Arabian Nights (or “one thousand and one nights”)

 

 

This week’s tea suggestion is “one thousand and one nights” Why? Due to the combination of black and green tea it is perfect for the chilly Barcelona afternoons. Green tea is a body stimulant, it activates thermo genesis (interior body heat) in addition to awakening the brain and avoiding mental fatigue. Black tea activates the muscles and aids blood circulation.
Arabian nights has a touch of fruits (peach, apricot and nectarine) that diminishes the bitter taste of green tea and the intensity of black tea, together with rose petals and sunflower it brings the necessary energy to spend the cold evening working comfortably and efficiently.

You can accompany it with pastries or our home made “mató cake” and enjoy a very pleasant afternoon at CARMELITAS.

Artichokes

 

With the arrival of Winter the artichoke season begins and the fields surrounding the Ebro river are famous for the quality of their production. The tradition of growing artichokes has passed on from one generation to the next, accompanied by several recipes in the Catalan gastronomy. Artichokes are rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron, they have a high concentration of A and C vitamines, therefore it is highly advisable for the cold months in order to increase the resistance to common colds. Artichokes are used for treating hepatitis, cirrosis and as general aids in body detox diets.

In CARMELITAS you may find them in our seasonal vegetables grill, our famous artichoke chips and our pasta…

In February, the “Artichoke Festival” is organized in Amposta. Here is a link for you to enjoy it:

http://www.festadelacarxofa.cat/

Epiphany Menu

CARMELITAS wines

This week we propose the ecologic wine Albet i Noya Lignum 2009 (Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan). Medium bodied, cherry and berries bouquet and moderate intensity. This wine’s grape comes from the high lands of the region and a careful selection of old Grenace, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan vines, always above 350m of altitude and in ecologically cultuvated soil. This wine can be enjoyed immediatelly although it will most likely  have a positive evolution during the following years if it is kept between 10° and 15°C. Enjoy it at Carmelitas together with a driet tomatoe and black olives pasta.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN CARMELITAS!

“Bonica” eggplant

Today we went to the Boqueria Marquet and we found the “Bonica” eggplant. You can find them in the Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà. It’s Dark purple color, white meat and soft flavor is one of the most wanted dishes in Carmelitas.

The eggplant contains multiple vitamins (A,B1,B2, C) and minerals. Its a vegetable with diuretic properties and helps in the bone calcification process.

The season ends in november, we invite you to Carmelitas to enjoy a escalivada (grilled egg plant with peppers and onion) or eggplant chips.

More information

http://www.hortetdelbaix.com

http://www.gastroteca.cat/

Welcome

Updating the traditional concept of the inn (fonda), Carmelitas elaborates a cuisine where the ingredient, always local, plays the main role.

An accurate but diverse menu – following the offers of the season – and a cuisine elaborated with Catalan products are the bases to create simple dishes with sense.