Experimental sandwich-lab, La Bikineria, opens in the heart of Girona’s old town

La Bikineria is the latest food project launched this Thursday by Jordi Roca and Alejandra Rivas, the duo famous for their award-winning ice cream shop Rocambolesc. 

The owners explained at the opening that the new shop is the “first step into Rocambolesc’s salty world” and that the reception has been “overwhelming.” 

The new sandwich lab is located next to the ice cream shop in Carrer de Santa Clara, in the center of Girona.

There, they will be selling four different types of the typical Catalan grilled ham and cheese sandwiches known as the 'bikini'. One is the classic with cheese and cooked ham; a sandwich with cured Iberian ham, mozzarella and truffle; one with pastrami; and a vegetarian option with eggplant, truffle and mozzarella. The prices range from €5.50 to €7.50.

The owners will also sell freshly squeezed juices made from locally grown apples, Poma de Girona.  

Jordi Roca and Alejandra Rivas will also be collaborating with Catalan Olympic swimmer Ona Carbonell. The swimmer has launched a new collection of bikinis that la Bikineria will sell in-store.

The Roca brothers opened the restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in 1986. Specializing in traditional Catalan high cuisine, it was awarded with three Michelin stars in 2009. Jordi Roca is the award-winning pastry chef of the Celler de Can Roca.