Welcome to the second addition of Madrid Friday Finds! Last week, I brought you to La Latina, where we ate some BANGIN’ tortilla. This week, we’re goin’ to the trendy, “hipster” ‘hood of Malasaña, where we’re gettin’ GOURMET! Well, kind of. As “gourmet” as a broke, struggling, beer-loving blogger can get…
It all started with four Spanish best friends. Each had different professions, none of which had to do with food or beer. But these four best friends felt a void in their life. While they were successful engineers, businessmen, etc., their true passions in lied in three things. So, they took a shot in the dark and communally decided to leave their jobs. They hunted down the best croqueta & tortilla chef in the city, and low and behold: a star was born…
Pez Tortilla. THE 3 WORDS.
1.) Gourmet Croquetas
2.) Gourmet-er Tortilla
(Yes, I’m talking about tortilla again. I just couldn’t resist! This will be the last time for a few weeks, I promise.)
3.) Craft Beer.
Does one need more in their Spanish life? I think NOT! Which is why this place is simply perfect. Their menu consists of these Spanish staples only, and what they do, they do damn good. Forget your run-of-the-mill jamón croquetas (which don’t get me wrong…fried balls of bechamel and jamón can never be bad…) but these bad boys raise the notch by about 10 culinary levels. Croquetas stuffed with caramelized onions and raisins? Yes please. Or with curried chicken? I’ll take that too. And tortilla with brie cheese and sautéed jamón? Or parmesan and sun dried tomatoes? YeaaaAAaaa….
Add some craft beer to that, and I’m in freakin’ heaven. They’ve EVEN got Blue Moon, my favorite Belgian White orange-infused beer, that is nearly impossible to find here in Spain! TRIPLE SCORE.
It’s bustling with locals, it’s trendy, it’s cool, it’s cheap, and damn deeelish. Need more of a reason to go? Didn’t think so 😉
Find It: Calle de Pez, 36, Malasaña
Still hungry for more croquetas?
For a more traditional vibe, check out Casa Julio, Calle de la Madera, 37 : This place is super famous; a “classic” if you will. WARNING: Wear your boxing gloves, ’cause you’ve gotta push your way to the front!
I can’t believe I didn’t know of this place. I am going to go and try it this very weekend!
PS: every time you write croquetta with a double “t”, a puppy dies and goes to heaven 😉
Hi Octavius, tell me what you think when you try it!
PPS- can’t believe I missed that! I was literally combining the English word and Spanish word into one haha. Ya esta corregido 😉
A beautiful girl eating delicious food!