The Best Patatas Bravas in Barcelona

Summary

Tony, the second-generation manager of Barcelona's historic Bar El Tomas, shares the passion and tradition behind their renowned patatas bravas. Since 1919, the bar has been serving this cultural staple, characterized by its unique garlic and spicy sauce blend. The process involves peeling and frying potatoes to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior, using quality olive oil for flavor. Tony emphasizes the importance of love and care in their cooking, offering affordable yet high-quality tapas that embody Spanish culture and hospitality.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Bar El Tomas is a traditional establishment known for its patatas bravas, a staple in Barcelona's culinary culture.
• 📚 The bar has a long history, opening in 1919 and becoming famous for its patatas bravas since the 1970s.
• 👨‍🍳 Tony, the second-generation manager, emphasizes the importance of passion and quality in the preparation of their dishes.
• 🥔 Patatas bravas are described as more than a tapa; they are a cultural symbol and a significant part of Barcelona's identity.
• 🧄 The secret to their patatas bravas lies in the combination of garlic sauce and spicy sauce, a family recipe.
• 🛒 The bar purchases large quantities of potatoes, approximately 500 kilos a week, for their signature dish.
• 🍳 The preparation of patatas bravas involves peeling, hand-repaling, and frying the potatoes to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• 💰 Despite the high cost of olive oil, the bar uses it for frying to ensure the best quality and taste of their patatas bravas.
• 🌍 The bar attracts both tourists and locals, offering a traditional experience that reflects the essence of Barcelona.
• 🍹 Tapas are a social and affordable dining tradition in Spain, allowing people to share multiple dishes and enjoy a relaxed meal.
• 🏆 Bar El Tomas prides itself on offering not only the best patatas bravas but also other quality tapas like anchovies, tuna, and Russian salad.

Q & A

What is the name of the bar mentioned in the script?

The name of the bar is El Tomas.

What dish is El Tomas known for in Barcelona?

El Tomas is known for having one of the best patatas bravas in Barcelona.

When was El Tomas first opened?

El Tomas was first opened in 1919.

Who is Tony and what is his role at El Tomas?

Tony is the second-generation manager of the bar El Tomas.

What is the significance of patatas bravas in the script?

Patatas bravas is described as more than just a tapa, it's a cultural symbol and an essential part of Barcelona's cuisine.

What are the two sauces that accompany patatas bravas at El Tomas?

The two sauces that accompany patatas bravas are garlic sauce and spicy sauce.

How does El Tomas ensure the quality of their patatas bravas?

El Tomas ensures quality by using local suppliers, putting lots of love into their potatoes, and maintaining lower prices with good quality.

What type of oil does El Tomas use for frying their potatoes?

El Tomas uses olive oil for frying their potatoes, which is important for Spanish cuisine and contributes to the quality of the dish.

How much olive oil does El Tomas go through in a week?

El Tomas goes through approximately 200 to 300 liters of olive oil in a week, depending on the amount of potatoes they sell.

What other tapas does El Tomas offer besides patatas bravas?

Besides patatas bravas, El Tomas offers good anchovies, good tuna, and a good Russian salad.

What is the cultural significance of tapas in Spain as described in the script?

Tapas are a relaxed eating culture in Spain, allowing people to share a variety of dishes with friends and family without being expensive, and they contribute to socializing.