At first glance, they are tender and elongated onions that in many cases force those who want to devour them to get dirty from head to toe. But there is more. Calçots are an excuse to get together with friends and family, to celebrate local products and to ensure the survival of an invaluable culinary culture. Many feared that the drought would harm this very important tradition in Catalonia, that of calçotades, but “the season is going wonderfully well,” explains Dalmaci Clofent, president of the IGP Calçot de Valls. The lack of water has not affected the quality or production of this beloved onion, which can be eaten well into April, although there are fears for future campaigns. We will see.
For now let’s stay with the good. This year it is expected to exceed 18,000 calçots with PGI marketed (Clofent believes that it could even reach 20,000). And there is a lot of season ahead to meet in patios, picnic areas and restaurants. Also in the middle of the city. Because calçots are so versatile that they have even managed to adapt to the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and numerous establishments are serving them accompanied by the typical grilled meat, Catalan cream and, of course, a lot of romesco.
They have even invaded the hotels. Belbo Terrenal (Casp, 1-13), the gastronomic space of Hotel ME, offers a menu with vermouth, unlimited calçots, barbecue, crema catalana and porrón de vino for 45 euros. They have a very large terrace and are right next to Plaza de Catalunya. They have a similar offer for 49 euros at Les Finestres de Llúria (Roger de Llúria, 60), inside the Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864, which they serve in their classic and cozy lounge. Y ojo, because although the beautiful facade of the building is worth a visit, they send bundles of 15 calçots home for 20 euros (romesco included).
Take away is also an option at Restaurante Carmen (Valladolid, 44), located near Sants station. There, the customer can pick up a complete calçotada menu, which of course can also be enjoyed in the establishment’s lounge or terrace for 34.90 euros. Fonda Can Portell (Pg. Sant Antoni, 17) is another of the traditional cuisine houses in Sants that serves calçots. Their offer includes unlimited onions, a second of your choice (grilled sausage, entrecôte or fish suquet), Catalan cream, D.O. wine. Empordà and coffee for 45 euros.
And Gràcia offers more options: in Disbarat (Montseny, 14) they have a menu for 33.50 euros where you can choose from several desserts in addition to the classic Catalan cream; and at Can Punyetes de Giner, 8-10, which does not have a calçotada offer, they prepare tiles of 13-15 calçotadas for 12 euros. El Pintor (Sant Honorat, 7) is one of the most famous restaurants with calçotada (44.90 euros) in Ciutat Vella. It also adds to the calçot fever Casa Costa (Baluard, 124), which has organized a calçotada overlooking the beach next March 1, enlivened by music.
