The gourmet restaurant at the Intercontinental Barcelona is another example of a hotel keen to diversify its services for guests by transforming itself into a foodie destination in its own right. Quirat, which has its own independent entrance (as well as access via the lobby), represents, in its own words, “the purity and wealth of the elements that form the land”. Chef Víctor Torres, who is renowned for his cuisine at the Michelin-starred Les Magnòlies in Arbúcies, creates contemporary Catalan cuisine that always showcases locally sourced ingredients while at the same time fully respecting seasonality. Dishes here are full of depth and flavour, with simplicity only evident in his sauces and reductions. Highlights on the menu include Maresme peas with onion soup and sea urchin; artichoke, romesco sauce and Mas Farró cheese; and “cap i pota” stew with sea cucumber – dishes that Víctor Torres views as tiny jewels, hence the naming of his menus 18K and 24K. The hotel even has its own kitchen garden.