Lo de Flor
As announced yesterday, today I am taking you for a meal at a new restaurant in the Raval, a new gem that is bound to succeed, for it is classy, dedicated to slow food, uses fresh produce sourced from small producers, and is run by one of the most passionate people I have ever met. I’m talking about Lo de Flor. Ready? Let’s go!
On Carrer Carretes number 18 is where you will find these beautiful (and original) wooden doors, flanked by a couple of vintage potato sacks which have been re-purposed as plant holders.
Plants at the door
The bar
Inside, on the left, you’ll find a well lit bar, with a good selection of magazines, and plenty of bar stools to have a drink and read a bit while you wait for your date, or until a table becomes available.
Magazines
Fringe benefits
On the right, a row of tables for two with tables made from reclaimed timber and old wooden chairs that have been painted in a light grey. Note the way the legs have been painted, leaving a bit of the wood exposed, and trimmed with a white stripe. What an exquisite detail! It is this attention to detail, and love for the exquisite, that reign supreme at Lo de Flor.
Tables for 2
Towards the door
The ceiling lamps were designed by Lo de Flor’s proprietress, the very friendly Flor Falchetti, and the original bar was reconverted to create the space by the entrance and allow for more casual seating.
Well stocked
The bar is very well stocked, with quality spirits and excellent wines, in consonance with the philosophy that has been applied to all at Lo de Flor: the best quality at a good price and with the greatest attention to detail. When ordering a vermouth (delicious, by the way) you’ll be asked if you want it with a slice of lemon or orange, for example. It isn’t often, that one gets that choice!
Vermouth, anyone?
Minimal
The different tables and chairs – all reclaimed – as well as the rest of the decor, a mix of minimal, rustic and vintage (achieved with the help of Amato Sole – remember them?), create an ambiance that is cosy, informal and welcoming, and the lighting is soft, yet the place is well lit, so that you can see your food and appreciate the quality of all that is served, as well as the quality of what everything is served on.
Rustic
Lower level
The restaurant is a split level space, with the bar and couples area on the upper level, and larger tables just a few steps down to another area that is filled with delightful details, which at times are quite quirky, such as the door marked “no es” referring to the fact that it is not where the lavatories are.
Not here
Tea + chocolate
All at Lo de Flor has been designed and conceptualised to make every part of a night out an experience in quality, and so for tea lovers, some incredible aromatic blends by Tealosophy are available to delight your tastebuds. For lovers of hot chocolate, a surprise lies in store, for they will be offered chocolate on a stick to swizzle in their cups until their delicious hot chocolate dissolves before their eyes to create a yummie cocoa drink.
Seats six
Breads + condiments
With such an attention to detail and excellent quality, it couldn’t be otherwise: the bread selection is varied and appropriate for the selection of Mediterranean cuisine that is served here, and the condiments are just as exquisite as the decor and the dishes.
Salts + oils
Pretty flowers
Lo de Flor is filled (but not cluttered) with charming details that remind us of the origins of slow food and at the same time create a cosy atmosphere in which to enjoy your meal.
Charming details
Garlic + laurel
A couple of basic of elements from the Mediterranean diet – garlic, laurel leaves and beautiful rustic bread – are given pride of place, to remind us of the simple origin of the Spanish, Italian and French recipes that are used to prepare the various delicious dishes that are served at Lo de Flor, and like a delightful still life, they also serve to decorate the space between a couple of tables.
Friendly hangout
Lo de Flor is place I highly recommend, both as a friendly hangout and because it strikes a good balance between price, quality and attention to detail (and that includes great attention to the customer). You can find it open from Monday to Saturday (except Tuesdays) from 6pm until 2am. On Fridays and Saturdays they also open at midday, from 1.30pm until 4pm. Check out their website here, and their Facebook page here for more information, or just call to make a reservation: 934433853.
A good balance
Tell me what you think...