Tapas Triumph: A Madrileño Evening with Louise
Louise and I were lucky enough to enjoy a late afternoon and evening tapas tour during our recent trip to the Spanish capital. We’re talking tapas, we’re talking bodegas, we’re talking an authentic culinary adventure that’ll have your taste buds doing the flamenco.
Now, I’m a big believer in ditching the guidebook and just getting lost in a city. But sometimes, a bit of planning goes a long way, especially when it comes to food. So, armed with a few local recommendations and a healthy appetite, Louise and I set off on a self-guided tapas tour that took us through some of Madrid’s most charming neighbourhoods.
Stop 1: Casa González (Calle León, 12)
First up, we popped into Casa González, a charming little deli-cum-bar that’s been a Madrid institution since 1931. This place is a feast for the senses, with shelves stacked high with cured meats, cheeses, and all sorts of gourmet goodies. We grabbed a couple of stools at the bar and ordered a plate of their famous jamón ibérico, sliced paper-thin and melting in your mouth. Paired with a glass of crisp Albariño wine, it was the perfect way to kick off our culinary adventure.
Why you’ll love it: Authentic atmosphere, top-notch jamón, and a great selection of wines.
Stop 2: Taberna El Tempranillo (Calle del Ave María, 9)
Next, we ventured into the heart of the La Latina district, where we stumbled upon Taberna El Tempranillo. This traditional tavern is a local favourite, known for its extensive wine list and delicious tapas. We opted for a plate of gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), sizzling in a garlicky, buttery sauce, and a portion of pimientos de Padrón, those addictive little green peppers that are either mild or fiery hot (it’s always a gamble!).
Why you’ll love it: Extensive wine list, classic tapas done right, and a lively atmosphere.
Stop 3: Juana La Loca (Plaza de Puerta de Moros, 4)
Just a stone’s throw from El Tempranillo, we found Juana La Loca, a trendy tapas bar with a modern twist. This place is known for its creative tapas, and we weren’t disappointed. We shared a plate of their signature “huevos rotos con foie” – crispy fried potatoes topped with creamy scrambled eggs and a generous slab of foie gras. Decadent, delicious, and definitely worth the splurge.
Why you’ll love it: Innovative tapas, stylish setting, and a great place to people-watch.
MADRID, MY FRIENDS, IS A CITY BEST SAVOURED ONE TAPA AT A TIME. GRAB YOUR LOVED ONE, DITCH THE MAP, AND EMBARK ON A CULINARY ADVENTURE THAT WILL LEAVE YOU CRAVING MORE.
Stop 4: La Musa Latina (Calle Costanilla de San Andrés, 12)
Feeling adventurous, we ventured off the beaten path to La Musa Latina, a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet corner of La Latina. This quirky bar has a bohemian vibe, with mismatched furniture, eclectic decor, and a laid-back atmosphere. We sampled their patatas bravas, which came with a unique spicy mayo, and a plate of their “croquetas de la abuela” – creamy croquettes made with a secret family recipe.
Why you’ll love it: Unique atmosphere, creative tapas, and a chance to escape the tourist crowds.
Stop 5: Bodega Ricla (Calle de los Cuchilleros, 6)
No tapas tour in Madrid is complete without a visit to a traditional bodega. We chose Bodega Ricla, a historic establishment in the heart of the city, known for its old-world charm and extensive selection of wines. We squeezed in amongst the locals at the bar and ordered a glass of vermut, the classic Madrileño aperitivo. The vermut was served on tap, straight from the barrel, and it was absolutely delicious.
Why you’ll love it: Authentic bodega experience, great vermut, and a chance to mingle with locals.
Stop 6: Sobrino de Botín (Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17)
For our final stop, we decided to splurge a bit and head to Sobrino de Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records). This historic establishment dates back to 1725 and has served everyone from Ernest Hemingway to the Spanish Royal Family. We indulged in their signature dish, cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), which was cooked to perfection in their wood-fired oven. It was a truly memorable way to end our tapas adventure.
Why you’ll love it: Historic atmosphere, delicious food, and a chance to experience a true Madrid institution.
Final Thoughts:
By the end of our tapas tour, we were stuffed, slightly tipsy, and absolutely buzzing from the experience. We’d sampled a variety of delicious food and drink, explored some hidden corners of the city, and soaked up the authentic Madrileño atmosphere.
If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, I highly recommend creating your own tapas adventure. Just remember to pace yourself, try something new, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Post a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
