A Toast to Cava
For cava enthusiasts, Barcelona and Madrid are rich hunting grounds. Cava is best enjoyed with tapas and good friends, and the venues are often crowded and noisy. In Barcelona, start at La Xampanyeria, a cramped and noisy bar where cava is served by the glass or bottle, and huge hams hang from the ceiling. The tapas are simple but tasty, with chorizo and morcilla being the standouts. From there, head to El Xampanyet, a classic cava bar just off the Carrer de Montcada, where you can enjoy homemade cava in a lively atmosphere. In Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel offers a modern twist on the cava experience, with a wide selection of bottles and gourmet tapas. For a more traditional setting, Casa Dani is a must-visit, serving cava alongside Madrid’s famous tortilla de patatas in a bustling market atmosphere. Finally, no cava crawl in Madrid is complete without a stop at La Venencia, a historic sherry bar where cava is served in old-fashioned surroundings.
