La Grangeta del Raval moves and "multiplies by ten"

La Grangeta del Raval, until a few days ago on Calle Pintor Fortuny, was a neighborhood institution. That's why its move has been a real event for the residents. But the change is also taking place at the neighborhood level. They've moved to larger premises, on Peu de la Creu, which will allow them to feed everyone who comes—the current premises had become too small—and will give them the opportunity to expand their hours and offer.

It's been a long time. Nineteen years ago, Xavi Serna, who has been in the neighborhood his whole life (we spoke here, when we discovered his brother Robert's restaurant), together with his wife Isa Hidalgo, the soul of the kitchen, and his brother-in-law Paco Hidalgo, took over a family farm that was being transferred. That's how this establishment began, which at lunchtime fills with people passing the handwritten menu from table to table. A multitude of starters, main courses, a drink, and dessert for 16 euros. Cream of vegetable soup, fideuá, macaroni with cheese and hazelnut sauce, breaded hake, grilled sea bass, breaded chicken breast... All homemade and with a cooking style that makes us feel at home.

When they opened, they maintained the same offerings as the previous farm. They sold takeaway cream, flan, and custard. Over time, they saw that the neighborhood's profile was changing, and that it was more convenient for them to make some great sandwiches in the morning and good lunchtime menus. So far, they've done wonders to accommodate everyone who came, but the space was very tight. Finally, one factor pushed them to make the decision: the owner of the premises wanted to raise the rent. This is how they were encouraged to move a few meters away, right in front of the ARA newspaper office.

They've dusted off a huge space, which had been the Centro Riojano and had been closed and fenced for at least eight years. "This means we've multiplied La Grangeta by ten," says Xavi, who hopes this growth will also mean offering a meeting place for the people of the neighborhood, who currently don't have large venues to gather in the afternoon. To this end, they've also expanded their menu and will now serve tapas after meals. They'll also be able to extend their mornings and add fork-style breakfast options to their sandwiches. They've also expanded the terrace, which will be even bigger.

The return of L'Hortet

But the news doesn't end there. A few days ago in Comem we reported the closure of L'HortetThe beloved and popular vegetarian restaurant, which used to be very close to La Grangeta. Well, one of its owners, Odina Martí, in an example of good neighborliness and the belief that unity is strength, will be taking over the upper floor. In a few days, a former chef from L'Hortet will even be joining the restaurant. So what might have seemed like two closures is actually simply a reorganization and reorganization that suits them best.

The new Grangeta location started work this Tuesday. However, they've put their savings into it and will be making improvements for a while. The graffiti on the exterior, for example, isn't easy to remove (or cheap). The street lighting will also be improved, an issue the City Council will surely contribute to.

As they have time, because they haven't stopped, things will get back in order. But for now, everything remains the same. The prices are the same: they don't raise the menu one cent. And so do the suppliers. By the way, Xavi explains that when it comes to the ones they have at La Boqueria, they do everything over the phone. "We're not going to buy because of gentrification and the amount of tourism. You can't even walk. You go for work, but you find 50 foreigners in front of you," he explains. Since the stallholders are "super friendly," he says, they fix everything without having to go there.

They look forward to maintaining their relationship of trust with the parish, especially now that they'll have room for everyone. The first day was very busy. The only difference many of them will notice is that when Xavi goes out to sweep the street in the morning, he'll say good morning to them a few meters away.