la catapa in madrid
 

Hi. Thanks to Robert, I am very interested in making a reservation here for dinner. There is no website for the restaurant. Any idea of days open/closed and hours? thanks

No web site, but their telephone number is (+34) 915 742 615. We usually call or drop by during the day to make reservations for that evening (if there is a table available) or the next day. They open for tapas at 7:30 and usually close around 11:00, and are closed on Sunday.

Remember, they moved into Laredo's old space, Calle Menorca, 14, directly across the street from their old address.

Robert, again, many thanks. When re-reading Maribel's guide, I noted that I had crossed out La Catapa as it seemed more like a wine bar than dinner destination. My dinners are now Lua, Laredo, La Catapa and Azotea. My only concern (such worries!) is that we will get to know the Ibiza stop and this area very well since 3 restaurants are in that area. Is there enough variation in the menus? Since we will have completed 3 nights in Sevilla with only one true sit down meal (the rest tapas), I prefer to reserve.
My dining goal is good food in a comfortable setting. My husband does not want to wear a jacket and we are not looking for Michelin service.

Yes, there is enough variation in the menus, but if you want something a little else, in another are, but not too far away, still in the Retiro near Recoletos on Cale Villalar, then check out Restaurante MEATing, for some outstanding Navarran-Basque cuisine (www.restaurantemeating.com). It makes for a great lunch stop or dinner.

Robert Meating looks perfect-good regional influences. Which would you delete-Azotea, Laredo or La Catapa. Oh to have such problems! I have Laredo reservations for Mon night which is good since many places are closed. Since Azotea and Catapa are nearby, could i do tapas at each? or 1 tapa at one and dinner at the other? Which would you recommend for dinner?

Robert-regarding Meating-my husband does not like his beef rare. When in Paris, we dined at Paul Bert, and his steak was so rare he did not eat it. Can he order beef well done in Spain (the French refuse!).

You can, but you will get some strange looks. And it may be difficult to explain what you want if the chef or waiter doesn't speak English fluently. You can ask say "a ponto" (medium well-done) when asked if ordering a Solomillo, a filet mignon, but well-done" in Spain is nothing like "well-done" in the States, and in the Basque country there is no concept of cooking any meat until it's "well-done" American style. Since MEATing is Navarran-Basque, you may not what to chance it.

Robert, thanks for your response. Does Meating have other choices? He likes steak but is not a huge meat eater. I'd be thrilled though.

Yes! You can download the menus at:www.restaurantemeating.com/index.php?action=4