I hesitated to upload this post because I initially wanted to focus on sharing my favorite places, restaurants, hotels, and shops. But at the end of the day, this blog is also about the things I love—and that includes what I make in my own kitchen. And honestly, this treat is just too delicious (and pretty!) not to share.
I usually avoid buying chocolates for myself (or any junk food, for that matter), except for TONY’s salted caramel—because let’s be real, it’s too good to resist. But ever since I discovered this recipe for peanut butter and pistachio-filled dates, I haven’t stopped making them whenever I crave something sweet.
So, here’s the step-by-step recipe—let me know in the comments if you give it a try!
Step 1: Crush some pistachiosStep 2: Grab 350 grams of dates. The bigger the better!Step 3: Your favourite peanut butter.Step 4: And pistachio cream. if it’s 100% pistachio the better!Step 5: Fill half of your dates with the pistachio cream.Step 6: And the other half with peanut butter.Step 7: Melt about 200 grams of dark chocolate using a double boiler.Step 8: Dip your stuffed dates in the melted dark chocolate.Step 9: And coat them completely.Step 10: Sprinkle pistachio nuts on top.Step 11: For the peanut butter filling, I like to sprinkle it with flaked salt.Step 12: Pop it in the fridge to cool off and ENJOY!
“Let’s grab a coffee,” she says—then casually steers toward a hotel, where we order lunch and a bottle of Rosé instead. Classic.
If there’s one thing Spaniards have perfected, it’s the art of the slow Sunday. A day dedicated to good food, endless conversation, and, of course, a drink (or two). And today’s spot? Hoxton Barcelona.
By now, you probably know my love for hotels and their interiors, and Hoxton is no exception. Known for its effortlessly cool, design-forward spaces, the Hoxton brand blends that boutique hotel charm with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Their Barcelona location is no different.
Downstairs, there’s a lively restaurant and lobby area, while upstairs, the rooftop bar is a favourite of mine—though it’s currently closed for winter. Don’t worry, I’ll take you there soon.
We settled into their downstairs restaurant, a warm, stylish space with cozy seating, earthy tones, and a mix of locals and travelers. The menu? A best-of-both-worlds choice—brunch from Four Corners (famous for its Detroit-style pizza) or the all-day menu from the lobby bar. Mix and match—no rules here.
Feeling the need to balance out last night’s indulgence in fried food (another great Korean spot I’ll be sharing soon), we went the healthier route—a vegetarian dish, paired with a glass of Rosé. While not the most guilt-free option, it’s the weekend—why not embrace the art of enjoying life’s little indulgences?
And just like that, the afternoon drifted by in easy conversation, great food, and that signature Hoxton atmosphere. A Sunday well spent.
You’ll find their deep dish pizza options here and some pastries.They sell my favourite chocolate here! Tony’s Salted Caramel!My ‘bad hair, don’t care’ look after a rough night.Asparagus and Squash RisottoHow pretty is their interior?Did I mention they have a photobooth too? Great way to capture the memories!
As someone currently learning Italian, I try to immerse myself in the language as much as possible—even while living in Barcelona. I listen to Italian podcasts daily, and when I really want to take it up a notch, I head to one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city for a full-on Italian experience—Velissima.
This is not just your typical Italian restaurant. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a glamorous, vintage-inspired world—an elegant Italian yacht from the 1960s. From the very entrance, the experience begins. Friendly staff and live performers, dressed in classic Italian attire, greet you with a warm Benvenuto! As they guide you to your table (I always try to get one with a view of the port), you can already sense that this will be more than just a meal—it’s going to be an unforgettable evening.
But the night doesn’t end with dinner. As the evening progresses, Velissima transforms into a lively dance bar, where the music gets louder, the energy builds, and soon, everyone is on their feet, enjoying the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a celebratory night out, or just to soak in the Dolce Vita vibes, Velissima guarantees an experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.
So if you’re craving an Italian escape without leaving Barcelona, Velissima is the place to be. Ci vediamo lì!
A must starter: Their signature cocktails.I am ready to feast!Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe, served straight from a cheese wheel.Filetto alla Rossini —beef tenderloin topped with foie gras and summer truffleMezzi Paccheri al Sapore di MareLinguine All’Astice, a homemade pasta dish with succulent lobsterSaluteee!
Somehow, against all odds, I’ve become that person—the one who wakes up early by choice to squeeze in a gym session, a coffee stop, and still have time to get ready for the day. I don’t know how it happened, but one morning, I just woke up and wanted to. What the what.
One of my favorite post-workout coffee spots? Little Fern Café, a newly opened gem tucked away in Poble Nou neighbourhood. This cozy little café is minimalist yet inviting, with earthy tones, soft lighting, and an effortlessly cool vibe. While it doesn’t have much seating—just a built-in nook that fits about three people—it’s worth a stop for their pastries alone. Especially their Danish Crème Brûlée. Flaky, creamy, caramelized perfection.
Bonus? You’re almost guaranteed to spot some adorable dogs along the way.
A few blocks down, and you’re at the beach. Highly recommend grabbing your coffee and pastry to go, taking a slow stroll towards the shore, and just soaking it all in. Mornings like these? Chef’s kiss.
A must have: Danish Crème BrûléeLook at this cutie patootie!
Have a favorite coffee spot in Poble Nou? Or a morning routine that changed your life? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about it!
After more than 10 years in Barcelona, I’m surprised I’d never heard of this steak restaurant until now. From the moment we stepped inside, it exuded elegance and warmth—an inviting atmosphere perfect for a date night or special occasion.
I have to say it—I’m a meat lover. Protein, in general. I could probably live without carbs (rice, bread, tortillas, etc.), but I need my protein. Does that technically make me a keto dieter? Actually… maybe not.
For starters, we ordered the Cecina de Buey Ahumada, which is a smoked, sliced cured beef. Dare I say—it was even more delicious than Jamón Ibérico! We also tried the Brioche de Atún Rojo Salvaje, a wild bluefin tuna brioche. It was bursting with flavor, and that brioche? The perfect balance of softness and texture in every bite. At this point, I was already feeling pleasantly satisfied.
And then, the king of the menu arrived: their Black Angus Nebraska Ribeye Steak. The taste, the aroma, the texture—out of this world.
Quick trivia: Darvaza takes its name from a fiery crater in Turkmenistan that burns at 400°C, famously called ‘the gateway to hell.’ Fitting, given that this place knows how to harness fire to perfection—using charcoal and wood chips to infuse the meat with an irresistible aroma, then cooking it in a wood-fired oven. Pair that with a rich Spanish red, and my oh my—I was in steak heaven.
I am definitely coming back.
The elegant entrance and inviting bar area set the stage perfectly for enjoying a pre-meal drink.World-class cuts of meat.Cecina de Buey Ahumada.Brioche de Atún Rojo Salvaje.
Are you a fellow meat lover? What’s the best steak you’ve ever had, and where?
Besides hotel rooftops, which are my favorite hangout spots in Barcelona, I also love restaurants with a view. The city offers both mountain and sea views, after all. So, whenever I hear about a restaurant with a great view, I’m all in.
One of my favorites is Terraza Martínez. Nestled on Montjuïc, this spot boasts breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean. It’s also famous for its delicious paellas, making it a must-visit.
Over the weekend, my cousin from Los Angeles came to visit with her husband and closest friends. For their last day, I knew exactly where to take them. I booked a table just before sunset so they could experience the view in all its glory—daytime, sunset, and nighttime. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!
Of course, I had to teach them the fun way of toasting in Spain: Arriba, Abajo, Al centro, Adentro! One of our friends got a little too excited and slammed his glass so hard that it broke. LOL!
To end the night on a sweet note, the restaurant handed us a little card, and my cousin and friends left a cute Spanish note that I got to keep. A perfect way to wrap up a memorable evening.
Must have starters: Calamares, Pan con Tomate and....Jamon Iberico!My personal favourite is their Paella Negra! Made of black squid ink.Oopsie!A perfect way to wrap up a memorable evening.
Have you ever tried the famous paella in Barcelona? Where’s your favorite place to enjoy it?
If you really know me, you’ll know that one of my favorite pastimes is searching for the most beautiful hotels in every city I visit. I’m lucky to live in a city where there’s no shortage of them, and one that stands out is the Cotton House Hotel.
Located along the grand Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, this elegant hotel is housed in a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building that once served as the headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation—a nod to Barcelona’s rich history in the textile industry. The building, known as Casa de los Algodoneros, was a gathering place for cotton merchants, embodying the city’s industrial prosperity.
Today, the hotel beautifully blends its storied past with modern luxury, preserving original architectural details like the majestic spiral staircase, and intricate parquet floors while offering contemporary sophistication.
They have a beautifully curated library—a great spot to unwind with a book or get some work done.You can request a custom-made cocktail.Their iconic spiral staircase.
There simply aren’t enough words or photos to capture the beauty of Venice. As much as I love the city during the day, it is at night that it truly comes alive.
After a leisurely stroll through its winding alleyways, we crossed the iconic Rialto Bridge and settled into a terrace restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal, a glass of Spritz—or Veneziano, as they rightfully call it—in hand. I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.
Now, lying in my bed as I write this, I can still hear the distant chatter of Italian men, see the golden lights shimmering over the water, and feel the quiet embrace of the sea.
Under the veil of night, Venice becomes something else entirely—intimate, mysterious, and utterly magical. But no words can truly do it justice, so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves and take you into this mesmerizing city.
