The luxury of well-prepared snacks

José María Calzón, one of the most important living legends in the history of RCD Espanyol, recommended, in his own way, that we go to El Picoteo de Can Domingo: "Kids! Haven't I gone yet?"Fifty-eight, fifty, and forty years old are the age of each of us, but to him we're still children. When it comes to food, you always have to listen to José María, so we went."

Calzón is practically family. The friendship began with Domingo, father and grandfather of the current owners, and a true pioneer and leader of a family that has delighted many of the most discerning palates in the Baix Llobregat and Barcelonès regions. Currently, Carlos Aguilera and María José Martínez, a couple in life and work, are at the helm, with the invaluable assistance of their son, Carlos Jr. They manage the dining room, presenting the business, while she works in the kitchen, preparing the dishes for the customers.

What will we find? Fresh, high-quality produce in a restaurant where trust and expertise are evident. Many are regular customers. "I have clients who have been selling here for forty-five years," Carlos tells us. It seems his statement is true: while we were there, most customers addressed the waiters by name, and few asked for the menu.

The restaurant's name itself suggests tapas, so today we opted to pair it with a fantastic Estrella Damm beer. We started our meal with a prawn salad, freshwater prawns from the Ebro Delta, and spicy and flavorful Bouchot mussels. A very stimulating start that we wanted to continue enjoying, savoring a menu without too many distractions and with beautifully executed dishes.

Baby squid with garlic and parsley, and some delicious cannelloni with a mouthwatering filling and béchamel sauce, were the prelude to a meat dish consisting of beef tenderloin and a cut of Iberian pork secreto. The meat was tender, cooked to perfection, and served at the ideal temperature. To finish, flan and crema catalana. Simple and flavorful cuisine, where a love for the craft and respect for the customers prevail.

Can Domingo's Picoteo opened in 2001, founded by Domingo Aguilera, the patriarch, although his son has been at the helm since the beginning. The menu features traditional dishes and tapas, complemented by a daily specials list that depends on the fresh fish and seafood. It's a restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner for around 20 euros, but you can also spend as much as you like if you fancy some baby eels or a lobster from the Mar de Amunt. All the ingredients are high-quality and priced fairly.

"I really love my job, but since I was fourteen, I've been working longer hours than anyone else. My wife and I open and close the restaurant," Carlos tells us with a resigned air, yet his vitality shines through during service. Carlos and María José may have their sights set on the distant horizon of retirement, but what's certain is that Grandpa Domingo would be extremely proud to know that Carlos Jr. will be the perfect heir to a way of doing business that brings so much joy to so many people. Long live El Picoteo!