Having emerged from the labyrinthine corridors of Barcelona's Picasso Museum, I found myself yearning for a jolt of java. Hours of standing, lost in contemplation before the tapestry of the artist's evolution had left me drained. The museum, while a marvel of Picasso's diverse oeuvre, felt incomplete, lacking the harrowing strokes of the Guernica, the stark symbol of his career.
Exiting through the museum's bookstore, arms laden with a collection of risqué postcards unsuitable for grandmothers, I pulled up my phone and commenced my hunt for a nearby coffee sanctuary. And thus, I stumbled upon Xiloteca, a modest sanctuary tucked away in the corner of a bustling street, invisible to the unsuspecting eye.
The duo running this hidden gem welcomed me with open arms, engaging me in discussions about everything from Cuban culture to their coffee philosophy, and how Xiloteca was a secret that Google Maps was privy to only if you looked close enough.
My order, a double shot of espresso, was delivered with a flourish. Each sip was an exploration of flavours, a symphony of taste, expertly extracted. Yet, the coffee lacked the finishing touches of a masterpiece - a proper porcelain cup. It was disconcerting to find such a beautifully crafted brew relegated to a paper cup, much like seeing a Picasso displayed in a shabby frame. It detracted from the experience, adding a touch of the mundane to the extraordinary.
However, do not let this deter you. If you find yourself, like me, wandering out of the Picasso museum in search of a caffeinated refuge, steer yourself towards Xiloteca. Set your expectations, be prepared to cradle a paper cup, but let the taste of their brew wash over you. Don't hold back on the conversation either - in the rhythm of their chatter, you might uncover more secrets of Barcelona, and perhaps even the best places to sample coffee or cacao cold brew.