Today’s Menu del Dia was found in the once-seedy El Raval district. I gauged the quality of the food inside by the lack of tourists and the sheer size of the owner. Big men know how to eat!
I opted for the Uruguay combo – a meat-and-onion empanada, a plate of flesh (split and grilled chorizo, some tough mysterious cross-section of animal, and blood sausage), potato salad, bread, a huge dulce de leche cookie, all washed down with a beer and coffee.
Turns out the owner is a mathematic philosopher - articles about his books dotted the plain, well-worn walls. As I was wrapping up the unfinished half loaf they served me I fully believed in the power of a heavy lunch to completely ruin your day. There’s no choice BUT to take a siesta after you’ve been stuffed to the brim with meals like these. HOW DO THESE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE GET ANYTHING DONE BETWEEN 3PM AND 8PM?!
Marcos looked at me as I was paying and returned my “muchas gracias” with a knowing “danke schön”.
I gave him a wide smile. He was convinced he pegged my origin. Now I know I can one day visit Iran and not get kidnapped for being an American. I really wish I had this back-and-forth on film so I could bring it to my visa appointment as proof I belong in Berlin.
I’m still laughing about it, half a mile later.
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