One weekend I had some interesting overhearing about the growing concept of street food. Quite intrigued, along with company I took the metro and tram to Plaça de les Glòries to first-hand experience this fiesta which takes place on alternate weekends here in Barcelona. I ventured, hungry, with a friend to Mercat del Encants, near Torre Agbar (Barcelona/Spain's version of London/England’s 'Gherkin'), the newly renovated undercover market where still remains the older part of the city, a flea/vintage market of real pick and mix.

On arrival we surveyed busy sights of glorious treasure and trash within the permanently enclosed market stalls and, adjacent to them, parked rows of van housed food: sales and displays of fruity goods creating an eclectic atmosphere and mix of aromas rivalling none seen or sensed before.

Each cuisine is signposted and aligned with a camper kitchen of sorts, where you form queues and decide from small specific menus. Some kitchens are from prestigious Barcelona’s restaurants while some are experimental: each dishes out friendly, en-masse, in-demand, palate-exciting sweets and savoury delights. Food houses such as 'Mosquito', 'Tonka', 'Ceviche Nikkei' are stationed and ready until their coveted supplies expire.

Paper plates, plastic cups, eco-cutlery and napkins are widely used and once served you can indulge in seating at picnic plaid tables, or grassy sidewalks. Bars and DJs maintain an atmosphere of fun, creative coherency with streets lit up by flash bulbs, lanterns, flags and conversations.

This atmosphere engages all the people in its vicinity, in the know and those in sense radius. You will find it at Mercat del Encants every other weekend and on alternate venues on one-off dates around the city.

It was a very dedicated coastal surprise when jogging up the hill one evening I came across a road block, with familiar lighting and crowd participation past it. The Joan Mirò Foundation was celebrating the 40-year anniversary of its Exhibition Centre there in Montjuic. I ran home, cleaned, swiftly recouped and walked up with company to the place. A live band played in place of DJ music, accompanied by the same crowd ambiance. Food and drink by moonlight, with unexpected delicious, curious random company: it definitely was a good night, perfect for art lovers and street food followers. Although I arrived there close to 11pm (apparently music and alcohol cut off), food and people were still there. The atmosphere was relaxed as the police, bartenders and sound-people had disappeared or dispersed into the crowds.

With still 20 degrees outside, the mountain offered a slight relief breeze and a refuge from activity. The Joan Mirò Foundation had arranged tables of books and bulbs of celebration. People remained around until the early hours, even though it was a Tuesday: in Barcelona they know when to enjoy opportunities on offer. In a fantastic environment, the event was an unexpected total success.

Mercat del Encants. For more information the government website covers all languages and events: www.encantsbcn.com/en

Food houses: a full service list at www.bcnmes.com/eatstreet/comunidad-chefs