 58
08011 Eixample
www.lacastafiorebcn.com
facebook.com/lacastafiore.bcn
instagram.com/lacastafiorebcn/
More great shops on the blog:
I’ve been to La Castafiore a couple of times and each time I whish I lived in the city to be able to take home most of the stuff they have. I like their selection of delicatesen, perfect for some self gourmet indulgence.
I’m lucky enough to have a realy good delicatesen place where I live, but visiting any of this places in the city is always a bonus.
Their cheese selection looks delcious, always.
About the Cippriani pasta… what can I say. It has stolen my hear for good… it’s hard to find in Barcelona these days, spcially the egg-free versión but it’s so worth the Price. And the sauces are (IMO) the best you can find in a jar. Specially the one with cappers.
Anyway, making myself hungry just by thinking about this place and it’s only mid morning!
I love your reviews, as usual!
Hi Susanna,
Thanks so much for your comment and for reading!
Suzy
I just wanted to thank you again for your work.
My partner and I have managed to spend two weeks in BCN over winter holidays for the past 5 years. I live for this time, and long for the city the rest of the year. Barcelona and (Catalunya) have won our hearts! Your blog really helps to sustain us through those other 50 weeks. I now plan to save a few extra dollars to spend at this shop We have consistently enjoyed your recommendations through the years.
We are branching out this year and adding extra time to visit Valencia. Do you have any blog recommendations for food and travel for that city?
Thanks again for an excellent blog, and for helping a couple of dispirited Americans survive our horrific political scene in the knowledge that Barcelona awaits us–we are counting the days until January! You make waiting fun.
Hi Lorena –
What a lovely message. And what a wonderful idea to spend two weeks of the year in Barcelona. Thanks for reading.