You won’t find white tablecloths, designer glassware or formal service at El Quim de la Boqueria, but you may spot some of Barcelona’s top chefs dining there. Chef Quim Márquez Durán has only 18 stools in his modest establishment, but they tend to be occupied by people who really care about food. Located in the middle of the Boqueria market, Quim’s bustling 22-year-old restaurant serves a counter breakfast, tapas and lunch to hungry shoppers and market vendors alike.

Quim knows every inch of the Boqueria market, and he long ago scoped out the vendors with the finest ingredients. Let’s meet some of the merchants who supply him with the freshest eggs, fish and foie gras—the items that underlie his daily changing menu. (Flash video, 12:31)

By comparison to Bar Pinotxo, Quim’s competitor in the market, Quim’s food is more inventive, less strictly traditional, and he works with more costly ingredients. Even so, his culinary signature is the humble fried egg—perfectly sizzled in olive oil and served with chipirones (baby calamari), caramelized foie gras, wild mushrooms or other delicacies. In a space not much larger than a broom closet, he turns out dishes that you won’t see elsewhere…and that you won’t forget.

Watch his rapid-fire fried-egg technique as he makes Mezcla de Setas con Cebolla Confitada y Foie Caramelizado (Mixed Wild Mushrooms with Onion Confit and Caramelized Foie Gras). (Flash video, 8:09)

Remember those baby calamari he purchased in the market? They are a customer favorite at El Quim, quick-fried with garlic and chilies and served atop fried eggs with parsley butter. It’s a deceptively simple dish distinguished by super-fresh ingredients. Let’s go behind the scenes at El Quim and watch him make Huevos con Chipirones (Eggs with Baby Calamari). (Flash video, 5:41)

Come here early in the morning for a typical Catalan breakfast of pa amb tomàquet—tomato-rubbed toast with olive oil—and café con leche. Explore the market at leisure, take a long walk on the Ramblas, and come back here for lunch.

Read more »