El Barrio

If you’re just passing through Luxembourg for a day or two, I’d advise you to soak up all things Luxembourgish. But if you’re here for longer, sneak in a side trip to Spain by heading to El Barrio. Let me list some reasons why.   Uno – the incredibly creative tapas. Order a few and split them for a meal, or order a couple as a starter.  Dos -  the seafood. I recently splurged on the  ‘seafood degustation’ that tasted like it was just picked out of the sea and taken  just off the grill.  Tres - the meat.  You can go small with an 11-euro brochette or go large with 110-euro Japanese Wagyu fillet. Or try the Wagyu in a tapas taco, for a less indulgent 23 euros. Cuatro - the wine and, ¡Claro está!, the sangria. Desserts? I never have room to try, but I eyed some exiting the kitchen with envy. The atmosphere and excellent service count for Cinco, Seis, Siete, Ocho and Nueve. Lofty ceilings transport you to a city gallery or central train station... in Spain. There is an open-air terrace upstairs, but I like the ground floor. It’s a little loud, but that’s the buzz of happy diners enjoying the kind of happy conversation that flows here. El Barrio draws a big lunch crowd, mostly wearing suits and some enjoying the inexpensive midday special. On weekend nights it’s packed.  Diez - there’s nearby parking but why not take the free tram and enjoy that Sangria worry-free?