"I'm actually very romantic. You just don't know it." This is the sweet declaration made by Restaurant Barcelona chef Lahora Cruz Sergio. Even before his romanticism became known, his enthusiasm and perseverance in cooking have already made the hidden exotic restaurant, which opened in October 2018 and is located on the second floor near Hualien Railway Rear Station, a popular place.
Chef Lahora is from Barcelona, Spain. His love for cooking sprouted in his childhood studying recipes in the kitchen with his mother. Later, when he entered culinary school, his dedication pushed him to go further. Today, he has accumulated 30 years of experience in cooking. With proficiency in controlling the heat, he creates wonderful sauces and maximizes the rich flavors of the ingredients he uses.
Many years ago, he moved to Hualien for work and became colleagues with Miss Shu-Ling Chou, a native of the Ami community. The chef, who demands perfect details, met a great kitchen assistant who responds wisely and always completes his missions. The two worked together perfectly and grew a relationship that fueled their love and helped them start their own business.
Barcelona’s interior design is simple and neat, while the semi-open kitchen lends the dining and cooking spaces a great sense of comfort. Lahora makes good use of Hualien's local ingredients in creating his cuisines, such as the “peeled chili and salted pork fettuccine,” a dish in which peeled chili and fresh cream are perfectly blended into a smooth and slightly spicy sauce. Meanwhile, the seafood risotto consists of boiled tomatoes and seafood, and each bite is rich with a sweet and salty fragrance.
Lahora really knows the hospitality in Hualien: "Not just friendly, but much friendlier than any other place!" Life in Hualien is also for him highly enjoyable. He says that the convenience stores are simply like Doraemon's treasure bag, providing both convenience and comfort. His hometown, Barcelona, is close to the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its beaches. Therefore, in summer, he also loves to go to Ji-Qi Beach for swimming or take a walk to the beach of Qixingtan. For him, Taroko, Baiyang Trail, Sakadong Trail, the canyon in Swallow Grotto, potholes, springs, Indian Chief Rock and other landscapes are all representative of the beauty of Hualien.
Restaurant Barcelona
Address: 2F., 110, Fu’an Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 970, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel: 0938–034–300