Brutalist eatery, Esperit Roca, offers a tantalizing array of six-course desserts
Esperit Roca: A Gastronomic Haven Blending Tradition and Modernity in Girona, Spain
Nestled in the picturesque town of Sant Julia de Ramis, Esperit Roca stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of local tradition, nature, and contemporary design. The brainchild of renowned restaurateurs the Roca brothers and designer Andreu Carulla, this dining establishment offers an unparalleled culinary experience rooted in Catalonia's rich cultural heritage.
A Symphony of Senses
Esperit Roca seamlessly integrates with the Hotel Esperit Roca, creating a holistic sensory experience that transcends the boundaries of hospitality and gastronomy. The design by Andreu Carulla is a harmonious union of interior architecture and the natural environment, showcasing rustic yet elegant elements, natural materials, and a calm, welcoming ambiance.
Celebrating Catalonia's Bounty
Head chef Joan Roca is committed to showcasing the region's abundance of wild products, good agriculture, livestock, and fishing. This commitment is evident in the restaurant's concept-driven dishes, such as an 'orange' salad with mussels, sea urchins, and citrus fruit, and stylishly plated exquisite local lamb and prawns.
A Tribute to the Region's Heritage
The interiors of Esperit Roca are a tribute to the region's rural traditions, with curtains and overhead lamps made from shade cloths used in local farming. The restaurant's furniture, including custom-made midcentury-inspired wooden chairs and curved concrete benches, further emphasizes this connection to the past.
Nature's Embrace
The restaurant offers breathtaking views of mountains, woodland, and sea, underscoring its strong connection to the natural surroundings. Vegetation sprouts from large, cylindrical concrete pots in the restaurant, while the wine cellar's structure, designed by Andreu Carulla from steel pipes totalling 20km in length, adds an industrial touch to the organic setting.
The Wine Cellar's Treasure Trove
Diners enter Esperit Roca via a giant dome housing sommelier Josep Roca's wine cellar, which contains 80,000 bottles. The cellar's structure, designed by Andreu Carulla, is a marvel of modern architecture, with the designer sourcing piedra de Girona (a limestone with tiny fossils in its surface) from local quarries for the counters, lamps, tables, and lavatories' sinks.
A Sweet Finale
One of the tasting menus at Esperit Roca includes six desserts, masterminded by pastry chef Jordi Roca. These sweet creations range from the use of three different types of pumpkin in dishes, each with a different preparation, to the intriguing combinations of black chanterelle and powdered pine, and infusions with the aroma of old books.
A Journey Through Catalonia's Flavours
Esperit Roca is more than just a restaurant; it's a journey through Catalonia's flavours, traditions, and landscapes. Located at Carrer Major, Entrada 1, 17481 Sant Julia de Ramis, Girona, Spain, this gastronomical centre offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Catalonia. For more information, please visit esperitroca.com.
Exploring Global Cultures through Food-and-drinkEsperit Roca's extensive wine cellar, containing 80,000 bottles, offers a journey through various global cuisines, showcasing the interconnection of different cultures and their unique flavors.
Cooking as a Lifestyle and ArtThe Roca brothers, with their commitment to highlighting Catalonia's local products, demonstrate the importance of lifestyle, sustainability, and artistry in cooking, making Esperit Roca a sanctuary for home-and-garden enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of tradition and modernity.
