Steam cases made of silicone: the key for a healthy diet

http://www.lekue.es/productos/foto_270_400.jpg

I discovered the new designs by Lékué -a Spanish company based in the proximity of Barcelona- some time ago and I found them fun and practical. The steam cases are wonderful to cook healthy but tasteful dishes. It is the modern version of the "papillote" cooking technique which consisted of baking food wrapped in aluminium foil or special cooking paper. It is great for fish and vegetables but you can cook anything in small portions. I reproduce the product description of the mini steam case from their website because it is very accurate. The mini is great for singles, or single servings, but there is a larger size.  

"The mini steam case optimizes steam cooking while intensifying flavours and maintaining nutrients. Because the mini steam case is small, various individual dishes can be prepared at the same time for a complete and balanced meal. The lids include compartments so food can be easily seasoned at the table. Up to 2 steam cases fit in the microwave and up to 6 in the oven. Available in 4 colours. You can use each colour for a specific application: white = fish; red = meats; black = vegetables; pink = desserts".

See how it works at Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGQhMwusK34

More information about the whole range of products and recipes
http://www.lekue.es/index.php

Servicio Estación
C/Aragón 270 - by Passeig de Gràcia
Metro Passeig de Gràcia, Green Line
Find out other points of sale at the website.
VVRATW3T7793

Candy glam rings by Escribà

Over 20 models of glamorous rings made of candy by Escribà, a family owned pastry in business since 1906 well known for its creativity and chocolates. An original present to surprise your sweetheart, family and friends. New models in preparation in collaboration with well known designers. 

http://www.escriba.es/candyglamrings/index2.html

Available at Escribà, Ramblas 83 (Mero Liceo, Green Line)   

ART: Metropolitan soul

Art is a Spanish brand launched in 1995. Its shoes reflect a young and carefree spirit, innovation and humour. They are perfect for a relaxed look for youngsters and young at heart.

http://www.the-art-company.com/ 
On sale at Tascón, a multi brand shoe shop with several points of sale in Barcelona, one of them at the Terminal 1 of the Airport
http://www.tascon.es/

Barcelona bags by Braccialini

The TUA line for summer 2010 of handbags by Braccialini –a very creative Italian company- is inspired in the Mediterranean. Models are colorful and are named after cities and countries. Under the name Barcelona they offer 5 versions of bags made of striped canvas, embellished with multiple patterned appliqués, flowers, hearts, colorful buttons and finishes in contrasting colors.

Braccialini handbags are available in Barcelona at
Fashion Cheap, C/ Muntaner 226
Due, C/ Sicilia, 226
http://shop.braccialini.com/tua/it/barcellona_tua.html
http://shop.braccialini.com/es/

Pretty Ballerinas: over 150 models to choose from

Pretty Ballerinas started as an online shop selling exclusively these pretty flat shoes which have become popular among celebrities and fashionistas worldwide. They are made in the island of Menorca by a company in business since 1918 and they reflect their expertise and craftsmanship, combined with moderrn design. Pretty Ballerinas produces over 150 models per season, colorful and fun, and there is always a model to match any look. The company has two other brands, Jaime Mascaró and Ursula Mascaró.

http://www.prettyballerinas.com/

Mascaró shop: Bori i Fontestà, 9 (not far from the Diagonal and L´Illa shopping center, no metro in the proximity).
They have recently opened a corner at el Corte Inglés Diagonal (department store). Metro Maria Cristina (Green Line).

2x1 at Custo Barcelona until may 9th

Custo Barcelona announces a promotion 2x1 until May 9th. Until then, if you buy two items, you will pay for the most expensive one only. Promotion available in two shops: Pça del Pi, 2, near the Ramblas, and the outlet situated at La Roca Village (where you will find other outlets of well known brands, Spanish and international) situated half an hour away from Barcelona.

http://www.larocavillage.com/en_GB/cat/women

The best cruet in the world: a good souvenir from Barcelona

Spain is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, and it could be considered the backbone of our healthy Mediterranean diet.  Hence it is not surprising that the best ever cruet design is by Rafael Marquina, a catalan architect and sculptor, and it is been in the market since the early 60s.

It combines two characteristics of good lasting designs: beauty and function. In this case no dripping and no mess guaranteed. Your hands, table and table clothes will stay clean, as well as the cruet. It is probably one of the most famous Spanish industrial designs and there are many imitations around.  

The original model is the most beautiful, as it has the best proportions, is made of blown glass and comes in different sizes, smaller ones for the table and larger ones to be used in the kitchen. Expect to pay over 20 € for the smaller sizes.

The cloudy oil in my cruets comes straight from a cooperative from a village in Tarragona, south of Barcelona, and it is pure extra virgin olive oil. A toast of good bread with some extra virgin olive oil is the most delicious snack anytime.  

Cruets are on sale in houseware shops and department stores.