La Estrella, Barcelona, Spain

Pasteleria La Estrella Cake Shop.

It says "PUJOL" outside and we found it using Happy Cow.

On a whim we went to this place and were befuddled and then pleasantly surprised. From the outside appearance and judging from the area it's in (the semi-seedy Raval district) you would never in a hundred years think this place had anything for vegans. And even when we walked in we were struck by the authentic quaintness of the place. There was an elderly man running the place and it seemed really old school. And by that I mean decidedly NOT vegan-friendly.

Check out this ornate ceiling. (click images for larger view) But you see the easel with the sign on it?

It says: Exquisite Pastries, 100% Vegan. Suitable for the lactose intolerant, Suitable for egg allergies. Free of cruelty to animals.

This cute man was helping a woman before us and he very slowly wrapped up a cake with paper and ribbon in such a meticulous and efficient way. Like he had been wrapping cakes for 50 years.

Don't put your grubby fingers all over the cakes! He will get some little silver tongs and you point at which treat you want, and he will surgically tong them out for you.

This is the one case in the store filled with vegan treats.

We pointed out some cute mini cupcakes and some other goodies, we had no idea what flavor exactly, the language barrier was impenetrable.

He then did the same slow and meticulous wrapping job, with string fashioned into a handle and everything. I wish I could have explained to him that we were going to walk outside and shred all of his beautiful work to bits and devour these cupcakes in two bites each. But we just watched with big smiles on our faces.

On the way out we did notice a sign in the window that indicates some vegan-ness.

Our cupcakes, chocolate and vanilla? Vanilla and raspberry? Whatever it was we loved them.