The latest soul revelation and a series that is a little gem: what you can't miss this week
What you may have missed and what you definitely cannot miss: the cultural and leisure proposals of 'Ara Diumenge'
The week ahead, with Jordi Garrigós
Some of the things we hope not to miss in the next seven days
I will finish watching Ravalejar (Movistar+), the series by Pol Rodríguez and Isaki Lacuesta about the history of Can Lluís, which for years was my favorite restaurant in the center of Barcelona. Losing it was a tragedy and this series perfectly explains the difficulties that some emblematic establishments in the city are going through due to real estate speculation.
I will listen to Doctrine of love, Jalen Ngonda's second album, the latest soul revelation on the international scene. After the enormous success of his debut, the Washington DC native once again navigates between the new and old school, touching on all the canonical points: from Motown to Detroit and Chicago soul. A dozen songs that, once heard, will grant you a master's degree in love in all its facets.
I will readLa Bola, the story of Mar de Marchis, the person who founded and edited the magazine Jot Down. Written by the Catalan journalist Daniel Verdú and published by Alfaguara, the book explains the fascinating trajectory of an enigmatic and calculating woman who recruited some of the State's greatest progressive journalists. All this without ever leaving her apartment, wherever she might have had it.
The week that ends, with Alejandra Palés
Notes on what we have seen, felt, tasted and, in short, experienced in the last seven days
I devoured in the blink of an eyeLeonard and Hungry Paul, a little gem that is a praise of everyday life, calm and, above all, kind. It tells the stories of two soulmates –Leonard and Hungry Paul– who decide to expand their universes after many years of introverted lives. The series, narrated in its original version by Julia Roberts, is available on Filmin and can be watched in VOSCat.
I enjoyed the food at Fino Bar (Torrent de les Flors, 113), one of Gràcia's must-visits. The proposal is based on sharing tapas and small plates, and it's always worth checking out the off-menu specials, like the stracciatella toast with anchovy. The dessert offer is short but winning, especially the ensaimada with almond Chantilly and toasted egg yolk cream.
I haven't stopped listening to songs by Olivia Rodrigo to alleviate the hangover from the emotion of having seen her live, by surprise, at Primavera Sound singing with Robert Smith, with whom she performed What's wrong with me, a song that, at that moment, was still unreleased. The track is part of the young singer's new album, You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, released this Friday.
I have finished reading Albion by E.M. Forster, and it evolves into an unexpected place.
Returning to Howard's End by E.M. Forster, and it evolves into an unexpected place.
More proposals for plans and activities: