The internet cafe is either one of the greatest, or most outdated, innovations of the early 1990s. One of the pros is the ability to order food or a beverage while enjoying some internet time, and one of the cons is the overcrowded nature and wait-times now taking over many of the best cafes. Could it be time for the internet cafe to change its ways? The answer to that is another question: When will mobile WiMax be available nationwide?

Why are there some internet cafes that are just plain busier, trendier, and more popular? Unfortunately in the internet cafe market these locales have something that not every trendy product has, which is superior quality. The busiest spots generally are the best. They have better connectivity, lower prices, more power outlets, better food or coffee, and above all else, a better ambiance. However, many of us may feel foolish standing in line just to get online, especially when we are already paying to use internet in the comfort of our own homes. What these cafes thrive off of is the unavailability of quality wireless internet signals in public spaces. For those who prefer not to rush home every time they are expecting an important email, it’s time to take a nod from cities like Portland, Oregon, who are already experiencing 4G or Fourth Generation mobile broadband technology.

This latest development amongst internet service providers allows users to have anywhere-everywhere internet signals sent directly to their computer no matter where it is. Magic? Not exactly. Using a system similar to cell phone towers this wire-free WiMax internet providers send out a signal which anyone with a plan can access within range. That means that no matter where the computer goes, it’s taking internet with it. Not just the basic function powers of today’s 3G internet either, this is mobile broadband internet with high speeds, and the capability to send large files on the go. With the populous no longer tied down to short-range wireless signals suddenly the whole world is an internet cafe. Imagine those coveted Wi-Fi Hotspots signs hung just about everywhere, under a favorite tree in the park, a home office, the bus stop, the supermarket, the library, any old cafe, a picnic bench, a neighbor’s house, a work office, a work client’s office, in waiting rooms… you get the point, just about anywhere you’d want to go.

Barcelona has many markets with extremely fresh produce and with the extensive range of self-catering accommodation in the city, such as tourist apartments, it0s great fun to pick up some local produce and make a meal in, or prepare a barbeque on your terrace. Gone are the days of worrying about properly cooked fish, or seafood which might disagree with you – Barcelona’s fishmongers are the happiest in recommending different ways to prepare your catch of the day, and personally, I have learned many techniques of different ways to prepare fish and seafood from many friendly fishmongers. The famous Boqueria market on the central Las Ramblas street is a great stop to view different types of seafood and fish, but the Barceloneta and Sant Antoni markets are equally central, stocking the same produce and are often less crowded. Whether it’s ingredients for Paella, a Peruvian cebiche or fresh sardines for the barbeque – head down to the markets early and stock up on the catch of the day.

If you prefer to be waited upon, then you’re spoilt for choice in Barcelona. With so many seafood restaurants to choose from, and every city guide book often choosing different ones, I’ll try and recommend a few of my own experiences and some of the un-missable spots, too.

The old fisherman’s quarters of La Barceloneta lie right next to the beach and those narrow streets have some of the oldest and most established restaurants serving the freshest fish and seafood to this day. So when the new red-brick building which now houses the Catalan History Museum was commissioned, there was to be space underneath for the select few restaurants from Barceloneta to choose their spot. In a nutshell, the best places in the old fisherman’s neighbourhood were given their choice of restaurant space. Now, since then, in my opinion, some of those restaurants have let their standards slide a little, given the fact that they will easily fill tables on their terraces on a summer’s day due to the prime location. This is all apart from one – El Merendero de la Mari – which has maintained the best standards since “Mari” used to make the broth for the Paella and those Mariner’s mussels. For me, they just have got everything right, from the waiters and the crockery and cutlery (sounds stupid, I know, and I’m no restaurant critic, but things like that stick in your mind!) to the wine and the speed of service.

Just along the way from El Merendero, and of a completely different ilk, is El Rey de la Gamba. Here it’s a much more modest place, with paper napkins, waiters who shout the orders back to the kitchen, and the like, but it’s always busy, and they have a great turnover of the fish, so it’s always fresh. The biggest reason for me including this place as well, is that the portions are huge! Often we have gone in a group of four and ordered a seafood platter and Paella for two – and had plenty of leftovers for a doggy bag, too!