As a lover of food and wine I thought it would probably make sense to start keeping a list of my favourites drinks and eateries.

Having just returned from a great birthday weekend in Barcelona, all of my choices today are Spanish and in particular Catalan.

Wine – Torres Viña Esmeralda

This is my absolute favorite wine at the moment.The grapes, I’m told are an unusual blend of  Moscatel and Gewürztraminer which give it a unique but wonderful flavour. Its very fruity and has a sharp edge to it I have never really come across before. This Off-Dry wine is aged in stainless steel caskets so thankfully has no oak flavour of which I’m not a fan. The only place (in the UK anyway) that seems to reliably stock it is Oddbins and at around £6 a bottle its terrific value.

Restaraunt – Café de L’Academia
Carrer Lledó 1, Plaça Sant Just,  Barcelona

Situated in the lovely Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) area of Barca, the Lonely Planet guide describes it as a place popular with local business folk. Initially it wasn’t my first choice but after wandering about hopelessly lost it presented itself to us with perfect timing. Even on a Thursday night it was busy and we had to book for the later sitting (10:30) which wasn’t an issue as its customary to eat later in Spain.

The venue is small and carved from the glorious Gothic architecture, being full most of the time adds to the romantic atmosphere. The cuisine is simply fantastic and easily ranks in my top 3 restaurants. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to new-wave Catalan cuisine. If you in the area definitely try to check it out, I promise you wont be disappointed.

My recommendation is the terrina d’berengeras amb fortmage de cabra (terrine of eggplant with goat cheese) to start followed by the fillet steak with ducks liver. To drink go for a bottle of the fantastic Palacio de Bornos.