Cutest cupcakes in Barcelona: Lolita bakery

If you like cupcakes, I’ve found you the perfect place. Lolita Bakery is definitely one of the cutest little cafes in town and all the pastries look simply mouthwatering. They could have been taken directly from a scene in Sofia Coppola’s movie “Marie Antoinette”. I have been avoiding going there because of my wheat allergy, but after giving up and drinking a delicious cherry flower tea and tasting their homemade meringue on Sunday afternoon I see no reason of not going back (especially if they would, some day, develop a gluten-free cupcake)! If I didn’t have the allergy, I would probably pop in every day for a different cupcake as I live just around the corner.. All my non-allergic friends are crazy about them.

 

The cupcakes come in three different sizes and there’s a ridiculous amount of absolutely amazing combinations of flavors to choose. Apart from cupcakes, they bake normal cakes also in three different sizes, letting you select the fillings and topping. They also have a special selection of other pastries for different events e.g. weddings; cookies, truffles, meringues, mmm, you name it!

 

In case your friend couldn’t make it there with you, no worries: there’s a vast amount of irresistibly cute gift packaging options at hand. (+ Next time when I am running out of bday present ideas, I know exactly where to go!)

There are currently two Lolita Bakeries in Barcelona: the one that I visited in el Borne (Portal Nou,20) and the most recently opened in Eixample (Provenca 267). They are open every day,  Mon – Fri  9-21 and Sat – Sun 12.30-20.30. More: www.lolitabakery.com

Afterwards, let me know what was your favorite cupcake!

Shopaholic's wonderland: La Roca Village

I’m one of those people who get great satisfaction by “hunting” the perfect price-quality ratio, whatever the target of the shopping is. In general, I’m okay with paying a little more to get quality – but if there’s a chance to pay less and still get quality, even better!

Village atmosphere at La Roca Village (picture from their website)

La Roca Village is part of an outlet shopping centre chain spread across Europe and there are currently two of them in Spain: Las Rozas Village near Madrid and La Roca close to Barcelona. They bring together brands like Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Versace, Swarovski, Ralph Lauren etc. in a “village” setting within a short distance of major cities.  I’ve visited Las Rozas in Madrid couple of years ago and going to La Roca has been on my “to-do” list for ages; therefore, I was very pleased to go when an opportunity aroused last weekend.  

Usually, I am a bit skeptic about the type of “luxury shopping experience” that also La Roca promotes on their website. Sad but true, very often the stuff is second quality or something that was never meant to be for sale in the regular shops. That’s why I must say I was positively surprised: the prices were 30 – 70 % off from the retail rates and all the articles I was checking were not second quality neither only for factory store selling. They were simply previous season’s collections which the brands cannot sell in their flagship stores anymore. If you are a “pro” shopper, willing to dig a little more and it’s your lucky day, you can actually find some seriously good offers  in there.

I was mainly looking for accessories and it took me almost three hours to make my way through the village. I did not stop at every shop. So if you are looking for clothes as well, I recommend booking a full day – it’s really worth it if you are going to buy more. There are some restaurants and cafes to fill up the energy level so you don’t need to shop till you drop!

Journey from Barcelona center took approximately 40 minutes by car. There’s also a bus going directly from Plaza Catalunia five times a day. It costs 12 euros return. The village is open from 10am to 9pm Mon-Sat. More on their website http://www.larocavillage.com

Top bargains? A pretty Burberry scarf 100 % silk for 30 euros (original price 150 euros) and a full-length coat 100 % wool from nearby Mango outlet for 35 euros (original price 170 euros). 

What are you waiting for?