Soul of Spain

Oysters, paella, grilled prawns and an intriguing wine list are just the start at one of the city's oldest European eateries. Mike Peters reports.

Hangzhou is justly famous for its local cuisine, but it's not well-known as an outpost for foreign fare. So on a recent visit to Zhejiang's provincial capital, we were pleasantly surprised to discover La Pedrera - a Spanish restaurant with an impressive wine list tucked in a corner of a large Chinese hotel.

Our leisurely lunch got a pleasantly authentic start with a refreshing glass of sparkling cava, a bottle of mineral water labeled Vichy Catalan, a welcome platter of fresh-baked breads, and serving dishes with a mosaic edge as colorful as any you might find in sunny Spain.