purpleorchidster

Any other ideas other than these?
Sofia Reina, Prado
Temple of Debod
Royal Palace, Flamenco
San Miguel Market
Sorolla Museum

Food tours? Not much into tours but keeping an open mind. And I will pay funny money for the best paella in Madrid. Please suggest your picks. Gracias!

Bedar

Paella is not served in any of the places you list. For the genuine dish you'll have to travel to Valencia. An AVE high speed train will get you there in about 1.5 hrs.

Robert2533

Strange post! Even stranger OP!

purpleorchidster

Shorthand typing! Thanks Bedar where in Valencia? 1.5 isn't that far it could be a fun day trip with a delicious paella goal in mind. I meant to say, do you have any other ideas of things to do other than what I listed as I have already seen those during my previous trips. I might return to the Sorolla Museum though loved it there.

Robert2533

Seu-Xerea is one of our favorites in Valencia, but it's more fusion. For other paella options in Valencia, check out:

Vertical (two Repsol suns)
Restaurante Macel.lum (recommended in the Repsol Guide)
Canyar
L'Estimat
Restaurante Lienzo
Racó del Turia
Navarro
Casa Carmela
Restaurante Yuso
Arrocería La Valenciana
Alquería El Brosquil

You will need reservations!

The Sorolla Museum is currently doing a showing of his landscapes, many of which have not been seen by the public before (http://tinyurl.com/gnzdzot).

Bedar

Robert - Is La Pepica on the beach still open ? Still good ?

Robert2533

Yes, La Pepica is still there, very traditional and on the beach (www.lapepica.com), but we haven't been there for a number of years.

annhig

Robert will know more about this than I do but paella is not the only rice dish in Valencia - there are several other types, some more soupy, others made with black rice - ew had a lovely one as part of a menu del dia one day.

We went to the beach on the bus but didn't eat there, which I suspect was a mistake.

kimhe

Go to Casa Benigna for serious paella/arroz in Madrid: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...na-Madrid.html
http://www.casabenigna.com/

purpleorchidster

Robert, Thanks! Vertical has nice skyline views so does L'Estimat but water. I can only eat one paella meal in Valencia perhaps the question shouldn't be what's the Best but what is most authentic. but authentic can also mean different styles of cooking?

kimhe I've been to Casa Benigna! Their paella is half crunchy half soft and it is delicious. I think the one I tried was the squid black rice and the yellow rice with pork. They cook it to the point that it sticks to the copper pan even when they flip it around. The owner's mom is so delightful and lives upstairs. Funny story I have a picture with both of them and they were so hospitable he told me to bring that picture next time I'm back and he'll hang it on the dangling picture thing filled with happy customers! They must say that to everyone but they do make you feel special. He is beloved by the staff. The son lives in Century City and he looks like a soap opera star! anyway the paella, oil, white table cloth, decor, service, balsamic were all on point. It'll be hard to beat. I might go back just for the smoked salmon.