The Many Colors of La Boqueria Food Market in Barcelona, Spain

Colorful fruit at La Boqueria food market in Barcelona

I was recently invited to Spain by Cosentino Group, the world leader in quartz and natural stone surfaces. I had never been to Spain, so I was ecstatic about the opportunity to research quality products and experience the country all in one! I joined up with three of the NKBA K + B Insiders on this trip and looked forward to the opportunity of networking with my group about design and the industry happenings in their worlds of expertise.

Arriving at my hotel, I was immediately greeted by Lorenzo Marquez, my host for the event, and introduced to other partners in this amazing collaboration. After some coffee and pastries at a local bakery, he whisked us through the streets of Barcelona to the La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous food market. I was blown away by the vibrant edible colors on display. If only I could have this market near me, I would become the chef I have always known I could be!

 

Colorful fruit at La Boqueria food market in Barcelona

 

The hustle and bustle around me was so alive that even though I had spent the last 10 hours traveling and hadn’t slept in 24 hours, the energy surrounding me gave me my second wind. The seafood was displayed so beautifully and I could smell its freshness.

 

Seafood on display at the La Boqueria food market in Barcelona.

 

Seafood on display at the La Boqueria food market in Barcelona.

 

Spanish Olives on display at La Boqueria market in Barcelona.

 

As a lover of olives, this display made me crave the taste of Spanish olives, and boy how I satisfied that craving during my visit!

 

Jamon iberico, a type of cured ham produced in Spain.

 

This was my first sighting of hanging pigs legs, but I soon noticed there were pigs legs hanging everywhere in Spain. It seems to be customary to start off every meal with a plate of cheese and ham slices. I enjoyed pairing this with a bottle of red Spanish wine, simply heaven!

I learned that the hanging pigs legs are called Jamón ibérico (Spanish: [xaˈmon iˈβeɾiko]; “Iberian ham”, also called pata negra [ˈpata ˈneɣɾa]; “black hoof”, and in Portuguese “presunto ibérico”) is a type of cured ham produced in Spain and Portugal.

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I’m not sure why these bottles of Spanish beer were dressed up as wrestlers, but I did try some Spanish beer and it was yummy! Another   when visiting Barcelona.

 

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