// Resident Wine Expert
Madrid is known as the City of Museums and let me tell you, they are deservedly recognised as some of the best the world has to offer. In the afternoon I had the absolute privilege of meeting Teresa de la Vega, Art Historian at the incredible Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza, when she took four of us on a two and a half hour walk and talk around the museum. I truly enjoy most art, but have very limited knowledge and an almost naïve eye, however Teresa is so generous with her knowledge and skill that the museum made a huge impression on me and, if you go to Madrid and do not visit this place then, quite frankly, it would be an awful shame.
Haha! You are going to love this…from museum to open-top bus tour of the city. I know that people can be a bit sniffy about these, but I think that for the investment of an hour of your time (or much less, as you are free to hop on and hop off at any stop) they are a fantastic way to orient yourself and get a real feel for the area. I have been known to occasionally (every time) take wine and something to nibble on to enjoy during such little excursions and a bottle of Bernabeleva Cantocuerdas Mosatel made with Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains would be (was) perfect for this.
If you prefer your view to be more panoramic than a tall bus will allow, then you should have dinner at Palacio Cibeles Restaurant, Plaza Cibeles 1 on the 6th floor. It was pretty blustery when I was up there, but a very sweet chap from the restaurant team made sure I had a wrap to keep warm whilst taking in the magical view of all the lit up old buildings surrounding us. I tried the tasting menu and alas, I cannot tell you which wines I had as it seemed to be a terribly well-kept secret! No matter, they were lovely and you shall have to take my word for it.
A quick word about getting around Madrid; our little gang of four had the superb services of Sean Retana who acted as our guide for the best part of two days and for relatively little cost – worth
every penny. He was passionate, knowledgeable, humorous and ready to answer any questions we threw at him. With him we also trod a path less worn and saw places and met people that we would not have had access to so easily perhaps on our own. Seek him out when you are in Madrid…you really should.
On Sunday, with Sean, we called into Casa Encendida, an incredibly impressive social and cultural centre, run with utter integrity and honour by all connected to it, who work within it and those who use the facilities and absolutely deserving of our time.
My weekend was drawing to a close, though there was still one final lunch…there should always be a final lunch…and this was at Saporem Huertas Restaurant. I loved it here; the food was a wonderful mix of rustic elegance. We ate lots of little things, with plates passing over, under, above and around anyone foolish enough to get in our way. There were thin slices of aubergine deep-fried in a very light batter – not tempura or polenta – which were then put in a pot and drizzled all over with local honey…I could not leave them alone! I think this is the place I would bring my girls; we would arrive at 2.00pm and still be there at 10.00pm eating and talking and arguing and eating….
When I arrived back home at mi casa, I realised that, from just before boarding the plane in Madrid to sitting my backside on my sofa, it was a little over three hours!!! I think it’s exciting that we can access cities such as Madrid so easily and it seems bonkers also not to take advantage, when airlines such as Monarch can offer this route and so many more, out of Birmingham!
I wish you well in your travels!! Sante
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