Peix Blau, C. La Torre, L'Escala, Catalonia

Tucked away in a back street, this unassuming restaurant is worth seeking out for the traditional seafood Catalan five-course menu (25 Euros). The courses are finely-judged and make for an interesting and tasty meal - as long as you like seafood and don't mind it salty. Fresh anchovies on toast to start, followed by a salad with a delicately-cooked sardine as a centerpiece and then a big plate of shell fish in a garlic source. Next up is a suquet with big hunks of fish and potato swimming in the stew, followed by a delicious apple tart accompanied by ice cream. And there is a tiny coffee to finish. The house rose wine is refreshing, but somewhat bland. Black and white prints of old fishing scenes in L'Escala decorate the walls. Although the traditional decor and atmosphere is undermined by the flat screen TV in the centre of the restaurant, a visit to Peix Blau is an economical way to sample good quality Catalan cuisine. 8/10