Grand Hotel Canamunt: Bocalto

**** Sadly, Bocalto has closed again. ****

The contrast could hardly be sharper: Looking out of the large windows you see one of Sa Gerreria’s dilapidated, yet dignified medieval town palaces. The interior design however reminds me of the lobby of a trendy hotel and could easily be a scenery in a Mad Man sequel. Guests meet on the couch or at the bar before they go to dinner. I’m talking about Bocalto here, latest addition to the quarter’s livelygastroscene.

Bocalto’s menu comprises a lovely selection of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. We had burrata and ceviche, followed by bacalao and solomillo de ternera, along with a tasty white wine from the island. A great choice and a perfect evening for the two of us. The restaurant opened just a few weeks ago and chef Alvaro Del Campo and his team as well as the friendly service are already doing a great job.

Tolo Gual and Jose Calafell, who founded and own Bocalto, have known the neighborhood for many years. The opening of their restaurant reflects the change it is currently undergoing. Ten years ago you could hardly find a place for dinner other than your own. But eventually great bars, small restaurants and little colmados are popping up, reviving the streets and turning them into a wonderful lively barrio again. Let’s enjoy it, but take care to keep what makes it so special: the people who live here.

The name Bocalto, by the way, is a play on words, Tolo told me. It stands for boca alto, big mouth. Vale, perfecto.