THE SPANISH CAPITAL: MADRID. So here’s my discovery about the food scene in Madrid: It is surprisingly International. After studying abroad in Buenos Aires, where the only food I could find was meat, grilled meat, and oh…more meat, it was extremely refreshing to have an international variety to choose from in Madrid. And, since I knew all I was going to be eating was authentic Spanish food once in my lil’ pueblo, I got in as much international variety as my tummy would allow. Here goes.
Greek and Shop.A Gyro for 5 Euros. That’s what I’m talking about.This adorable, local spot is a MUST GO. And don’t feel like your cheating yourself out of the true Spanish food experience, because it combines the Spanish food flare with traditional Mediterranean fare. Jointly owned by a Greek, an Amernian, an Italian and a Spanish guy, these four have combined their cultures together to make the perfect budget, time, and tastebud friend foodphoria.
Choose from a variety of authentic Spanish jamón sandwiches, on steroids of course.Or do what I did, and go the classic Gyro for 5 Euro rootComplete with a wide array of sauces to choose from. And yes, they do have tzatziki AND hot sauceEnjoy a cappuccino with some of the artsy localsOr have Sergio make you some freshly squeezed orange juice, with his own two handsOrange ya glad you went to Greek and Shop?Don’t forget to leave with some orzo and authentic Mediterranean tomato sauce. Trust me, you won’t find this in the local supermercado.And of course, don’t forget about dessert #BakLUVa
El Mercado de San Miguel:While you are in Madrid, this is a MUST GO. You will find this in every tour book around, but they won’t tell you how to do San Miguel the right way. Here’s my first piece of advice: DON’T EAT LUNCH BEFORE. Seriously. I made that mistake the first time, and boy did I regret it. So, I went back on an empty stomach. Trial and error, ya know? Anyway, this place gets PACKED with locals and tourists alike. So, if you want to find a spot to chow down, it’s best to go against the Spanish eating clock. This means avoid siesta time, around 2 pm- 5 pm. I’d go in the earlier half of the day, around noon. This way, all the food is brand spankin’ new, the bacalao and mariscos are fresh off the boat, and there is even room for you to eat. And trust me, your going to need the room…
Here you’ll find every ethnicity from every country, joining together #fortheloveoffood. It’s a beautiful thing, really.Yes, these are cones of meat. Different forms of cured chorizo, to be exact. Just like popcorn, right?What more in life do you need.Spears of black olives with smoked mozzarella and and garlic infused sun dried tomato…Spears of olives? Or spears of love. #Oliveyou #ilOveyouRaw oysters. Lot’s of ’em.Calamares fritos, por favor.Or if your not into the fried thing, try grilled calamare. Spiced with paprika and a pinch of cayenne.And don’t forget to thank the great guys who make it all happen.THIS IS MY FAVORITE PART. The Mozzarella station. Yes, it’s as great as it sounds. Balls of mozzarella on top of fresh tomato, topped with caramelized onions, arugula and a balsamic glaze. All on top of a toasted baguette.Whipped mozzarella. It exists. With blueberry compote and crushed almonds. Of course, on top of a crusty baguette.And SANGRIA. Freshly made with a special recipe, using a unique base of “vino de oporto,” or port wine.Ceviche on a baguette. Yup. Cod and salmon marinated in lime juice, garnished with some parsley and crunchy potato strips, and finished off with some fresh avocado aioli.And of course, the classic jámon iberico sandwich.Can’t handle all that sugar from the sangria? Try a classic glass of vino. Any kind you want, they got.TIME FOR DESSERT. Try some milhojas de merengue.Or THESE. Diplomático chocolate, for only 1.20 euros.This is the most popular dessert sold among the locals, called crema catalana. Similar to créme brulee, except with an added zest of orange peel and cinnamon.If all the food is making you tired, drink a gourmet cappuccino. Layered with cinnamon, cream, chocolate and dulce de leche…And by the small chance that your not full enough, take some classic Euro froyo for the road. Topped with fresh raspberry compote and oozing dulce de leche, I recommend asking for another cup. But HURRY…you want to get to it before the hot Madrid sun does.
Don’t be too jealous. Check you my recommendations page, and you can go to!
Which of these foods would you just DIE for? Tell us yo’ thoughts…
