These arancini-style balls made with paella rice were simply delicious (but very filling!) Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Earlier this year, I predicted that Spanish food was due for a surge in popularity in Canberra.
I wrote: “I also think it’s high time that some other European cuisines got a look-in. We have plenty of Italian and French venues, yet by my count, there’s not a single Portuguese restaurant to speak of (and no, Nandos doesn’t count).
“I want Spanish tapas, perfectly cooked paella, pulpo gallego (Galician octopus) and patatas bravas.”
Ask, and ye shall receive!
Just a few weeks later, Barcelona Madrid came across my radar: a cafe in Fyshwick serving up delicious Spanish food. Did I single-handedly manifest a Spanish cafe? Well, not quite, they’ve been open since November last year. But still, it felt like fate!
Run by the same family behind the catering company/food truck Barceloneta, Barcelona Madrid offers a range of cooked-to-order or hot-box items for quick meals in Fyshwick.
I visited for lunch one day and scanned the menu. The team only makes paella on a Friday, so I noted that for another week; however, I was curious about paella balls: Spain’s answer to Italian arancini. Leftover paella is shaped into a ball with cheese and deep fried until crispy: the most delicious solution to food waste!
There was also a menu section for bread rolls – twice-cooked pork with manchego cheese, a chorizo and egg roll, or the paquito tender lamb all looked good, but in the absence of pulpo gallego, I decided to order the crispy calamari roll with squid ink aioli.
Ordering both dishes would turn out to be a tasty error in judgment, but I’d do it all again.
The calamari on the bun was generous, tender and tasty. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The paella balls – three per serve – were HUGE. And so cheesy! And so delicious! I quickly realised I’d bitten off more than I could chew and only finished one, saving the other two balls to take away.
The squid bun arrived shortly after, also larger than I was expecting. The soft ciabatta-style bun was packed full of super crispy, super tender calamari. No trace of the annoying ‘string’ that can spoil a bite of squid; this calamari yielded beautifully to the bite. The squid ink aioli made me glad I’d work a black shirt that day, but it’s not just for show, the black ink lends a slightly briny aftertaste.
Barcelona is tucked away in Fyshwick, but it’s a delicious spot for breakfast or lunch. Photo: Lucy Ridge
I’d happily return and have this bun again, although I’m definitely coming back for some paella Fridays and a serve of patatas bravas (spicy roast potatoes). They also do weekly specials. I can’t see how it’s possible, but if you manage to save room for dessert, they serve churros with hot chocolate sauce. Or perhaps I’ll need to make a special trip just for the churros.
Now, let’s see what else I can manifest …
Barcelona Madrid is located at 151 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick. They are open from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Visit their Barcelona Madrid to find out about Barceloneta catering, or follow Barcelona Madrid on Instagram.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
