Contracorrent Bar - Chef Artistry and Great Wines
Barcelona is so full of surprises this year, with magnificent new openings such as Contracorrent Bar. I had followed them for a while already, they have a vegetable garden not far from where I live, and I saw how they were preparing private dinners with their fresh vegetables. When I saw they were going to open a restaurant I was thrilled. And what a unique place it is.
Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Contracorrent Bar is located close to Arc de Triomf, on a semi-pedestrian street. A few tables spill out on the sidewalk, and inside you’ll be greeted by a homely atmosphere. The walls are filled with (natural) wine bottles, and much of the furniture is recycled. I particularly loved the beautiful benches, made by old doors.
Owners Nikola and Anna at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Contracorrent is run by Nikola and Anna, a lovely Italian couple. Nikola is the genius chef, and Anna is an encyclopedia of wine. The menu is written on a blackboard, and the items change very frequently since they focus on what is available and in season right now.
Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
We chose to let the chef pick out the dishes for us, and I recommend doing the same on your visit. The experience here is very special, and it takes a whole new level when you are surprised with what comes next. Anna will help you pick the wine; you can choose between wines by the glass or a bottle to share. She is such a source of knowledge when it comes to wines, and here they specialize in natural wines. On her recommendation, we picked La Bufarella from Celler La Salada, a very surprising and wine that we loved.
Boquerones at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The first dish to come out from the kitchen was boquerones with yogurt and strawberries. I am not usually very easily impressed with boquerones, but this was something else and a good indication of the direction we were heading. Next up was an Ensaladilla Rusa made with roasted chicken and chicken skin chicharrones: an explosion of flavors. We continued with a beautiful steak tartar, with beef aged 30 days that we practically inhaled in a bite.
Puntarelle alla Romana with burrata at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Fresh chicory leaves at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
From there, we continued to a dish that very much reflects the chef’s artistry when it comes to elaborating dishes. It consisted of fresh chicory leaves from their garden; these leaves are at their best only for about two weeks per year (!). The leaves can be slightly bitter, but the bitterness was toned down with a wonderful, creamy burrata on top. This is a slight variation from the traditional Puntarelle Alla Romana, a classic roman salad with chicory leaves but without the burrata. What a treat.
Squid at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The feast and the surprises continued with squid that came in two versions, slightly pan-fried and crispy, together with the freshest kale and chard you can find. It was taken to a whole different level with a sauce with algae, anchovies, and cream. Can you imagine the umami level of it? We could have eaten it with a spoon.
This was followed by chicharron with Jerusalem artichoke, both pureed and pickled. Delicious. And finally, a small filet toast with a wonderful mayonnaise with toasted garlic, and poached onion and manchego cheese.
Hazelnut semifreddo at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Sherry at Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Picking a dessert was not an easy task: the three options of that day were all intriguing. We opted for a hazelnut semifreddo, which was paired with a lovely and surprisingly fresh sherry—what a way to end a meal.
Contracorrent Bar, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Contracorrent Bar is an extraordinary place. There is so much heart poured into everything, and it makes you feel so well cared for. Chef Nikola is an artist who pours his creativity into dishes with many levels of surprise, and Anna takes you on a journey of fascinating wines that enhance the experience. What a unique find.
Contracorrent Bar, C. de Ribes, 35, local 13-14, 08013 Barcelona (Arc de Triomf).
