The Best Cuban Food in Madrid

Standing inconspicuously somewhere along the narrow Calle de Infantas, Zara is not the kind of place you’d expect to have a good reputation and widespread popularity. Yet this small restaurant has been known to locals as the place to go to eat Cuban food for nearly thirty years. Its cozy, simple ambience and nonchalant staff makes costumers feel at home and the food, as today’s lingo so rightly expresses, is the bomb. Lodged between bigger buildings, the sliding door leads to a small space that looks a bit like a cabin with rough walls and a bent wooden ceiling. The decoration is intentionally plain, with just a couple of maps of Cuba and a small olden time sign of La Habana. The place, however, is not dirty or crookedly built: on the contrary, the floor and tables, covered in traditional red and white checkered tablecloths, are impeccably clean. This must be so because of the tight shift run by the restaurant’s owners, an elderly couple, he a Spaniard and she a Cuban, who first opened the place in 1978 as a café and then expanded it into what it is today.

The restaurant offers virtually all the traditional Cuban dishes—as well as some Spanish and infused ones—that will make those that are used to the food happy to eat it again and those that are new to it happy to have discovered it. The menu’s backbone is rice, black beans, meat and chicken, ingredients that although common, are seasoned here to produce a distinct flavor. Common not only in Cuba but in large parts of South America is the “ropa vieja” dish. “Old clothing” refers to seasoned and juicy meat cut into little strips, which comes accompanied by rice and beans—here in Zara, they offer their own black rice as an alternative to the customary white that is delicious. Just as commonly well known are the chicken and rice dishes and the “arroz a la cubana”, rice with fried eggs and tomato sauce.

What makes this restaurant authentic and worthwhile is that it also makes food using ingredients that, opposed to rice and chicken, aren’t very common on this side of the Atlantic. Yuca (cassava in English), a root vegetable and common side dish in Latin America that can be served fried or boiled, is tasty and should not be passed up.  Another celebrated sidekick are tostones: fried plantains that are as eagerly eaten by little children as toothless old timers wherever they form part of the daily diet. Heading towards sweeter things, the place offers a variety of fresh juices, and by that I mean thick, colorful, tasty juices. Such fruits are also used in desserts, notably the guayaba paste, fresh pineapple and coconut in sugar based syrup.

Drinking enthusiasts and dependants need not worry: although not a bar, Zara offers plenty of alcohol, from standard beer and wine to more tropically inspired drinks like pina coladas, daiquiris, and of course Cuban rum. Also available is ice cold sangria (we are in Madrid after all) and a variety of cream liqueurs like Cointreau and Baileys. As far as prices go, Zara is neither cheap nor expensive—a big meal for 3 would for instance cost around 60 euros. The general price breakdown would be: soups and entrees cost between 3 and 5 euros, meats and seafood between 8 and 15, and desserts and drinks are around 6 or 7 euros.

Zara
Calle Infantas 5
91 532 20 74
Metro: Gran Via
Open Monday through Friday from 13:00 p.m.  to 17:00 p.m. and 20:00 p.m. to 23:30 p.m.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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Russian Food in Madrid

When it comes to food, Madrid is known to be especially cosmopolitan. It seems that every type of culinary experiment and tendency can be found in and around the city’s streets and boulevards, and Las Noches de Moscú is a perfect example. Set up a few blocks from the tribunal metro—on one of those streets that get downtrodden by partiers on weekends—this genuine Russian restaurant will transport you to good food and a warm atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door.

The place is small and colorful, not more than eight tables surrounded by walls decorated with a sense of folklore that you’d imagine exists more in this restaurant than in Moscow itself: part of the ceiling is built in the shape of a dome that Russian architecture has made famous, the walls are filled with reproductions of 19^th century traditional Russian portraits and the indispensable babushka dolls, and the food is served in traditional porcelain dishes. Of course, such decorations are of backburner importance compared to the quality of the food—happily, all that eye candy isn’t there to distract customers from the meals. In fact, the courses are mostly succulent and satisfying pieces of Russian cuisine that, with the exception of a few rather luxurious dishes and drinks, are priced at amounts not seen since the Iron Curtain days.

The menu offers different sections of food with soups and salads starting at 3.50 euros, fish and meat from 6.50 euros, blini-blinchinki’s (traditional crepes) at 6.00 euros, and desserts ranging from 2.00 to 5.00 euros. Among the essentials are well known Russian dishes: the beef stroganoff (12.40) is just right while the “borsch moskovita” is the traditional warmer upper, a delicious soup with onions, beetroot and other vegetables and a hint of white cheese (5.40). Dishes with herring are a specialty of the house, a particularly good combination being the “salat ish padshuby” (5.80 Euros) which comes with potatoes and is marinated with onions and carrots. If you’re feeling particularly oligarchic, there’s always the good old blini with black caviar (22.00 euros for 100gr worth). The black bread and salmon crackers included in the meal aren’t bad either.  Finally, desserts are meant to be refreshing and aren’t as heavy as the main courses. Among the recommended are the Kamchatka yogurt (3.50 euros) and the lemon sorbet with vodka (5.00 euros).

There is variety when it comes to drinks as well: juice combinations are mostly 3.00 euros (the beetroot, apple and orange juice mix is good); white, red, and pink wines range from 9.00 to 28.50 euros and vodka choices are not limited. A well worth it drink is the white Russian sangria. Whether it’s a drink that has been altered to fit Spanish culture or one that is totally made up, its mix of wine, cucumber, fruits and vodka is perfectly balanced. A big jug will cost you 9.80 euros and can be shared by three people—two if you plan to not drive back home. The relaxed ambiance and food attracts all kinds of clientele, from family to groups of young people, whom are well attended by the young staff.

Las Noches de Moscú
Calle del Marqués de Santa Ana, 37
91 531 04 11
Metro: Tribunal
Open everyday from 13:30 p.m. – 16:30 p.m. and 20:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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Madrid Restaurants: La Mucca

Madrid is a really hot destination right now. Tourists from all over the world are making sure they visit the Spanish city. Those who live within Europe can find really cheap flights straight here and of course there is very little time difference, so they can get looking around almost immediately. Madrid has so many great neighborhoods but the one of the moment has to be Malasaña.

It is the perfect place to come if you are looking to experience a more alternative side to Madrid. It is vibrant and always offers a great night out. You’ll even see well known Spaniards there, maybe artists or musicians enjoying the vibe, so you’re in good company. In the day time there is a great range of boutique shops to look at and at night restaurants and bars that are bound to catch your eye.

If you’re looking to have a quiet cocktail with a friend, impress a date, or get together with a group of former colleagues, head to the heart of Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood and check out La Mucca.

The modern, urban, style of the establishment resembles what you’d find in Soho, New York. It blends perfectly with the traditional Spanish mom-and-pop shops, graffiti-ridden façades, highly fashionable boutiques, and rock’n’roll bars in the neighborhood.

The seating arrangements include an outdoor terrace (open all year round, thanks to outdoor heaters), and a huge interior that is cozy and open. Besides the usual tables for small to large groups, there is a semi-isolated area with a sofa and armchairs giving the space a “living room” feel.

But of course, the main attraction is the food. Served by a young, dynamic, and friendly staff, the restaurant offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes from all over the world: Spanish and Mexican tapas, fresh Mediterranean salads, Asian dishes, American hamburgers, Curry chicken, Italian pizza, and more. Try the popular “Boletus Pizza” or the brand-new “Kill Bill Pizza,” made with tuna, ginger and wasabi. For dessert, have a bite of their yummy cakes.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of Spanish wines and if you’re a gin lover there’s no better place for a glass of Hendrick’s (7.50 euros) than right here. Their most popular drinks include:  the Cucumber on Flames (ginger, rum, sugar, orange juice, and rose petals), and Hendrick’s Hot Punch (ginger, port, clove, nutmeg, lemon juice and water).

In case you need another reason to check out La Mucca, we have one! Go ahead and take the furniture home with you. That’s right – it’s for sale. All of it!

Quick Tips:

-       La Mucca’s kitchen is open all day.

-       There’s a lunch menu for 10.90 euros on weekdays and a special priced menu for groups.

La Mucca
Plaza de Carlos Cambronero 4
Neighborhood: Malasaña
Metro: Noviciado or Callao
Telephone: 91 521 0000
Types: bar, restaurant, tapas
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 1:30 p.m.; Sat and Sun: 12 p.m.
Closing hours: Sun-Thurs: 2 a.m.; Fri and Sat: 2:30 a.m.

By  Trini Goyanes

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RESTAURANTS IN MADRID: Bourbon Cafe

If you’re seeking an evening of comedy, dancing, shows, and gloriously gaudy entertainment, there is no restaurant more energetic and extravagant than the Bourbon Café. The name says it all: El loco restaurante de Rose Bourbon (Rose Bourbon’s Crazy Restaurant). Located next to the Puerta del Sol, this lavishly and theatrically decorated site offers international cuisine, theatric sketches and shows, and an undeniably lively ambience.

Entering the swank, urban-chic restaurant is akin to stepping into a theatre. Black wood floors and ceilings contrast with vibrant tangerine walls; flashing lights cast a rainbow of hues across the scene; and black and white tables are adorned with orange square plates for a contemporary touch. For added extravagance, white-vintage chandeliers hang from the ceiling, ornate mirrors are draped with fuchsia feather boas, and the full bar is set to a backsplash of black and white cowhide print. Yet more dramatic than the ambience are the performers. All of the waiters are actors, singers, and dancers, decked out in elaborate costumes and full makeup. These entertainers serve tables, but also strike elaborate poses and later hit the stage for a round songs and energetic dancing.

Shows at the Bourbon Café begin around 10:30 in the evening, and while the dining ambience may seem sophisticated and posh initially, the performances instantly transform the scene into a clapping, animated, madhouse. Shows include sketches, singing, dancing, drag, and comedy. The lead actress—playing Rose Bourbon herself—draws energy from the crowd with jokes and musical numbers. Diners can purchase special menus that include the price of the show. On Crazy Thursdays, for example, a menu for two includes appetizers, entrees, drinks, dessert and the show for a 39 euros per pair. Beyond these deals, the extensive menu features entrees between 10-20 euros from nationalities around the world, including Spanish, Greek, Italian, German, Brazilian, North American, English, Mexican, and Thai. Savor a spicy Brazilian meet dish on Brazilian Night (Sunday evening). Or enjoy a margarita pizza, chicken fajitas, Iberic ham, or Greek salad any day of the week—the variety, color, and flavor of this restaurant extends to the menu as well. Around 2 a.m., carry on the partying with 10 euro specialty cocktails, when the restaurant converts into a stylish, yet uniquely raucous, nightclub.

PRICES:
Specialty Menus (show included)- 30-38 euros per person
Crazy Thursday Menu for Two (show included)- 39 euros per pair
Entrees- 10-18 euros

Bourbon Cafe
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 5
Neighborhood: Sol
Metro: Sol, Sevilla
Telephone: 91 532 58 57
International cuisine, live music, shows
Hours: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday
(Dinner served 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., nightclub 2 to 6 a.m.)

By Jane Caffrey

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Best Restaurants in Madrid: Con Dos Fogones

Salads, hamburgers and Argentinian beef are only some of the tasty dishes you’ll find on the menu at Con Dos Fogones. For a while now this restaurant has been popular with the locals. The atmosphere is classy, and bursting with colors and stylish decor. They offer a menu del Mediodia for 10 euros, Monday – Friday, and a Menu Nocturno for 17,50 Euro where you get an appetizer, main course, and dessert. And their prix fix menus don’t stop there – they also have a group menu for 35 euros.

Con Dos Fogones
Calle de San Bernardino, 9
1-5 p.m. & 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Telephone: 91 559 63 26
Metro: Plaza de Espana

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