THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mercat

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mercat Restaurant Review:

Want a taste of Barcelona in the Big Apple? Wade through the three-deep throng at the narrow bar to get to the small tables and counter in order sample the authentic and creative tapas served up here. For the best show, snag a seat at the marble and tile bar and watch the five chefs work their synchronized cooking magic. Beautifully grilled sardines, accompanied by tomato bread that’s even more garlicky than what you’ll find in Barcelona, follow a course of Serrano ham and manchego cheese. Two standouts, trencat d’ous (mushrooms with egg and string potatoes), and fulles de péssols a la catalana (pea shoots, golden raisins and pine nuts) will satisfy both vegetarians and carnivores alike. Don’t miss Mercat’s version of padrones, the spicy firecracker of a pepper side dish made here with shishito peppers. The restaurant is lively and the bar noise can make conversations a bit tricky. Do as the Catalonians do and start your meal with a crisp rosé cava and end with a creamy crema Catalan.