The Gig Harbor Gang

Judy has decided she loves Barcelona but not necessarily the walking that goes along with it.  As if cranky knees weren’t enough she’s developed a blister. This just simply makes the whole idea of a day of walking an unpleasant thought.  But at the same time, her days in Barcelona are numbered and she still has a half unfulfilled ‘adventure list’ we are committed to completing.  We hit on the answer when she discovers a bus tour that will include both Sagrada Familia and Park Quell.  The bus will deliver her to the front door of both and collect her again when she is finished.  As a bonus she will get an actual tour guide who will provide factual information to her many questions instead of the stuff I’ve been making up like I know what I’m talking about.

I meet up with Judy at the bus stop at the completion of her tour for a late lunch and so that she can decompress after her morning of Gaudi stimulation.  The first hour after a day like this everyone just needs to talk it out. The tour was perfect for her and she is full of awe as we discuss all the Gaudi things we have both become so amazed by.  Talking about Sagrada always brings up the interesting debate about whether or not it is ‘true Gaudi’ since so much work is occurring after his death and led by others.  I am of the group that believes the ‘honest and completely Gaudi’ church is Colonia Guell in Santa Coloma de Cervello but unfortunately Judy won’t have enough time on this trip to visit that one.  She is delighted with Sagrada and is sure it will remain one of her ‘highlights’.  We’re both happy with that.

A short while ago I had received an e-mail from Steve letting me know that lifelong friends of his would be in Barcelona for a few days and he thought maybe I would like to know that and try to arrange something with them while they are here.  Is he kidding………..I had met sisters Michele and Renee when I was in Gig Harbor and had immediately adored them both.  I would kill to spend more time with them!  Judy the gamer said sure she was in so I quickly wrote to Michele suggesting a get together.  Her response let me know they would be in Barcelona for only a few days and her posse would include herself, Renee, Aline, Colleen, and Sheri.  At once this screamed party to me and I could hardly wait to be a mini-host to this group for a ‘girl’s night out in Barcelona’.

With glee I pondered the restaurants I might take them to.  Even with so many of my favorites closed for their August vacations there were still so many to choose from.   But I needed the perfect combination, big enough for a group of seven, really good food, totally Spanish, casual enough for us to talk and laugh as I knew we would and close enough to make getting there easy.  Poor Judy I made her listen to my evaluations of one restaurant after another until I saw that look on her face, you know the one I mean, it says, ‘for crying out loud just pick one would ya’!  And it was that moment that I hit on Bar Lobo. 

I tried to make reservations at Bar Lobo only to learn that they accept reservations for groups of twelve or more but was assured by Carlos the manager that he would take good care of us. Judy and I arrived a little early so we waited at the bar and had just ordered a drink when Michele and the Gig Harbor gang arrived.  I should be clear here, Renee doesn’t live in Gig Harbor but she’s rooted there and it makes her part of the gang. 

There were hugs and introductions all around and as we waited to have our table prepared there was instant conversation in several different ways.  When you pull a group like this together you’re never really sure if there will be a ‘click’ or not and as we all know the ‘click’ is so important and when there isn’t a ‘click’ you can’t make it ‘click’ no matter what you do!  There was definitely a ‘click’ and I knew this within moments of coming together.  This was going to be a very fun night!  As we were being shown to our table I learned that Carlos had assigned Alex as our waiter.  The absolutely right choice……….a cheeky, playful young man with a great sense of humor who was more than willing to be just a little bit flirty with a table full of women.  Once everyone had a drink we chatted and talked and learned who everyone was and how long friends had been friends while at the same time making new friends.   Alex was patient and kept an eye on us but as is the Spanish way gave us all the time we wanted before taking our order. 

Bar Lobo is what I would call a ‘small plates’ restaurant, bigger than tapas or pintxos but dishes that are meant to be shared.  Since I knew the menu I was given the honor of ordering for the table.  I went through all my usual’s: octopus, tempura asparagus, artichokes with ham, goat cheese salad, spinach with bacon salad and added in some new ones, mussels, and garlic prawns.  When the food arrived we eagerly started passing plates up and down the table.  Even though we were busy eating our lively conversation and teasing of Alex didn’t ever slow down.  The octopus was a maybe for some in the beginning but got rave reviews by the end.  I think it’s the best octopus I’ve ever had and so did some of the others.  When we were done every single plate was empty, we had had exactly the right amount of food. 

The Gig Harbor Gang is traveling to France tomorrow and Judy and I have a full day planned ourselves but this is Barcelona and it was 10:30pm so I suggested a nightcap at the rooftop terrace bar of the Hotel 1898.  It was well received by all and before we knew it we were sitting in the cool breeze of the night sharing a bottle of cava and even more conversation and laughs.  This is a fabulous little known place where the night time views of Barcelona are breath taking.  Before I knew it the Gig Harbor Gang had suggested I join them in France for a couple of days in between Judy and Rob.  It’s tight but I’m a ‘yes girl’ so I’m going to try and figure out how to do just that.  The long hot day was starting to show on all of us so even though none of us wanted it the time had come to call it a night.  

Michele summed up the evening well when she said, so far the other nights have been good but this has been the best one!!