Thursday, December 23, 2010

Tripnotes: Madrid, Spain

As promised, I bring you part 1 of my 2-part Thanksgiving Spanish adventure: MADRID!

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After taking the red eye from NYC, we landed with empty bellies and so it was off to some of Madrid’s can’t-miss snack spots ( after all…this is Thanksgiving, people!).

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La Mallorquina is renowned for traditional Spanish pastries and strongggg coffee. It’s no-nonsense with counter service only on the first floor. For a more relaxed experience, head upstairs for table service where you can linger.

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Museo Del Jamon is a literally just that – a museum of ham. Try their 1 euro value menu, where you can score a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a caña ( a small glass of beer) and pan tumaca - a traditional, open-faced sandwich of Serrano ham, olive oil and tomato seeds on toasted baguette.

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After a few quick snacks, we strolled around until it was “officially” time for lunch. Lunches are eaten late in Madrid (as is dinner – usually around 10pm).

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I booked us a table at a traditional Spanish “Taberna” with a “menu del dia” – essentially a set menu, usually 3 courses, including wine and coffee.

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After a big and tasty lunch, we walked it off and headed to the Palacio Real. The Palacio was gorgeous and a perfect place to snap pics since it was a clear, cool day.

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Madrid is full of winding, cobbled and narrow streets. For something a little different, I recommend checking out the area of Chueca – a trendy, gay neighborhood with tons of quirky shops and cafes.

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Later, we hit some museums and then it was off to Mercado San Miguel – a newly renovated indoor market with tons of different vendors.

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Locals love it for mid-day snacking and drinks.

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These were truly tasty tapas.

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Late night, we hit a small neighborhood bar for tasty mojitos with fresh mint and bar snacks.

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After a few gratis shots from the bartender, we stumbled back to our hotel for some much needed sleep.

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Next stop, Barcelona!!

12 comments:

Claudia Cifuentes said...

great photos! that food looks delectable. happy new year! xo

dulci said...

Thanks Claudia - you too!! :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful pics! The food looks great!

Allie said...

Wonderful! I've never been to Spain, but now I really want to go!

Evie said...

I just feasted on your photos!!!

dulci said...

Evie - lucky for your they're 100% fat free! haha!

The Franglaise said...

Precioso!! The food looks amazing. Gosh, I miss Spain. It used to be my yearly destination... until the bubba arrived. I have to plan a trip there this year and make up for lost time. Bonne année! x

dulci said...

@La Franglaise - you have to go back!! Spain such a wonderful place - bring your bubba and share the love :)

Jenni Austria Germany said...

ah, those pastries are making me hungry....ps i love your scarf!

dulci said...

Thank you Jenni! It's from The Gap :)

Fashion Mom said...

oo you have such a nice blog! like to watch your pictures , thanks for your comment on my blog.

I follow you now ! x

www.thefashionmom.com

Becca said...

No joke - the Museo is right around the corner from my fav tapas bar - Fatigas del Querer.

Becca