Quite
a number of Spanish restaurants are often an art gallery as well.
Some would have their walls covered with paintings & drawings by
known artists, or the work of those who considered themselves artists
and their work is accepted by the restaurant as worthy showing. Customs
can wander about in the restaurant viewing art exhibited while waiting
for their food to come to the table. There's usually a small and
discreet introduction of the artist under each painting, some poetic
expression or background describing the work, and if it's for sale, the
price.
Then
there are also restaurants who have showcases artistically arranged
here and there displaying sculptures, while the bigger ones are free
standing on esthetically chosen spots.
A
brand new idea was the recent event, taken place in open air, a fusion
of art, food and wine not just for viewing and gastronomic pleasure,
but visitors, wine glass in hand, can watch how an artist work on a
blank canvas gradually being covered with seemingly effortless ease and
skilful strokes, till an amazing picture appears right before your
eyes. He would also be drinking wine and might even chat to you a bit
while his art is forming.
This
type of aptly named 'Enogastronomical' events are organised by a
company with 10 years' experience of development and execution of
exclusive sensorial events. This recent one is presented by Ex Ex
(Exceptional Experiences), a body of artists and wineries. What a
wonderful idea I thought. Both art and wine stimulate the sensorial
senses, fed further by tiny but most delightful snacks and the
gradually emerging art of beauty, positively enriching the sense of
well being.
At work was the artist, Josep Puigmarti, with wine in hand. 
