Le Petit, a charming bar in Barcelona’s L’Esquerra de l’Eixample neighbourhood, has garnered significant praise for its innovative “Patatas Bárbaras”, a distinctive take on the traditional patatas bravas. This unique tapa, priced at 6 euros, features a homemade sauce with kimchi, dried tomato, and honey, topped with chistorra, crispy onion, and Parmesan cheese.
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Owner Rafael de Abreu and his team developed the recipe to offer a fresh perspective on the ubiquitous Spanish tapa. “After working in other places and having tried various bravas, they seemed a bit boring because they always used the same sauce,” Mr de Abreu explained. He prioritised a homemade sauce for his establishment, aiming for a flavour profile that was “not so spicy and with a touch of sweetness.”
The bar, located at Carrer Calàbria, 136, presents a cosy, Parisian café aesthetic, though it also offers highly-rated pastries. The Eixample district, a bustling area home to approximately 260,000 residents, boasts numerous dining establishments. However, Le Petit has carved out a distinct reputation for its creative approach to a beloved staple.
Crafting Unique Flavours
Customers have widely praised the “Patatas Bárbaras” for their quality and originality. Víctor D., a client who reviewed the dish on Google, described the potatoes as “simply spectacular: crispy outside and soft inside.” Other patrons have called them “very original, different, very tasty… among the best in Barcelona.”
The innovative sauce incorporates secret ingredients alongside the revealed kimchi, dried tomato, and honey. This combination, according to Mr de Abreu, led to the name “Bárbaras” because “it seemed truly BARBARIC” in its deliciousness. The addition of chistorra, crispy onion, and Parmesan cheese further elevates the dish’s complex flavour profile.
More Than Just Bravas
Beyond its signature bravas, Le Petit bar offers a selection of other savoury dishes. These include Burgos black pudding with goat cheese and honey on crystal bread, salmon tartare, and croquettes. The bar also serves an excellent vermouth, which many consider an essential accompaniment to their meal.
Le Petit continues to attract both locals and tourists seeking an innovative culinary experience in Barcelona. Its success highlights how traditional Spanish tapas can evolve while retaining their beloved essence, contributing to the city’s vibrant food scene.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
