The announcement of the transfer of Bar Pinotxo de la Boqueria a week ago occupied a space in these same pages. The most mythical and international bar in the Barcelona market lowered its blind, with the uncertainty of whether it would maintain its character when it rose again. It has not been necessary to wait long: yesterday the Pinotxo reopened, keeping the name and promising to do the same with its essence (two of the most iconic dishes are even preserved), despite the fact that the property is now in other hands .
Yesterday at ten o’clock in the morning, the diners were able to sit down again at the bar of the emblematic place to taste their dishes. From now on the kitchen will be in the hands of Aníbal Bonino. However, the new ownership promised to maintain the spirit of the bar with the type of food, atmosphere and joy that have always characterized it, as they explained to Betevé.
Specifically, they have been the owners of another stop in the market, the Central Bar, who have assumed the management. The new gastronomic offer, despite the fact that it was initially announced that it would not be possible, will maintain two of the most famous dishes of this La Boqueria bar: the calamarsons with mongeta from Sant Pau and the cigrons with botifarra negra. I don’t know you will be able to taste the entire menu, but the most nostalgic will be able to remember Juanito Bayén, known as Pinotxo, when they eat them.
The controversy surrounding the transfer was present from the beginning. Supposedly, the lack of agreement within the family precipitated the decision. But the controversy rages on now that he has reopened. Bar Pinotxo is a joint venture between Bayén and his nephews, which is still active. Despite having sold the stop, the new premises cannot open in the hands of another owner while keeping the same name, according to sources close to the nephews and nephews to the Barcelona outlet. The case is now in the hands of lawyers and legal action is not ruled out.
The change in ownership caught off guard and saddened nearby businesses. In 2016, Bayén was honored by the restaurant world, which highlighted his hospitality and friendliness when he won the Premi Ciutat de Barcelona. His life, he explained then, has been “work, work and work.” For now, his legacy will continue to live on in this emblematic bar in the Boqueria market.
