No More - from Mum
The guys from No Más de _ Mamá, one of the most influential gastronomic blogs of the moment, have been organising La Santa (Will), a culinary marathon on the terrace of their studio in Barcelona's Raval neighbourhood, since last March.
No More - Mom's is much more than just a simple gastronomic blog. It has put an end to the neolithic aesthetics of recipe books and the pigeonholed templates of the blogger world, bringing a freshness that is hard to find on the web. A cheeky graphic design, a very careful design, an exquisite lyric, videos that are the real thing and a passion for good food, are the perfect ingredients that make this blog a reference for many foodies.
The simplicity of his recipes, together with the care and freshness with which Carlos explains their preparation, encourage anyone to put on their apron and start cooking. You don't need to be an expert in the kitchen because the recipes are designed for everyone to make them (there are different degrees of difficulty), and if you are one of those who can't get enough of the kitchen, perhaps you'll be tempted to try his proposals for special occasions. And there's more, as each recipe comes with a musical accompaniment - a real treat!
With The saint (will) wanted to go beyond the borders of the virtual world. Last November they were asked to create a book, a compilation of their best recipes, and they liked the idea so much that they wanted to go further: cook for their legion of followers, sit them down at the table and take note of their opinions. Live and direct. Four by four and only for 30 days. At the end of the meal, they will pay for the will (holy or not)... The success was immediate and places were sold out in just a few hours.
Meals for four by No Más - de Mamá, menus without fixed prices, diners decide what they want to pay when they finish eating on a fabulous terrace in the Raval with views of the whole city.
The team of Monapart we arrive at the terrace almost breathless after climbing a thousand and one steps of a staircase in the ravalais. We are welcomed by Carlos and Adrià (Marc can't come because he's on a shooting, dealing with a snake!) With our hands in the cookie jar, we start the interview with laughter and a lot of fun. We move from one topic to another, from an Erasmus in Manchester to the history of cooked ham, how they got Marc involved, their mothers and their culinary legacies... Until it's time to eat.
Before the diners arrive, they take a couple of photos of the dishes: first, delicious spinach and feta cheese empanadas, second a porridge with sobrasada and roasted peppers, and for dessert some delicious oatmeal biscuits; all washed down with a great red wine from Mariol House. Carlos in the kitchen, Adrià sets the table, and when the diners start to eat, they retire to the studio: "...we don't want to be the typical waiters who give you a hard time while you eat", says Carlos.
The after-dinner conversation arrives and it's time to share impressions. Carlos and Adrià take note of everything and compile opinions in questionnaires.
A Maneki-neko presides over the little box where the will that diners decide to offer will be collected. How much would you pay? We are sure... Eating well and in good company is priceless!
