Shunka, Japanese, El Barri Gòtic

I had a birthday to celebrate a few Friday’s ago (mine) and while I dithered about whether I should take a short trip somewhere, book a night in a hotel with a massage thrown in or… Well I couldn’t make up my mind (libra). That Friday was also the Mercat de Mercats which was a pleasure to poke around in while I hemmed and hawed about which foot I should start my “older but not wiser” journey on. Then we turned the corner and saw the slate coloured noren of Shunka gently rippling in the breeze and I thought: sushi, what an age appropriate dinner to have. Compared to its elegant sibling, Koy Shunka, Shunka is bare bones. The food is similarly not as breathtaking in presentation nor conception. They serve a simple traditional menu here. However the quality and execution is outstanding. In everything. The Unagi Nigiri (€5.15) are tender and generous. The rice that accompanies the sushi and food is firm, glistening and although there is some rice vinegar in there – it doesn’t overpower it. And. They have Agedashi Dofu (€7.85). I have quite a thing for Agedashi Dofu, as in I love it, want to marry it and eat it everyday. Up until now, the only place that made it the way I liked it is Dinings in London. The Iwashi Tataki – seared sardines (€7.95) are lovely. It is all extremely good. I mean London, New York, Miami good. It’s obvious from the minute you step in the door and they tell you that they are fully booked. I am not waiting for my birthday next year to go again. I am already hankering after a steaming portion of Agedashi Dofu.