REDEFINING EATING OUT IN THE SPANISH CAPITAL
Bonhomie at the Baneres
The varied types of places and addresses act as a showcase in addition to
being the guardians of the food delights of Madrid, both
regional Spanish and foreign cuisines. They
beckon to culinary adventurers.
And off I went.
by Margaux Cintrano
Photos: ©Listed Establishments
My culinary adventures
Here’s my first stop: MASTERS Y MARGARITAS, a casual Pizzeria, Café & Bar specialising in cocktails and craft beers. The delight of the day was a cross between a Sicilian Pizza and a Coca, which is a Mallorquin pizza, rectangular in shape, serves between two to four people, and it had been prepared with burrata and anchovies. This is a casual, cool, fun eating and simple neighborhood sidewalk terraced bar.
RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY: Mastersandmargaritas@gmail.com
ADDRESS: Paseo de San Francisco # 41, Islas Filipinas.
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To move on: THE JAMES JOYCE PUB located on Calle Alcalá # 59, a few metres from Retiro Park and Plaza de Independencia. The sidewalk terrace overlooks said plaza, the iconic Cibeles Fountain, and the Main Post Office.
Tradition, quality and authenticity are the buzzwords among foodies and all those who work in the culinary world. Wandering about the delicaessens, bakeries, gourmet boutiques, wine shops and essentially all the treasure chests for the taste buds, I stopped at the James Joyce Pub to have a light lunch.
Their weekday menú del día is €11 and is quite exceptional. Owner Matthew is an amazing bread baker. No surprise here; he also owns a bakery! So, come hungry.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: (91) 575 . 4901
Email: info@jamesjoycemadrid.com
ADDRESS: Calle de Alcalá # 59.
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Recently, uncountable chefs have revealed to me that “eating out is about originality, creating unique experiences, something unexpected without complexities, and reasonable on the purse strings.”
The managers of a wide variety of cuisines in numerous venues had also mentioned the keys are the surroundings, the ambiance and the service, focusing on the guests and providing a conceptual and one-of-a-kind experiences, even with a reasonably priced menu del dia, pre-fixed lunch ranging from €10 and upwards.
On the Michelin starred scene in the Capital, one shall find exclusive concepts designed to make the guests feel special at reasonable prices. Now is the best time to have lunch at a Michelin-starred venue, the Indian RESTAURANT BANERES. The owners of the London Michelin- starred restaurant of the same name opened their doors in Madrid just recently. The Indian cuisine showcases the best of India with evolutionary touches in an ever so light Iberian fusión. The textures and colors exquisitely come up with surprisingly extraordinary taste experiences. The gardened terrace provides an unforgettable dining experience.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: Reservas@benaresmadrid.com
ADDRESS: Calle Zurbano # 5
Telephone: (91) 319. 8716
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One evening, I stopped at TABERNA LOS GALLOS on Calle Puigcerdá # 6 – off the corner of Calle Jorge Juan in the Goya neighbourhood.
What I liked most about this lovely terrace and bar–bistro is the “half portions”. The gastronomic specialties include Canary Island’s Papas Saladas with a green and red “mojo picón” salsa, fresh shellfish, fresh Galician Octopus, and a fine array of all the famous tapas our city has to offer.
The large daily blackboard of wines and Champagnes by the glass are really popular amongst the locals. Definitely in a city of food, put this one on your list.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call land line only: (91) 431 . 0647
