Cafe Lady With Guys, Barcelona

Even on the quietest back streets, these sidewalk cafes appear out of nowhere.

BARCELONA – There are hundreds of tiny restaurants with only a handful of tables on the sidewalk and seating for no more than a dozen guests inside.

They use terms like restaurant, delicatessen, cafe and snack bar interchangeably, in mystifying ways. It’s impossible to know if a place is a foodie’s dream come true until the plates arrive. A higher price doesn’t guarantee a memorable lunch.

Many restaurants feature their own specialities and if you ask you’ll hear stories about regional family recipes from the countryside. Sainted grandmothers are credited for all things delicious here in Cataluña.

There will be flavors you can’t identify and even after you check your translation app you may be surprised at what you’ve been served. “Yes, lady, that IS bacon.”

The hole-in-the wall on Corsega named Bar Martin posts a menu of the day that for 10€ ($10.94) offers the choice of a half-dozen first plates and entrees, a dessert and beverage. Two diners will be given a bottle of wine to share.

The lunch will be heavy in rice or pasta or french fries (which alone justify an overnight flight with a stopover in Frankfort.)

There are usually people sitting with a bottle of beer or wine and no food. As much as these establishments pride themselves on their menus, the margins on drinks help keep them afloat.

The woman in the photo, along with her husband, seemed to be working the front and kitchen of Bar Martin without staff. She had to be encouraged to smile.

“Sonrie, sonríe!” whispered her husband. Smile, smile.