Unrepentant

Having now lived in Barcelona for the better part of the past decade, I've boiled down the significance of Semana Santa to the appearance of chocolate Lindt bunnies in El Corte Inglés, a week of crappy weather, and the year's first major tourist invasion.

Not that our visitors aren't taking their Easter breaks seriously. Penitence and knee-crawling comes largely from the Dutch and Brits who've excessively worshipped at the alter of San Miguel, processions consist of wallet-less Germans heading to the police station on Nou de la Rambla, whilst the only chanting to be heard is by loud Italians.

This is when the tourist-free hoods of Zona Alta start to look very alluring indeed. And the arrival of one of the most exciting young Catalan chefs at one of city's most delightful summer dining spots only adds to the attraction.

Arriving at Vivanda, a local gem with a solid cuisine and tables set in a leafy garden deep in Sarriá, is Jordi Vilá, who has already earned his first Michelin star at Alkimia .

With relatively simple dishes that are served almost tapas-style in small taster portions, Jordi's new menu is less experimental than Alkimia's, but follows the same gospel of excellent value for money. Holy Week or not, amen to that.

Vivanda - new menu now served. Terrace open.
Mayor de Sarriá 134, Sarriá - 93 203 1918
Lunch menu EUR 13.50, dinner EUR 30-40.
Tuesday-Sunday (closed Sun night)

by MF