Idling in Madrid Feb 2-9

[AJH]

My wife has a business conference in Madrid from Feb 2-9, and I'm tagging along as 'spouse'. She has to work every weekday, but she's asked if I can research restaurants for us to eat in once her work obligations end at 1900. So I have 2 questions:

1) With only a week in Madrid, and an aversion to the tourist sinks (I paid 20 Euros for a plate of iffy cheese in Plaza Major, a few years ago, and don't want to make that mistake again), what Madrid restaurants (suburbs count) would you suggest (and if you've already posted on notesfromspain.com, I'm combing that archive). I spent a lot of time in northern Spain (Pamplona to Santiago), and am hoping to find the Madrid places that reflect the north's openness.

2) Whilst my wife is working at the conference, I have the luxury of wandering Madrid. We will hit the big museums in the evening, when we are both free, and I'm happy to wander, aimlessly, the entire day, and see what I can see, but if anyone knows a nice district that has interesting places, as well as coffee shops that don't mind lingerers, I'd appreciate suggestions. When I lived in London, I'd pick a goal, every Saturday, and aim for it, just to see what I could see along the way. I'm hoping to do the same in Madrid -- I always learn a lot about a city by wandering through it.

Of course, I'm re-listening to the Notes from Spain podcast to glean all Ben and Marina's info -- so no need to duplicate that set of data.

Thanks for all your help,
AJH

[eldeano]

Hola AJH. Bienvenido al foro. :thumbs-up:

When I lived in London, I'd pick a goal, every Saturday, and aim for it

Fulham could do with a guy like you. ;)

[AJH]

I did say "aim" -- not "score" --
you still want me for Fulham?

[eldeano]

I did say "aim" -- not "score" --
you still want me for Fulham?

Yup. Just make sure you don't bother with the 'aim' or 'score' on March 1st.

[AJH]

Won't be there March 1

[Ben]

Hi AJH,

Welcome to the forum! Have you had a look at www.notesfrommadrid.com too? I really like La Latina (http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/category/by-barrio/la-latina/) and Malasaña (http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/category/by-barrio/malasana/) for wandering, they both have some classic cafes and bars.

[eldeano]

Won't be there March 1

That's when United play at Craven Cottage.

[AJH]

Thanks Ben -- I've been following your site and podcasts for a few years, now -- so I will definitely focus on La Latina (http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/category/by-barrio/la-latina/) and Malasaña (http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/category/by-barrio/malasana/) -- I'm using your site as a touchstone, so thanks so much for working so hard on it -- much more up-to-date than guidebooks.

And I'm counting on www.notesfrommadrid.com (http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/), too -- I've been digging through it, as part of my research.

[Dave_K]

I'd recommend this place: http://www.asadorcasajuan.com/ and one of the menus de gustacion. 50 euro seems a bit pricey but I think that includes the wine and after-dinner licquers ("pacharan" [sp?] and another one). I believe that asadors are a northern thing, though I could be wrong.

[AJH]

Thanks Dave_K and icecold. I will try to find your recommendations -- I appreciate your help, since Madrid is big enough that I'd never find the good places, randomly, in the week I have.

[PattyN]

There are some great recommendations in Notes from Madrid. I especially liked Momo and Ojala. I was by myself when I ate at both places, and had very gracious service.

[AJH]

Thanks! I appreciate all your suggestions -- I'll try to fit in as many as I can -- we're staying far from the center, near the airport, to be close to the conference, but I'm planning to get a week pass for the Metro (if they have it), and am expecting to spend a half-hour or hour getting to where I'll spend the day. Plus, I enjoy figuring out and riding public transport (it's amazing what you can see from a bus, if you just ride around, and it's a lot cheaper than a touristy tour)

[spacehopper]

Hola,

I just returned from Madrid last week and can thoroughly recommend the following restaurants:

Casa Mingo, 34 Paseo de la Florida, near Principe Pio station, which is an Asturian roast chicken and Cidre joint. You have to queue up patiently with the regulars but it is well worth the wait, as is the fabada and tarta de Santiago. Lunch was €25 for two of us.

Bodega La Ardosa, 13 Calle Colon in Chueka. It is a tapas bar that is always buzzing but the food is delicious, especially the smoked sardines and Bacalao Brandada.

There is also a Galician place at the bottom of one of the streets in Santa Ana, the chipirones were really fresh and crispy but unfortunately I do not know the name or the street it was on.

Have fun

Spacehopper