If you’re turning 41 or are in the neighborhood of central Barcelona, please, please do yourself a date impressing birthday favor and give Caelis a go.

With the option of a romantic table or bar looking at the kitchen, we last minute chose the later. Is there much better than a tasting menu at a bar, with rose gold Christolphe silver to silver spoon feed you into your early forties? Thought not…

First course was black squid bread which was much nicer than it sounds.

Next up were two very fun amuse bouches…including vermouth bonbons and egg yolk tartlets with caviar.

It was at the beef tartare course that I told the gentleman I could either go home perfectly happy or enjoy this every day for the rest of my life…

One of my least favorite was one of the gent’s favorites and probs hyper locale also…beetroot, creme fraiche and anchovy sandwich.

Hard into croquette-ville was the prawn fritter with plankton mayo. Woah.

The bread bowl and artisan butter was worth the price of admission as I sat in my corner seat gnawing at the world’s saltiest, butteriest croissant end piece.

I wasn’t entirely sure of the real menu when I read it in advance, but it completely blew my hair back. Frozen vichyssoise with trout roe sounded weird but was absolutely next level.

Then there was the artichoke with a crayfish emulsion. Also, quite nice, but less exciting this time.

Then…the “sea and mountain” which was two large macaronis stuffed with foie gras. Once you’ve sorted that, the upper plate was removed to showcase the most delectable broth.

There was also one perfect filet of red mullet with crispy lettuce and bouillabaisse.

The kitchen was hopping and so inspiring to watch! The main chef wasn’t there but the visitor meticulously kept the others in perfect harmony, and in siring nod to real life, even if unrealistic.

Finally, there was the “ash-crusted” beef, which I could have also eaten every day forever. Instead, a handful of bites at a bar it would be.

Following included a perfectly portioned cheeseplate. I could have stopped there, but there would be two more dessert courses!

The sorbet palate cleanser was the most gorgeously refreshing combo of mint, cucumber, and lemon. My personal trifecta. This was followed by the most beautiful birthday dessert- cherry, sherry cask, which was a melange of chocolate twigs, cherry compote, and a savorily cheesy schmeer.

The check came with tiny lemon tarts and homemade gummy bears. Incroyable.

No words. Maybe it was the surprise of being whisked to Barcelona, maybe it was this gorgeous Michelin starred meal, but this Caelis was hands down the best birthday dinner that I can remember. I told the gentleman that this must become a Barcelona standby. Let’s do it.