CLASSIC RESTAURANTS AND THE PERIL OF THE PANDEMIC: (1) Casa Salvador »
As Salvador and his nephew Pepe were both warm and outgoing and served great food, Casa Salvador, founded in 1941, became a meeting place for people from all walks of life: leading politicians, influential bankers, journalists, writers, artists, entertainers and bullfighters. The list of regular diners and celebrities is endless. And Ángeles, third-generation Blázquez, says: "I love what I do and I am determined to keep the doors to Casa Salvador open during these difficult times"
THE LAVENDER IS SPANISH TOO! »
If you go by fame alone, you’re bound to think there were only two varieties of lavender worth naming in Europe: the English lavender and the French. But giving them a run for their money is the Spanish variety. And the small town of Brihuega is the place to go -- and enjoy the spectacular display of Nature's very profitable work of art.
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “The Renaissance Quartet — Middle Ages Music Re-Created”, 11 December 1970 »
Could you believe it? "The organ grinder and light operas called zarzuelas are considered quaint among Madrid’s young sophisticates." And that's supposed to be a sign that "Madrid is rapidly becoming as culturally cosmopolitan as other great European cities" and that the nation's capital is "certainly musically coming of age." That, at least, is what Guidepost had observed on 11 December 1970.
ANOTHER WAY FILM FESTIVAL: HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A MOVIE PRODUCER, DIRECTOR OR SCRIPTWRITER, OR ALL OF THE ABOVE! »
Maybe you’ve got great stuff in your drawer. If it needs polishing up, do it quick and submit it to AWFF. Who knows? Someone out there is a Pedro Almodovar in the making. It could be you!
MADRID LAUNCHES A NEW INTERNATIONAL TOURISM CAMPAIGN »
In its latest endeavour to inspire future visitors to the city, the Madrid City Council’s Tourism Department has launched a new international tourism campaign to promote the image of the capital. The target is the city’s main strategic markets and the aim is to secure Madrid’s position as a world-leading urban destination.
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “Madrid’s Monuments, San Francisco el Grande,” 11 September 1970 »
"On the spot where the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande stands today, St Francis of Assisi erected a small hut after he arrived in Madrid in 1217. This humble dwelling became a small monastery and refuge for the poor. In the fourteenth century, it was replaced by a larger one which was remodeled and enlarged in 1617. During the 17th century, it was one of Madrid’s most popular churches. It contained many fabulous tombs, including that of the wife of King Henry IV. Finally, in 1760, the older buildings were razed, in order to make way for a more magnificent structure. The one that stands today."
OBITUARY: Bonnie Rae Brown »
Fort Worth, Texas - Bonnie Rae Brown (née Kositzky), 78, a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's disease on Jan. 31, 2021. Bonnie and husband Harold had strong ties with Spain.
SAN ISIDRO GETS A ROUSING WELCOME-BACK (IN PANDEMIC FORMAT) »
The San Isidro as celebrated in 2021 may not be at full throttle but it is close enough. Next year, it will be all systems go. Just keep your fingers crossed!
MADRID SNAP ELECTION JUST AROUND THE CORNER (4 May 2021) »
All polls point to a coalition of parties ruling the region! Guess which!!
PAINTER MANUEL DE LA MATA PAYS TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE BEST AND “SMALLEST” RESTAURANTS IN MADRID »
Manuel de la Mata, a world-famous painter who was caught in Madrid when the pandemic broke out and has been here ever since, keeps quite busy. He decided to pay special tribute to the three young men who own El Brote, one of the smallest and indeed one of the best restaurants in Madrid. Following the artist's special five-layer technique, the now completed painting hangs in a place of honor in the restaurant, and the owners are delighted that their culinary-entrepreneurial savvy has inspired the amazing work of art.
