Barcelona Eat Local
By Jessica Holom
You could just eat out, or you could have a culinary experience. Marina and Andre invite you to the latter with Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours. The couple each bring something special from their separate heritages while sharing a passion for food and drink. Andre, a Chilean native, has traveled around the world and tested his taste buds at every food market imaginable, while Marina’s family is from Armenia, where food is celebrated every day. The couple met in Marina’s hometown of Moscow and moved to Barcelona where they became intimately acquainted with Mediterranean gastronomy.
For them the best way to get to know a culture is through its food, so after diving into the local scene, in 2015 they launched Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours to bring their insider knowledge to you. They build culinary experiences ranging from exploring local markets to enjoying the cuisine of upscale restaurants. All the places they choose are family owned – often across generations – tapping deep local food traditions. Through food, the tours give participants a glimpse of day-to-day life in Barcelona and showcase the culture and rhythm of its neighborhoods.
Andre and Marina’s first tour was of their own Sant Antoni and Poble Sec neighborhood, off the beaten path and rich in history – including some great tapas restaurants. Well-known to tourists of course are the Barri Gòtic and Barceloneta barrios, but even there Marina and Andre were able to find local gems that represent local culture where actual neighbors still go. And finally they offer a Wine Tasting Experience since no understanding of Catalunya would be complete without experiencing the region’s incredible local wines and city’s character-filled bodegas.
Since as Andre points out, in this polarized world we live in, food makes for a safe, neutral ground – “Who doesn’t like to talk about their customs when it comes to food?" – and a space where travelers and locals can build bridges and share the best of their respective cultures.
(Tours are typically 2 to 3 hours and range from €45 to €79 per person.)