Restaurant Disfrutar – Barcelona

By Terroir55's Sagacious Palate in Chefs, Cuisine, Mediterranean, Spain, Barcelona on December 6, 2015February 23, 2016

We missed the chance to experience the amazing talents of chefs de cuisine Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch at elBulli, the Michelin 3-Star in Roses, Catalonia before being converted into a gastronomic laboratory – – not to worry, these talented chefs have created something extremely special that you must not miss when in Barcelona – – Disfrutar!!! This one-of-a-kind gastronomic delight will have you in suspense from the moment you enter it’s unassuming doors. Located at 163 Villarroel Street near the Ninot market, you immediately get a feel for the unconventional and exploratory the moment you entire the space.

The years spent at elBulli prepared chefs Castro, Casañas and Xatruch to make magic at Disfrutar. Their skills, creativity and sheer talent makes dining at Disfrutar a must for the “plates’ of the curious.” This experience was special and unique – – “OTHER” to be exact as I’ve never encountered a lunch like this. The saying a picture is worth a thousand words, received an additional thousand, as this experience and photos I managed to capture have kept us talking about our time and dishes at Disfrutar for hours. The overwhelming amount of creativity, flavor combinations and flawless executions were beyond our wildest expectations. LOVED this meal as you must pay attention and be prepare to be surprised and memorized by what you think you see and what you believe you are tasting. The menu and the pictures speak for what is and what has to be the most amazing gastronomic four hour seating I’ve had in the past, six months or so. While everything placed in reach was something spectacular, the carbonara had me in tears as I knew finding this in Washington DC would be almost impossible – – so I politely asked for another order only to shock the server as we still had five, yes five additional plates to go. I killed it and the chefs were impressed!!!!!

Now here’s the visual – – ENJOY!!!! But not everything was as it appeared — Pure Magic!!! The art of surprise ruled the afternoon.

2013 Tayaimut Sauvignon Blanc – Sant Joan de Mediona

Smoked Idiazabal cheese biscuit with apple

Anchovies and almond “recuit de drap” with truffle, fir tree

Almond “recuit de drap” with truffle, fir tree – Honey and pine nuts

Marinated makerel and salmon with cauliflower in vinegar

The Supernatural - New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc — The Supernatural – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Red mullet with pork jowls and aubergine gnocchi

2013 Belondrade y Lurton "Verdejo" Rueda, Spain — 2013 Belondrade y Lurton “Verdejo” Rueda, Spain

Carbonara - round two — Carbonara – round two

“Lemon verbena” and pineapple sorbet with coconut and licorice

Lagavulin "16" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky — Lagavulin “16” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This quote from Disfrutar’s website speaks volumes – – “The gastronomic experience will be expressed through language and current techniques. The main premise is to pursue pleasure and our intention is to have visitors try as many different things as possible.”

After this amazing lunch the above quote should be plastered over the walls as the main premise was far exceeded and we thank the entire staff for their unbelievable professionalism and attentiveness.

We look forward to returning to see what new delicious and delightful creations will be brought forth from that amazing and creative culinary space you all inhabit. This dining feat can only be described as FANTASTIC!!!