Hello all, I'm leaving for Madrid on April 1 to visit mom and dad (and rest of family). My mom has been, understandibly, quite unsettled since everything happened so I'd like to treat her to a fun evening out, just us "girls". I'd like to take her to a new, hip and trendy place -- any ideas? Cost is not a concern. Thank you!!!

hi michelleNYC,
I'm sorry you'll be arriving when we'll be leaving, as I'd like to meet you and your family.
How about the new and hip Club Calle 54 on the Paseo de la Habana 3?
Prince Felipe and Letizia have been spotted there. It has 3 floors, and besides live music, they offer 2 types of dining ?downstairs, it's burgers and fries (10 euros) , pizzas (8), salads, pastas and little casseroles, home made ice creams. Upstairs gourmet dining for 50-60 euros p.p. Javier Mariscal designed this place plus the uniforms and the house red Rioja wine label (Bodegas Castillo de Mendoza). Can listen to live jazz, watch a movie, dine. Movie types hang out there, like director Fernando Trueba, who put the project in motion and named it after one of his movies. Open daily.

Thank you so much, Maribel (as always). This is sort of a last-minute trip that I planned but I travel there often -- next time you're in town, let me know! Might you have another suggestion, in case this one does not work out for whatever reason? Also, I'll be there for a month so we may want to leave my dad home more than once !

michelleNYC,
Here's another I haven't tried yet, but it's on my favorite street in the Barrio de Salamanca, across from La Paloma and below Bomarzo:

"Gilda" on Jorge Juan 8, next to my favorite Basque restaurant in the barrio, Alkalde. It's new and hip.
Check it out here:
www.gildalunchbar.com

michelle,
Don't know how you feel about a "girls'" night out in Chueca, but here's another hip spot:

"Divina la Cocina" on Colmenares 13.
www.divinalacocina.com

Again, thank you so much. Your suggestions are very much appreciated. I hope you have a safe trip back home.

- Michelle