Our final two months in Spain October-December 2015

Sadly our remaining time is coming to an end after six years in Spain. Our third rental home in the little village of Caldes d'Estrac north of Barcelona and on the edge of the Mediterranean belongs to Bernat and Anna, owners of Pizza Estrac, and Anna's parents, Joan and Emma. Called "Casa La Gavina" (Seagull House), it is located right alongside a busy round-about in the village, a short distance from the train station (no more long staircases to climb to go home) and just up the street from the best pizzeria ever. You can see more photos and a write-up on their website: www.casalagavina.com







Pizza Estrac is on the left:





Down the street left to the train station, right to the village parking lot and onto the NII highway:





The tiny backyard faces a hill, there is a little grotto and a fish pond, along with lots of vegetation, including a Birds of Paradise plant:





Around the corner is a barbecue:





From inside the front entry looking towards the dining /living room:




Living room and kitchen:


Next door is an old hostel, no longer in use, but absolutely covered in the most wonderful wisteria during the spring! You can smell it from way up the street and it blooms for several weeks.










Interior of Estrac Pizzeria down the street, the business owned by our current landlords:



My favourite pizza (aptly named, Estrac) with pistachio pesto on the crust, bacon, caramelized onions, cheese and arugula! The very best!




For dessert, Bernat's chocolate truffle torte with forest fruits on top:




One of our favourite haunts during the past six years has been an amazing wine store in the next town, Arenys de Mar, which boasts a terrific restaurant featuring Catalan cuisine by the owner's mother. Jordi and Elena have run "Club del Cep" for 20+ years now and have introduced us to many wonderful wines that this amazing country has to offer. Here are pictures from their warm and cozy store, located in an industrial park warehouse!

The restaurant, decorated with old furniture, Persian rugs on the cement floor, wine posters and wooden wine box fronts on the walls, chandeliers and dripping candlesticks in old wine bottles:
















The shop in front of the restaurant is similarly decorated and sells many gourmet delicatessen items as well:












We'll miss you guys! It's been wonderful knowing you and sharing your knowledge of wine and food with you!

Hasta luego!

Location:Caldes d'Estrac