Category Archives: Food

The Spanish Siesta: Fact, Fiction – or Envy?

Go ahead. Admit it. You wish you could take a long, refreshing nap in the middle of your workday, right? Sure you would. Who wouldn’t? The fact is, most Spaniards would LOVE to have a long nap after lunch, too. … Continue reading

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No More Self-Serve Olive Oil Dispensers in Spain

In many ways Spain is still a very quaint country, retains many old-world charms, and puts higher value on quality of life rather than the quantity of life or the size of your bank account. But this is sadly changing. … Continue reading

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Tortilla de Patatas Recipe by MadridMan

The following is a tortilla de patatas recipe by MadridMan™ himself. I’m not saying it’s the BEST recipe, but my Spanish eaters seem to like it, bringing me ever-closer to winning the Best Non-Spaniard Spanish Cook award in this house. … Continue reading

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2013 San Isidro Festival in Madrid’s Pradera

Today, the 15th of May, is Madrid’s Patron Saint’s Day, “El Día de San Isidro Labrador“. It’s a day for the city of Madrid to come together and celebrate its history and traditions, costumes and music, and of course, its … Continue reading

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2013 Madrid San Isidro Festival Preview

Yesterday, the 10th of May, was the official start of the 10-day 2013 Madrid San Isidro Festival and it lasts until the 19th of May. The 15th of May is THE BIG DAY, San Isidro Labrador Day, Madrid’s Patron Saint, … Continue reading

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Doing Neighborhood No-Car Shopping in Madrid

Wasn’t it great living in the USA, driving from pillar to post, parking less than 50 meters away from any given store, leaving all your multi-stop purchases in your trunk while going out for more? Ahh… THOSE were the days … Continue reading

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Madrid Party with MadridMan 4th of July 2012

You heard me! Let’s Party with MadridMan in Madrid once again! This time on America’s Independence day, the 4th of July! When: 4th of July, 2012, 8pm Where: El Brillante Bar, Glorieta de Carlos V – a.k.a. “Plaza de Atocha”, … Continue reading

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2012 San Isidro Festival in Madrid’s Pradera de San Isidro

Today, 15th of May 2012, is Madrid’s Patron Saint’s Day, San Isidro Labrador. It’s Madrid’s most “Castizo” day of the year with festival events throughout the city including concerts in “Las Vistillas”, a month long bullfight festival in the Plaza … Continue reading

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Langostinos – FAT Shrimp for Friday Night Dinner in Madrid

Growing up in the rural Ohio, USA, “America’s Heartland“, eating shrimp was a near-luxury, something you only got if you went to the Red Lobster family restaurant in the next town. If you went to “the big city”, however, you … Continue reading

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Madrid Menu del Dia for 7 Euros in the Neighborhood

“Cafetería Javi” – a.k.a. “Bar Ramos” – on the Calle Sagrados Corazones, 25, in Madrid, near metro station Alto de Extremadura (L6), is my favorite neighborhood bar at which to have a wonderful, and economical, “Menú del Día” for just … Continue reading

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2011 San Isidro Festival in Madrid

Another Fiesta de San Isidro has come and gone and was mostly a success. This is, by far, my favorite Madrid festival. It is, afterall, a celebration of Madrid’s Patron Saint, San Isidro Labrador, and lasted from 11 May to … Continue reading

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Fake Spanish Saffron: Buyer Beware

According to THIS El País Newspaper article, posted a couple days ago in their NEW El País In English edition, the vast majority of exported saffron labeled as “Made in Spain” IS NOT, in fact, made in Spain. The article … Continue reading

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Hints of Christmas – in October?!

Yesterday I was standing in the check-out line at my local supermarket and noticed the nearby shelves – the ones you first see upon entering the store. THEY WERE STOCKED, ALREADY, WITH TRADITIONAL SPANISH CHRISTMAS GOODIES!! Really! Yes, I’m sure … Continue reading

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2010 Madrid’s San Isidro Festival

Today, 15 May, is Madrid’s Patron Saint’s Day, San Isidro el Labrador. And, as every year, the city of Madrid organizes events and entertainment for a 3-day span. This year the festival fell over a weekend. And even more luckily, … Continue reading

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Tapas Crawl in Madrid

What a wonderful Monday evening I had last night in old downtown Madrid. About 2 weeks ago I get this email from a couple of Americans with the subject line, “Show us the ropes for free tapas and drinks?” Talk … Continue reading

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Neighborhood Madrid Restaurant Sells to Foreigners

I’m a little sad. Today is their last day. My favorite neighborhood bar, Restaurante Las Damas on Calle Fortuna, 5, in Madrid, the one where I have lunch once a week, has sold to foreigners. WHY to foreigners? Because the … Continue reading

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How Bad is a 90 Cent Bottle of Spanish Wine?

This was PURELY a scientific study. No, REALLY, it was! Today, I was at my Madrid neighborhood supermarket doing my usual Friday shopping for the weekend. Since I always buy a bottle or two of Spanish wine, usually the reliable … Continue reading

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New Year’s Eve to 2010 in Madrid

Also read: “Puerta del Sol in Madrid for New Years Eve 2010-2011“ It’s so nice to have a GOOD excuse to sleep until noon (or almost) – and surviving a New Year’s Eve in Madrid is an excellent excuse to … Continue reading

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MadridMan’s Christmas Eve Dinner 2009

I’ve just returned from a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner with Spanish friends, through and through. The dinner consisted of a tasty fish soup with rice. Delicious. At first reading, many Americans hear “fish soup” and immediately they furrow their brows … Continue reading

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Boring, Cold Friday Night in Madrid

People tend NOT to go out on very cold weekend nights. Well, that’s what I thought. Sure, the terrazas were put away and few people were walking in the streets but the bars I saw were packed! I was sitting … Continue reading

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