The Resclosa d’Orfes

Posted on 11 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

Where is the Resclosa d’Orfes?

Orfes is a sleepy little village. Situated roughly in the middle between Figueres, Girona and Banyoles and surrounded by forest and arable pasture land.

In ten minutes you will have seen all the village has to offer. but there is a pleasant little walk from the village to the “resclosa” or ford which crosses the nearby river Fluvia.

In the map below take the track indicated by the red line and you will arrive at the ford. You can either take your shoes and socks off and walk across and return on the track indicated by the purple line or return by the same way you came.

If you have built up a good appetite, the one and only restaurant in Orfes, La Barretina d’Orfes is a great choice for lunch. They have a great selection of duck dishes and don’t miss their onion cake starter!

Plaça Major, 28 Orfes

972 560 280

Closed Thursdays and Sunday evenings.

Read Travel Blogger Sherry Ott’s account of La Barretina here.

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming villas Catalonia we offer our clients a varied selection of high standard Barcelona vacation rentals. From Barcelona beachfront apartments to large farmhouses close to Barcelona.

Locally based we offer a free concierge service to all of our clients. Our goal is to make sure that our clients make the most out of their time while in Catalonia. We can help plan fun day-trips to the Costa Brava and all kinds of activities and extra services. From tables at the number one restaurant in Spain, El Celler de Can Roca to dining on a pier with fishermen. Let us know how we can help plan the perfect vacation and we will do the rest.

Banyoles lake and market

Posted on 10 January 2013 by Richard Calvin

The lake of Banyoles

Banyoles, a medium sized town close to Girona is famed for its lake. Scene of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic rowing events the lake serves as the central hub and focus of the town.

A view of Banyoles lake along a jetty — A view of Banyoles lake just after sunrise

With the increased popularity of triathlons, Banyoles is also becoming one of the main locations for triathlon training in Europe. The triathlon world cup is being held here in 2012. The town is also a popular training location for rowing teams from around Europe.

The Banyoles lake and market

However one does not need to be an Olympic rower or triathlete to enjoy the charms of the lake. At around 2 kms long and with a perimeter of just over 7 kms the lake makes for the perfect mid morning or afternoon stroll. It is also possible to hire canoes and bikes.

If you are planning a day trip to Banyoles a good idea would be to do this on a Wednesday when the weekly market is spread out between “Placa Major” and the large “Placa de Rodes” which is close to the lake. The market mainly consists of fruit and vegetables, cured meats and cheeses with many of the stalls offering local and organic products. The market starts early at around 08.00am and starts closing up around 13.00

Some recommended restaurants in Banyoles include;

Famed for its seafood Gils Banyoles restaurant is a popular lunchtime destination for locals. Located close to the lake.

La Magrana (The Pomegranate) is a small family run restaurant in the old quarter of the town offering a modern twist on traditional Catalan dishes using fresh seasonal produce.

Can Xabanet is another family ran restaurant located just between Placa de Rodes and the lake. Traditional flavorsome dishes in a friendly atmospheric setting.

Charming Villas Catalonia

At Charming villas Catalonia we offer our clients a varied selection of high standard Barcelona vacation rentals. From Barcelona beachfront apartments to large farmhouses close to Barcelona.

Mushroom season in Catalonia

Posted on 31 October 2012 by Sara Marti

When is the mushroom season in Catalonia?

The months of October and November are mushroom season in Catalonia. Large numbers of Catalans pour into the countryside in search of wild mushrooms or “bolets”. It is one of the autumn rituals of our region: we “hunt” for mushrooms and then we eat them! Although there are many edible species we use the name “bolets” to refer to all of them. But then there are specific names according to the type, like “rovellons”, “rossinyols”, “ceps”, “llenegues” and many more.

Wild mushrooms — Mushroom season in Catalonia

It is a healthy pastime (long walks), and enchanting too, as autumnal forests are so beautiful. And while enjoying the stimulus of a mycological hunt, you feel an additional glow of achievement and pride when you actually find one! Mushrooms can be cooked in many different ways: they can be grilled, baked, fried or stewed with meat and other vegetables.

But precaution is to be practiced at all times. It is very important to know how to distinguish the good ones from those that are not so good and from those that can kill you! So don’t eat any mushrooms you have picked unless you, or someone that knows, have identified them 100%. Follow this link for more information about mushrooms in Catalonia

Otherwise play safe and find yourself a good restaurant for a great “vedella amb bolets” lunch!

Fancy some Calçots?

Posted on 1 February 2012 by Sara Marti

What are Calçots?

Catalonia is known around the world for its cutting-edge molecular gastronomy – famed by the many Michelin starred restaurants- but there is still plenty of traditional down to earth food to be had! We have our own unique culinary customs and eating calçots is one of them. Fancy some Calcots? Typically they are eaten from late Autumn to early Spring. Calçots are a variety of scallion. They are milder than onions and look similar to small leeks.

Fancy some Calcots? — Preparing for a Calcotada image credit www.valls.cat

It is a generally accepted story that a peasant farmer from Valls (south of Barcelona), began growing calçots in the latter part of the 19th century. He covered them with earth – in Catalan, “calçar” literally means “to put the shoes on”- in order to keep the edible part white.

How to eat Calcots

The Catalan method of cooking the calçots is to grill them over a flaming barbecue. They are traditionally served on a terracotta roof tile, rather than a plate, to keep them warm. Diners peel away the blackened outer layers, and then dip the tender bulbs in Romesco, a sauce made of tomatoes, almonds, garlic, peppers, vinegar and oil.

Mmmmmmm! Messy but delicious!

Fancy some Calçots?

More information about the history and origin of Calcots can be found at the Valls Town Hall website.