City of the Week: Madrid, Spain

By Jamie Smith
While Madrid is the center of an extremely diverse country, it would be something of a misnomer to call it a melting pot. Those who have live in the capital often don’t blend in to the city but rather retain their fierce regional pride and provincial perspective, even if their family has been Madrileños for generations. In a country where no one hesitates to tell you what they really think, striking up a conversation in Madrid is one of the best ways to encounter a variety of Spanish perspectives.

And there’s no better place to talk to the locals than in a bar or restaurant (in Madrid, it’s often impossible to tell the difference between the two!). Spaniards tend to spend significant portions of their evenings at the corner bar socializing with their neighbors and whoever else is hanging out. Eating, drinking, and arguing are nothing less than national pastimes. But don’t be intimidated by the passion with which they discuss politics or soccer—most people are very sociable and open to being approached.

While you’re enjoying a cerveza and some conversation, impress your new friends by ordering some of these traditional dishes from Madrid.

Cocido madrileño: A hearty stew of chickpeas and root vegetables, beef, marrow, bacon, blood sausage, and chorizo.

Sope de ajo: A simple soup of garlic, bread, oil, and paprika. It may not sound like much, but in the hands of the right cook, it’s divine.

Manchego: A semi-soft sheep’s milk cheese with a distinctive, salty taste. Usually served with bread and cured meats.

Callos: Those with a weak stomach might be hesitant to try this dish, the main ingredient of which is stomach, or tripe. Give it a chance, however, as the tripe is simmered in a delicious tomato-based sauce with chorizo and ham.

To read more of Jamie's adventures, check out her blog, Shame on Seamus. Be sure to join us on Wednesday as Jamie takes us on a tour of Madrid's historic center.

Eat in Seville

If you’ve got one evening to splurge in Seville, we recommend dining where the diplomats, celebrities and socialites do, in the restaurant at Hotel Taberna del Alabardero. Located on Calle Zaragoza 20, it’s a short walk from the Alcazar Palace, Seville Cathedral and it's housed in an elegantly restored mansion, formerly residence of the famous 19th-century poet, J. Antonio Cavestany.

While the restaurant serves traditional, regional and national Spanish food, it’s also a culinary college run by Chef Juan Marcos, so be prepared to taste an innovative menu, with variations on Spain’s classic bull cheek meat, tapas and olive oils. I enjoyed my dinner with Rioja wine; however, the restaurant has a wine list representing every Spanish region.

But if you’re looking for something more “budget friendly,” GatG recommends tapas bar-hopping. Tapas are small dishes that showcase the array of Spanish cuisine. Haven’t you ever sat at a restaurant for dinner in the U.S. and wished you could order a little bit of everything? Well, in Spain you can! Depending on your preference, tapas dishes can include prawns, tuna, squid, octopus, pork, snail, clams, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, potatoes, cheese, eggs, and much, much more!

While dinner is served late in Spain (anywhere from 8-10PM) you may find it easier to head to a tapas bar in the evening, like the locals. The benefits of tapas bar-hopping are enjoying a wider variety of food and smaller portions, while strolling through the romantic city and meeting with friends. Occasionally, tapas are served complimentary at bars, when ordering sherry, sangria, or other cocktails, but, expect to pay for them as well.

See you Friday for shopping tips in Seville!