The Moxy Hotel, that fun and irreverent creation that last year replaced the anachronistic Expo Hotel next to Sants station, deserved a terrace to match. It has been provided by its alliance with the infallible Grup Confiteria, which continues to grow in Barcelona and has now crowned no less than 500 square meters of terrace space with a formula of attractive cocktails and casual gastronomy in tune with the colorful setting. It's called Bonavista, and it's already a must-visit this season.
The look of this environment, with capacity for more than 200 people and views that effortlessly span from Montjuïc to the Eixample, breaks with that of any other rooftop in the Catalan capital. Its seventies, pop look, with intense reds, yellows, greens, fuchsias, violets… and reminiscent of some retro buildings in Miami Beach, leaves no one indifferent. It leads to an informal atmosphere, where it's pleasant to have a drink at any time (under its awnings), but especially during stimulating afternoon gatherings, where young Barcelonans and part of the lodged tourists meet, whether for a summer toast or to eat or dine at heights.
It should be remembered that Moxy is the most fun and rogue brand of the hotel giant Marriott, manager of the hotel in alliance with Selenta Group. With 414 rooms and modern and daring interior design, they trusted Grup Confiteria (which continues to add places to eat or drink in Barcelona, such as the recently recovered La Font del Gat, Ultramarinos Marín, Bar Muy Buenas…, and the highly awarded cocktail bars Paradiso and Dr. Stravinsky, among others) to tune in with the offer they already displayed on their main floor and other common areas.
Pichiglas Studio once again signs this new project of the Catalan group, which has the virtue of targeting mainly the local public, based on atmosphere and very contained prices. The rumba evenings in its program are an example.
Fun and local nods
And there are also unexpected local references,like minigolf obstacles that enlivens a part of the terrace, inspired by icons such as the Olympic Cobi or the Calatrava Tower. By the way, they have even placed a curling rink, for those who are not content with contemplation. The pool on the upper level, however, is for guests.
Cocktail to start or finish
Getting down to business, the easiest thing to do at first is to succumb to a cocktail, which here they nourish with their own menu –obviously more popular than in their signature cocktail bars–, but well-made, attractive and stimulating. In that Cocktail bar,in fiery reds and oranges and with an air ofDinnerAmerican, the heatwave can be alleviated with hits like their Spicy Mango with tequila, ginger, chipotle and sake yuza; the Melon Melon based onvodka, melon, verdejo andpleasemint or the Bonavista Hurricane with aged rum, spiced rum, amaretto,shrubof tangerine and lemon juice.Also noteworthy is its own version of Bloody Mary, ideal for whetting the appetite.
As for the table, the seasonal menu, which they have been refining in these first weeks, is more than correct in context and in terms of value for money. There are no surprising or pretentious dishes, but the repertoire is fresh, reliable, and ideal for sharing in good company. For snacks, classic Mediterranean dishes are not lacking, such as Andalusian-style Calamari (14.5 euros), Fried Prawns, a very tasty Pickled Russian Salad (7.5 euros), and Oysters, among other classics.
There are salads, more striking garden dishes like the Eggplant Milanese (12.5) or the Zucchini Carpaccio with smoked sardine; a few powerful sandwiches, like the Cubanito (roasted pork loin, sweet ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard) and the House Burger, with bacon jam and American sauce, served with fries; or a selection of egg dishes that are out of the ordinary (like the tasty Carbonara Omelet with smoked Idiazabal and thin slices of Iberian pancetta; or the Fried Eggs with crystal shrimp).
Around twenty euros there are two rice options (with red mullet or with Iberian "secreto"), while the main courses are completed with four fish and as many meat dishes. Noteworthy is the Fried Octopus with lentil hummus and pickles, 16.5 euros, in an original combination of contrasts that does not overshadow the protagonist). And also the very tender and well-braised Iberian "Pluma" with shallots, asparagus, and parsnip cream.
The small dessert menu incorporates fruit into almost all proposals to lighten them (Strawberries with mascarpone, Piña colada, Glazed banana…), as well as ice creams. Although many close the session with a good drink and, of course, extend the evening.
Although the open terrace space and the chill outs are protagonists in summer, the semi-closed dining rooms will allow Bonavista to continue being a meeting point even in winter and in full color.
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