The Dining Oasis at Mandarin Oriental sets you off on a culinary journey through Spain.
Situated within the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Barcelona, this Michelin two starred restaurant named Moments is truly a guiding light of culinary innovation and clever thinking, offering guests an unforgettable gastronomic journey through different gastronomic regions. With its impeccable blend of exquisite cuisine, elegant ambiance, and attentive service, Moments has definitely earned its place as a coveted destination for discerning epicureans. You very much feel noticed by staff upon entering these premises, and there is something timeless with the interior’s modernity they’ve managed to achieve. Guests are seated in an open environment connected with the kitchen through a large glass wall, offering a sneak peak into craftsmanship happening on the inside.
Led by acclaimed chef Carne Ruscalleda and her son Raül Balam, the culinary team at Moments showcases a mastery of flavors and techniques that transcends the ordinary. The restaurants has a circulation of themes provided to the guest, and upon my visit the theme was the famous Spanish bicycle race “La Vuelta a España”. Even the winning bicycle of the 1991 edition of the race was placed on the kitchen side of the glass wall, reminding the guests on the current culinary journey they’re on. Or maybe call it race?
For those seeking a more immersive dining experience, Moments offers an exclusive Chef’s Table, where guests can witness the culinary magic unfold right before their eyes rather than through the glass wall. Situated in the heart of the kitchen (obviously on the other side of the glass wall), this intimate setting allows diners to interact with the chefs and gain insight into the creative process behind each dish.
Drawing inspiration from Spain’s rich culinary heritage, the menu boasts a curated selection of dishes that celebrate the Iberian peninsula’s finest ingredients. These are expertly paired with your waiter’s story behind the origin of every dish, certainly adding those extra flavors as your imagination takes you to all corners of the country. You are provided a map if you get lost!
From the first bite to the last, each culinary destination on the menu is a symphony of flavors, carefully composed to delight and surprise. The showcase of the chef’s creativity and passion for gastronomy is hard to miss!
Wine pairing was also another culinary travel experience. I had the wonderful experience of testing how much local variety there is in Catalonia alone. This region just has so many different wines to offer, from the vintage Cava bubbles, to the elegant whites to refined full bodied reds to advanced dessert wines.
Speaking of flavor experiences in liquid format, Moments also boasts with it’s own olive oil, that only can be found there. And oh yes was it good! A must given that Spain is the world’s largest consumer of olive oil.
Barcelona boats with a wide array of world class restaurants, and Moments is no exception. This restaurant experience is after all about serving the best the country has to offer, and wow the offerings are exceptional! This is how travel without moving should be!
