Madrid eating??
Dec 21st, 2023, 06:28 AM
#21
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That's a great tip, Revulgo! Thank you for this and all of your other valuable contributions over the years! Feliz Navidad!
I've noticed that in everyday supermarkets, one has to be careful when buying conserves, as many of the seafood and vegetable tins I've noticed in shops like Carrefour no longer come from spain, but from South America and other parts. Tis place you posed looks as if all the products are
Spanish!
I've noticed that in everyday supermarkets, one has to be careful when buying conserves, as many of the seafood and vegetable tins I've noticed in shops like Carrefour no longer come from spain, but from South America and other parts. Tis place you posed looks as if all the products are
Spanish!
Last edited by ekscrunchy; Dec 21st, 2023 at 06:32 AM.
Dec 22nd, 2023, 08:01 AM
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Revulgo,
I'm going to get myself to Mantequerías Andrés really soon!
Ekscrunchy,
In my former 'hood, I love Mantequerías Bravo on Ayala, just down from the Mercado de la Paz. It's also a vintage shop and absolutely gorgeous. Here I find products and wines that I can't easily find elsewhere. I was there this morning. Prices are in keeping with this well-heeled district, so no bargains, but it makes wonderful window shopping, especially now at Christmas time when the extravagant Christmas gift baskets are displayed. A classic sine 1932....one of those timeless shops that you hope never closes to become a Zara boutique!
https://mantequeriasbravo.com
Yes, I know Coalla Gourmet, a beautiful two story shop that came to Madrid from Oviedo, but it's a long haul to get there by taxi, bus or metro up to the Northern Business district. We go shopping there for Asturian products (they even sell Asturian wines) and then have lunch at Taberna Cachivache nearby. Although Coalla does serve meals. It's one of my favorite food shopping haunts.
And I passed by Doña Tomasa this morning, the one on Velázquez, which is another lovely shop selling conservas from Cantabria.
We had a medio pincho de tortilla this morning at Casa Dani and the market was at fever pitch. The Almadraba Experience just hasn't. caught on. No one there.
We moved on to the Oh, Dèlice Bistrot at the back of the market for a Bloody Mary and celery oyster and a glass of champagne, because well,....it's Christmas time. If you've seen the "Somebody Please Feed Phil" Madrid episode, you'll remember that this is where Phil took Casa Dani owner and wife to introduce the wife to oysters, as she had never eaten one.
The catalán chef makes two excellent rice dishes, a black rice and a lobster rice, but not in individual portions, I don't think. For an individual rice dish, I go to Can Bonet on Menéndez y Pelayo in the Retiro district.
https://www.instagram.com/ohdelicebistrot/?hl=en
Today was THE day for the line in front of Alex Cordobés to be the luck one to purchase one of his 50 only Roscón de Reyes cheesecakes and the line snaked around 2 corners!! I read that a few hearty souls took their place in line in the pre dawn hours!
Here's the insane line!
Yes ekscruncy you do have to be careful about canned asparagus, peppers and the like, as many come from Peru (such as those in Mercadona and Carrefour, our local everyday markets). Our Alcampo does offer the real deals from Rioja and Navarra.
I'm going to get myself to Mantequerías Andrés really soon!
Ekscrunchy,
In my former 'hood, I love Mantequerías Bravo on Ayala, just down from the Mercado de la Paz. It's also a vintage shop and absolutely gorgeous. Here I find products and wines that I can't easily find elsewhere. I was there this morning. Prices are in keeping with this well-heeled district, so no bargains, but it makes wonderful window shopping, especially now at Christmas time when the extravagant Christmas gift baskets are displayed. A classic sine 1932....one of those timeless shops that you hope never closes to become a Zara boutique!
https://mantequeriasbravo.com
Yes, I know Coalla Gourmet, a beautiful two story shop that came to Madrid from Oviedo, but it's a long haul to get there by taxi, bus or metro up to the Northern Business district. We go shopping there for Asturian products (they even sell Asturian wines) and then have lunch at Taberna Cachivache nearby. Although Coalla does serve meals. It's one of my favorite food shopping haunts.
And I passed by Doña Tomasa this morning, the one on Velázquez, which is another lovely shop selling conservas from Cantabria.
We had a medio pincho de tortilla this morning at Casa Dani and the market was at fever pitch. The Almadraba Experience just hasn't. caught on. No one there.
We moved on to the Oh, Dèlice Bistrot at the back of the market for a Bloody Mary and celery oyster and a glass of champagne, because well,....it's Christmas time. If you've seen the "Somebody Please Feed Phil" Madrid episode, you'll remember that this is where Phil took Casa Dani owner and wife to introduce the wife to oysters, as she had never eaten one.
The catalán chef makes two excellent rice dishes, a black rice and a lobster rice, but not in individual portions, I don't think. For an individual rice dish, I go to Can Bonet on Menéndez y Pelayo in the Retiro district.
https://www.instagram.com/ohdelicebistrot/?hl=en
Today was THE day for the line in front of Alex Cordobés to be the luck one to purchase one of his 50 only Roscón de Reyes cheesecakes and the line snaked around 2 corners!! I read that a few hearty souls took their place in line in the pre dawn hours!
Here's the insane line!
Yes ekscruncy you do have to be careful about canned asparagus, peppers and the like, as many come from Peru (such as those in Mercadona and Carrefour, our local everyday markets). Our Alcampo does offer the real deals from Rioja and Navarra.
Last edited by Maribel; Dec 22nd, 2023 at 08:17 AM.
Dec 23rd, 2023, 01:49 AM
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Dec 23rd, 2023, 08:01 AM
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Revulgo: I've never tasted Spanish caviar but if you recommend, I will make a note of sampling!!
Maribel, I LOVED Mantequilla Bravo! It's just the perfect kind of shopping experience!! What a shop!
I'm sorry about the closing of the Portuguese shop in the market; the owner and her son were so lovely and the products were super! Just yesterday I threw out the empty bottle of the cherry liqueur that I had bought there; the label was so pretty II wanted to keep it. But I do have my collection of those beautiful cans of pimenton, and my paper sardine labels! I thought I might mount and frame the latter but never got around to it, as usual!
And here I thought that Asturias was the only region in Spain that did not produce wine! I'm sure I read that someplace when we took our Asturias ramble. Coalla Gourmet sounds interesting, if more focused on one region, more interesting than Corte Ingles' gourmet section, just because I've been there, in various cities, so many times.
Are the Corte Ingles "gourmet" section prices considered to be higher than at the smaller shops like M. Bravo? Just curious.
I am getting very excited about this trip and guess what? There is now a possibility that my partner and I can take a trip to Spain in May or early June! We were supposed to visit my cousin and his family in SE Asia but it turns out that their posting ends around the time we would have visited. So we probably have 2 weeks when we can take another trip!!!! I have an idea, in Spain, that might surprise you and will begin a new thread on that soon!
Maribel, I LOVED Mantequilla Bravo! It's just the perfect kind of shopping experience!! What a shop!
I'm sorry about the closing of the Portuguese shop in the market; the owner and her son were so lovely and the products were super! Just yesterday I threw out the empty bottle of the cherry liqueur that I had bought there; the label was so pretty II wanted to keep it. But I do have my collection of those beautiful cans of pimenton, and my paper sardine labels! I thought I might mount and frame the latter but never got around to it, as usual!
And here I thought that Asturias was the only region in Spain that did not produce wine! I'm sure I read that someplace when we took our Asturias ramble. Coalla Gourmet sounds interesting, if more focused on one region, more interesting than Corte Ingles' gourmet section, just because I've been there, in various cities, so many times.
Are the Corte Ingles "gourmet" section prices considered to be higher than at the smaller shops like M. Bravo? Just curious.
I am getting very excited about this trip and guess what? There is now a possibility that my partner and I can take a trip to Spain in May or early June! We were supposed to visit my cousin and his family in SE Asia but it turns out that their posting ends around the time we would have visited. So we probably have 2 weeks when we can take another trip!!!! I have an idea, in Spain, that might surprise you and will begin a new thread on that soon!
Dec 23rd, 2023, 08:43 AM
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The Mantequerías Bravo prices are probably more or less the same as the ECI Gourmet Experience, but I haven't done a price comparison. I just love browsing at both.
The Río Frío caviar I've seen at ECI, M.B. and the new Petra Mora on Barquillo 40 in Chueca/Justicia, another very good shop in which to browse. And don't forget the black truffles. Aragón is a truffle producing region.
https://petramora.com
About Spain wine production, there's really no region where wine now is not produced. In Asturias they're producing it around Cangas del Narcea, the DOP Cangas, and also a small production of white near Cangas de Onís, Palacio de Nevares, using the albarín grape . And also in Cantabria in the Liébana Valley and a bit on the coast. And of course, in Canarias, and the volcanic wine in Lanzarote, El Grifo being the oldest producer there. We're thinking about a trip to Lanzarote next fall, having been inspired by the José Andrés and Family Go to Spain Lanzarote episode.
The Río Frío caviar I've seen at ECI, M.B. and the new Petra Mora on Barquillo 40 in Chueca/Justicia, another very good shop in which to browse. And don't forget the black truffles. Aragón is a truffle producing region.
https://petramora.com
About Spain wine production, there's really no region where wine now is not produced. In Asturias they're producing it around Cangas del Narcea, the DOP Cangas, and also a small production of white near Cangas de Onís, Palacio de Nevares, using the albarín grape . And also in Cantabria in the Liébana Valley and a bit on the coast. And of course, in Canarias, and the volcanic wine in Lanzarote, El Grifo being the oldest producer there. We're thinking about a trip to Lanzarote next fall, having been inspired by the José Andrés and Family Go to Spain Lanzarote episode.
Dec 23rd, 2023, 11:50 AM
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Wasn't there “ Harina” caffe across from Retiro ? If I remember, it was a nice spot for a snack and take out.
Dec 23rd, 2023, 02:43 PM
#28
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Thank you Danon! I know you are yet another lover of Madrid!
Maribel, you are quite incredible, you know. You've already guessed the surprise topic of my soon-to-be posted new thread for late spring! It is a region. I never gave any thought to, but I saw the episode yesterday so guess what I am thinking about!?!! Those lapas (limpets?) drew me in..do you even see them in Madrid? Not just those, of course but the scenery, and the swimming.......
Maribel, you are quite incredible, you know. You've already guessed the surprise topic of my soon-to-be posted new thread for late spring! It is a region. I never gave any thought to, but I saw the episode yesterday so guess what I am thinking about!?!! Those lapas (limpets?) drew me in..do you even see them in Madrid? Not just those, of course but the scenery, and the swimming.......
Dec 23rd, 2023, 04:01 PM
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Thank you Danon! I know you are yet another lover of Madrid!
Maribel, you are quite incredible, you know. You've already guessed the surprise topic of my soon-to-be posted new thread for late spring! It is a region. I never gave any thought to, but I saw the episode yesterday so guess what I am thinking about!?!! Those lapas (limpets?) drew me in..do you even see them in Madrid? Not just those, of course but the scenery, and the swimming.......
Maribel, you are quite incredible, you know. You've already guessed the surprise topic of my soon-to-be posted new thread for late spring! It is a region. I never gave any thought to, but I saw the episode yesterday so guess what I am thinking about!?!! Those lapas (limpets?) drew me in..do you even see them in Madrid? Not just those, of course but the scenery, and the swimming.......
Unfortunately, “Harina” is not there any longer. Now it is a fancy restaurant.
The location across from Retiro was probably too pricey for a caffe.
BTW, your list of restaurants to visit this time looks fabulous !
Last edited by danon; Dec 23rd, 2023 at 04:12 PM.
Dec 23rd, 2023, 11:45 PM
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The very deep pocketed Paraguas group took over that corner of the Puerta de Alcalá with 2 glam restaurants so Harina moved down the street on Alfonso XII then when the Loja Portuguesa movet out of La Paz market Harina opened another bakery in its place.
My new pastry favorite is Balbisiana, with shops on Génova and Velásquez.
My new pastry favorite is Balbisiana, with shops on Génova and Velásquez.
Dec 24th, 2023, 08:03 AM
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Maribel, quick question about Sacha: Do you have any idea at what time of day they release tables online? I think wee are 6 hours behind you in March, so want to be ready to pounce, obsessive that I am!
Here in NYC it can be either at midnight, or 9am or 10am, usually. I'm going to be determined to snag a table so want to be ready at the date and time that they open their tables for about 2 weeks out.
I did a few test bookings for Haramboure and the one allows bookings about a month ahead and I tried some test booking for a month from now which seem to be available, and for one person.
Here in NYC it can be either at midnight, or 9am or 10am, usually. I'm going to be determined to snag a table so want to be ready at the date and time that they open their tables for about 2 weeks out.
I did a few test bookings for Haramboure and the one allows bookings about a month ahead and I tried some test booking for a month from now which seem to be available, and for one person.
Dec 24th, 2023, 08:11 AM
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Feliz Navidad to all 🎄
Dec 24th, 2023, 08:22 AM
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Hi danon,
I went to Balbisiana this afternoon to pick up my cake for our family’ Christmas Eve dinner right when they were closing. It’s really hard to snag a table there so I have to get my treats to go.
Ekscrunchy,
I can’t answer your Sacha question and I see the reservation system today doesn’t go beyond Jan 8.
Perhaps your concierge can call…
For truly fabulous views of the Madrid skyline we went to the 14th floor of the Club Financiero Génova that has now opened to the public. Entrance is on Marqués de la Ensenada 14 in the Centro Colón. It’s also still a private club but one can have drinks there on the azotea or dine inside. The cuisine is by La Ancha group and is quite good. Our friend is the maitre d’. The sunset views are a WOW.
I went to Balbisiana this afternoon to pick up my cake for our family’ Christmas Eve dinner right when they were closing. It’s really hard to snag a table there so I have to get my treats to go.
Ekscrunchy,
I can’t answer your Sacha question and I see the reservation system today doesn’t go beyond Jan 8.
Perhaps your concierge can call…
For truly fabulous views of the Madrid skyline we went to the 14th floor of the Club Financiero Génova that has now opened to the public. Entrance is on Marqués de la Ensenada 14 in the Centro Colón. It’s also still a private club but one can have drinks there on the azotea or dine inside. The cuisine is by La Ancha group and is quite good. Our friend is the maitre d’. The sunset views are a WOW.
Jan 9th, 2024, 07:44 AM
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Hi danon,
I went to Balbisiana this afternoon to pick up my cake for our family’ Christmas Eve dinner right when they were closing. It’s really hard to snag a table there so I have to get my treats to go.
Ekscrunchy,
I can’t answer your Sacha question and I see the reservation system today doesn’t go beyond Jan 8.
Perhaps your concierge can call…
For truly fabulous views of the Madrid skyline we went to the 14th floor of the Club Financiero Génova that has now opened to the public. Entrance is on Marqués de la Ensenada 14 in the Centro Colón. It’s also still a private club but one can have drinks there on the azotea or dine inside. The cuisine is by La Ancha group and is quite good. Our friend is the maitre d’. The sunset views are a WOW.
I went to Balbisiana this afternoon to pick up my cake for our family’ Christmas Eve dinner right when they were closing. It’s really hard to snag a table there so I have to get my treats to go.
Ekscrunchy,
I can’t answer your Sacha question and I see the reservation system today doesn’t go beyond Jan 8.
Perhaps your concierge can call…
For truly fabulous views of the Madrid skyline we went to the 14th floor of the Club Financiero Génova that has now opened to the public. Entrance is on Marqués de la Ensenada 14 in the Centro Colón. It’s also still a private club but one can have drinks there on the azotea or dine inside. The cuisine is by La Ancha group and is quite good. Our friend is the maitre d’. The sunset views are a WOW.
Just to add: Sacha's tables open up at midnight local time; looks like they open up 2 weeks and 2 days ahead of desired date. So I will be on this while In Vejer.
Feb 5th, 2024, 09:50 AM
#37
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After reading that stellar report by MDM, I'm overwhelmed with choice!!
I see that Revulgo recommended COQUETTO BAR up above on this thread. I noticed the name again in the Maribona writings and it sounds wonderful, with so many dishes that caught my eye. The menu is right up my alley, with that lacquered cochinillo, clams, and so many of my long-time favorites.
So yet again, I have too many delectable possibilities and not quite enough time. Would it be a huge mistake to leave out HARAMBOURE? OR better yet, I could schedule a lunch at HARAMBOURE to devour the onion dish and one or two other small things, and then have dinner at COQUETTO BAR (?). Maribel I'd love to hear your thoughts on this dilemma!!
(Surely have to go easy on the hotel breakfast that day, and have that breakfast EARLY and not at my usual 11am slot!)
I see that Revulgo recommended COQUETTO BAR up above on this thread. I noticed the name again in the Maribona writings and it sounds wonderful, with so many dishes that caught my eye. The menu is right up my alley, with that lacquered cochinillo, clams, and so many of my long-time favorites.
So yet again, I have too many delectable possibilities and not quite enough time. Would it be a huge mistake to leave out HARAMBOURE? OR better yet, I could schedule a lunch at HARAMBOURE to devour the onion dish and one or two other small things, and then have dinner at COQUETTO BAR (?). Maribel I'd love to hear your thoughts on this dilemma!!
(Surely have to go easy on the hotel breakfast that day, and have that breakfast EARLY and not at my usual 11am slot!)
Feb 5th, 2024, 10:36 AM
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Eks,
Just know that Coquetto Bar by the Sandoval brothers will be a very casual choice close to your hotel but after all, your hotel dining is catered by the Sandoval brothers, so really no need to try Coquetto unless you have an intense hankering for their cochinillo.
Their Coque is 2 Michelin starred and their piece de resistance, but very long tasting menu only. I've only been for breakfast at Coquetto, since it's just a block from where we stay. I honestly would look at other options, like LAKASA. Trust me on this, you're going to enjoy LAKASA more.
Just know that Coquetto Bar by the Sandoval brothers will be a very casual choice close to your hotel but after all, your hotel dining is catered by the Sandoval brothers, so really no need to try Coquetto unless you have an intense hankering for their cochinillo.
Their Coque is 2 Michelin starred and their piece de resistance, but very long tasting menu only. I've only been for breakfast at Coquetto, since it's just a block from where we stay. I honestly would look at other options, like LAKASA. Trust me on this, you're going to enjoy LAKASA more.
Last edited by Maribel; Feb 5th, 2024 at 10:49 AM.
Feb 6th, 2024, 09:46 AM
#39
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You know my trust in you in total!!!!
No Coquette Bar!!!
The Sandoval restaurant in the hotel occupies a beautiful space, but the atmosphere is a bit formal for me.......so Haramboure, (or Lakasa)??
I'm getting very excited about the trip--next month!!
No Coquette Bar!!!
The Sandoval restaurant in the hotel occupies a beautiful space, but the atmosphere is a bit formal for me.......so Haramboure, (or Lakasa)??
I'm getting very excited about the trip--next month!!
Feb 6th, 2024, 10:11 AM
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Ok, eks,
Haramboure or Lakasa.
If I don't get to Haramboure soon, before your arrival to give it my final ok. then Lakasa. I'm absolutely sure you'll enjoy Lakasa.
It's very highly rated on the Macarfi Guide, the chef is always there, his wife is French, so there's a heavenly French cheese plate from Bernard Antony, it's a lovely room but an informal atmosphere. Michelin and Repsol recommended (with 2 Repsol suns), 2 EMEs from the Metrópoli guide and a good RCP (relación calidad-precio). Disfrute asegurado!
We like it alot.
Haramboure or Lakasa.
If I don't get to Haramboure soon, before your arrival to give it my final ok. then Lakasa. I'm absolutely sure you'll enjoy Lakasa.
It's very highly rated on the Macarfi Guide, the chef is always there, his wife is French, so there's a heavenly French cheese plate from Bernard Antony, it's a lovely room but an informal atmosphere. Michelin and Repsol recommended (with 2 Repsol suns), 2 EMEs from the Metrópoli guide and a good RCP (relación calidad-precio). Disfrute asegurado!
We like it alot.
Last edited by Maribel; Feb 6th, 2024 at 10:18 AM.
