El Quim de la Boqueria

Hidden in a remote corner of Market Boqueria is El Quim. El Quim is not a hidden secret. This is and Bar Pinotxo is most likely where every tourist, local heads first on an early morning hunt for breakfast/lunch/brunch.

The menu is extensive, ranging from your typical sausage breakfast to baby eel and calf's head. Not feeling especially daring after a long night of bar hopping, A decided to go for the sausage... steamed mussels in tomato broth..I grimaced internally as she said, "Mussels". Mussels? Did we really fly thousands of miles to have steamed mussels?? But she got lucky. The mussels were indeed the best I've had. The broth was an unworldly tomato concoction, pungent with spices and herbs - perfect for hangovers. The mussels were fresh as can be, succulent, sweet. Of course, she smirked, "See, I know my food." Sure.

Being the daredevil that I am, baby squid on fried egg was a must. Perfect squid, only miniature sized, and much more tender. Hit!

Seared foie over a fried egg and a ****load of wild mushrooms. By the time this dish presented itself, we have already ingested three artery clogging dishes - at 10 am in the morning. Thus, enjoyment of foie gras over egg was rapidly declining.

Nonetheless, El Quim in the Mercado Boqueria is a must for adventurous food lovers. The market itself has a bounty of fresh exotic items and food stalls that would make a gourmand gasp. For the less adventurous, there are also finds of imported fruits and common snacks. Word has it that many of the famous chefs shop at this market every morning to replenish their supplies.