Our trip to Spain was filled with art and architecture, good friends, food and wine. Lots of food and wine. Did we mention the food and wine?
We began our journey in Madrid, so it’s fitting that our first post-Spain blog post focuses on this elegant city.
In our humble opinion, here’s what we think encompasses a perfect day in Madrid:
Hospes Madrid - First and foremost, stay at the Hospes Madrid, a contemporary boutique hotel located in the Salamanca neighborhood. It is ideally situated across the street from the Plaza de la Independencia archway and main entrance to the Parque del Retiro (more on the park below), and within easy strolling distance of the city’s famous museums.
Cafe and Churros – A perfect beginning to the day! Thanks(!) to jet lag and a 9-hour time difference, we were among the first to arrive at this local joint around the corner from our hotel (and definitely the only touristas).
Parque del Retiro – It is one of the city’s loveliest parks, with a central boating lake, acres of manicured gardens, and reputedly, the world’s only public statue of Lucifer. Our 50-minute run barely made in a dent in the churro calories consumed, but it was an excellent way to see the entire park, including its resident peacocks.
Madrid’s Museums – A 20-minute walk from the hotel, via the Paseo del Prado, are the Museo del Prado and the Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid’s modern art museum. The Reina Sofia houses Picasso’s Guernica, referred to by some as the greatest artwork of the 20th Century.
Tapas for Lunch – Tapas at the stylish Estado Puro, located in the NH World Hotel, include its signature 21st Century Spanish tortilla. Deconstructed and served in a glass, it’s comprised of layers of caramelized onion, custard, and whipped potatoes. Other favorites were asparagus tempura with romesco sauce; Iberian ham, melted mozarella, and mushrooms on crusty bread; and a creative interpretation of potatas bravas. All paired perfectly with a refreshing Navarra rosado.
Siesta! – What an awesome tradition!
Mercado de San Miguel + Dinner at Botin Restaurant – Recently renovated, the glass and steel Mercado de San Miguel is home to vendors offering everything from fresh produce, fish, and pasta to meats, cheeses, breads, and these olives stuffed with sardines.
At night, the oyster and Champagne purveyor and wine bar attract a genial crowd of locals and visitors alike. A visit here is a feast for all senses.
Located just steps from the Mercado, Botin Restaurant is a historic monument and former Hemingway haunt (and the world’s oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of Records). While it wasn’t our first choice for dinner (El Mollete was closed for the summer holiday) as it’s a bit touristy, it was a good experience nonetheless. The menu features traditional cuisine, excellently prepared (roast suckling pig and roast baby lamb are house specialties).
El Roda Riserva por favor!
Plus, the restaurant opens at 8 p.m., ideal for us Californians who need to ease into the Spanish custom of sitting down to dinner at 10!
The perfect end to a perfect day: a post-dinner amble through the lively La Latina neighborhood.
Stay tuned for more of Spain: food and wine highlights from Barcelona, Rioja and San Sebastian, including our review of the three-star restaurant, Arzak.