Best lifestyle places I tapas bars I areas I restaurants I Shops I Madrid I Sol: Uvepan, Malaspina I La Bienquerida I Gourmet Experience and El Kinze de Cuchilleros

Dear readers,

Today its thursday the 23rd of May. I am looking forward to Saturday because than its weekend and it weekend we can enjoy better of the fantastic city Madrid.  My previous blogs were about the neighborhoods Salamanca and Chueca, two very different areas in Madrid. This week I am going to write about about a more touristic area of Sol Madrid:! 

General

Sol is the center of Madrid where all roads of the center come together at a big square. It is Madrid's most famous and most central square of the city, located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Since this is now Madrid's most central location, it is an excellent area to to stay and there are many hotels, hostals (smaller, often family-run hotels) and tourist apartments nearby. If you look to the "flat" south side of the semi circle you will see a clock tower, part of a building known as the "Real Casa de Correos". This was originally built in the 18th century as part of the Post Office, and now functions as the headquarters of the President of Madrid's Autonomous Community.

Oso

Sol overview

Sol clock tower

On the east side of the square you can find the ''symbol'' of Madrid called the Oso and Madroño. The Oso & Madroño is the official symbol of the city although with an unclear origin - it seems that there used to be many bears in the fields around Madrid although the original symbol was supposed to be a female bear (osa). And the strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hackberry tree, which was once in abundance around Madrid. Whatever the real history, this bronze statue is the work of the sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe. Although this area is very crowded and touristic, if its your first time in Madrid you should definitely take a quick look.For more touristic information press on the neighborhood Sol.

Due to my longer stay here in Madrid I have found some insight places in Sol which I definitely want to recommend you guys! 

Uvepan

If you want to have an affordable, fresh, spanish breakfast/lunch you should definitely bring a visit to 'Uvepan'. Uvepan is a Spanish is combination of a 'panaderia' (bakery) and 'posteleria' (dessert specialist). You can compare it with ''le pain quotidien'' only its a bit more focused on sweets. The bread that they offer is of very high quality and is being sold for a relatively low price (around 2€). Uvepan is a small 'chain' in Madrid but definitely worth visiting and not so touristic. The one nearby Sol is established in the Calle Mayor number 30. Uvepan has a relaxed atmosphere where all kinds of (spanish) people are coming to have a breakfast or lunch. They have a big 'menu' to choose from. Although they are specialized in sweets and bread it is also possible to order good sandwiches. 

Uvepan interior

Uvepan bread

Uvepan outside

Malaspina
Malaspina is one of the best tapas bar in Madrid, its nearby Sol and not touristic. (calle de cadiz, 9) Malaspina has it all: good food (tapas), great service, cozyness (but still crowded) and the real Spanish atmosphere and culture. If you enter the bar, the first thing you notice is that you hear a loud HOLA (hello)  from the barkeeper. I have visited this place many times and not even one time he forgot to scream a loud HOLA from behind the bar. 

Its not possible to make reservations over here. Its always full with people, no matter what day you visit the bar. Sometimes you have to wait for a while but they always try to serve you as best as possible; providing nice tapas and drinks. The tapas bar is not very big but this gives the real Spanish feeling. You hear everybody talking and ejoying life. If you have bad ears I don't recommend you to go over here, but if you do you won't regret it! The prices of the tapas are relativly low (around 5€) for a plate, which you can divide with tho persons. You nee around 2 till 3 plates in total for 2 persons. The drinks are not expensive as well: a beer costs around 1.8€. After you have enjoyed the food and the atmosphere they always offer you a free shot of the house, no matter how crowded it is. You never have (although people are waiting in line) the feeling that you have to 'hurry up'. If you want to sit down and relax, the bar personal has no problem with that, as it of-course should be. If you receive the bill you are probably stunned about the final amount you have to pay. The food is in general is quite good in comparison for the prices you pay. I would recommend you to try several different things and judge by yourself which you like best (although they have very good 'huevos rotos' -->jamon with eggs and potatoes). The only thing I would not order is the tapas plate for two. Its too much bread and the tapas aren't the best you get. Just order some different plates as they say in Spain 'Para Compartir' (to share). 

Malaspina outside

Malaspina inside

Malaspina inside

Malaspina hasn't got an a website. Of-course you could complain about it, but it has also some charms. On this way only the Madrilenian insiders know where to find, and of-course you now you know it as well. Don't tell it further ;)

La Bienquerida
If you are looking for a place to sit outside, where you can relax, and have a proper meal for an affordable price go to La Bienquerida. This restaurant is established in the Plaza Jacinto. 
This place has the atmosphere, especially in the winter, of a 'Winter Wonderland'. The restaurant is established outside (not in a building like other places but it is just loose standing on a square), it has fantastic service (you really can see the waiters enjoy their work), the furniture is 'sweden-look a like-in the winter' and has a 'relaxed lounge look-a-like in the the summer'

In the winter they have heaters and blankets for each and everyone. The seats are covered with soft white coats. If you are with your beloved one I recommend you to visit this place. What you should order is as followed: both a sangria (which is really nice, in a big glass and it is not too expensive -->3.5€) and order the 'gourmet' for two. This gourmet costs 14€ in total and you have a delicious and cozy meal. You get some different cheeses, bread, vegetables and sausages. This is also a good idea to do in the summer, but than its more a lounge area. Eating is still possible (food in general is fine and not expensive) but my preference has the winter.

La Bienquerida terrace

Corte Ingles Gourmet Experience
El corte Ingles is one of the most famous warehouses of Madrid. Nearby sol (plaza Callao) is one of the warehouses of el Corte Ingles. You can buy whatever you want over here (clothes, electronic equipment, shoppings etc) but this is not why you have to visit this place. You have to visit this place because there is on the 9th floor a so-called 'gourmet experience'. If you enter this area it is a collection of all kinds of tapas. From burgers to sushi, to deserts and different jamons. It is relatively expensive but the atmosphere is hip-Spanish and you have a view over whole madrid. If you have some money to spend I would recommend you to try some tapas and have some drinks. If you don't have a lot of money to spend it is a perfect place to go to see a beautiful view over Madrid, for free. It is, as written in the name, a real experience!

Gourmet experience shop

Gourmet experience interior

Gourmet experience view

Gourmet experience terrace

El Kinze de Cuchilleros
Yesterday I needed a haircut. I have visited several hairdressers here in Madrid and each of them didn't satisfied my needs. A friend of mine recommend me to visit El Kinze de Cuchilleros. This hairdresser (also called barberia), was the hair dresser of former Real Madrid player Ruud van Nistelrooij. The store looks really authentic and classic. The hairdressers really give attention to your hair and treat it with, i would almost say, 'love'. They also shave beards for the price of 1€ above the haircut. I am sad that I found this hairdresser at the end of my period in Madrid because I never experienced such an attention towards my hair. I promised them to return the day before my theses defense. If you want to find a reliable, very cheap (12.5€!!!) hairdresser you have to visit this one. From all my recommendations in this blog, this one hairdresser has become a LoveMark for me.I t is established nearby Plaza Mayor in Calle de los Cuchilleros number 15. This shop is too authentic and too classic to have a website and I hope they never will get one. I felt in love for the second time in my life, this time it wasn't a girl but El Kinze de Cuchilleros. RESPECT!

Hairdressers 'El Kinze'

Hairsalon 'El Kinze'

Hairdressers 

This was my blog for today. Next week I am going to write about the hipster, alternative and upcoming artist neighborhood Malasana. If you like different read my blog next week! 

My last and final recommendation is about a Spanish friend of mine called Elsa, she is very good blog writer and also has great inside information about Madrid. It's called 'Loving Madrid'. Check here blog, because I probably mist something.

Cheers and enjoy the sun!

Casper

Best lifestyle/places/restaurants/tapa bars in Chueca, Madrid

Dear readers,

Chueca

Last week I wrote about the most interesting places of the neighborhood Salamanca, one of the richest areas in Madrid. This week I am going to write about a total different neighborhood in Madrid: Chueca! Chueca is very famous about their Gay-scene area. There are a lot of different opinions about Gay people, but one thing is for sure, taste do they have!

When you enter the Chueca area you directly see that this is an Amsterdam look-a-like neighborhood, and of course I am not talking about the canals. Both boys and girls are walking hand in hand. If you walk trough the area you can feel and see people watching you, so if you have a low-confidence level, just walk trough this part of Madrid and you confidence level directly gets a boost!

You said they have taste? Tell me more!

Chueca is different than other neighborhoods. Where a lot neighborhoods in Madrid still have the classic restaurants, tapas bars and shops, Chueca is very trendy, hip and modern. Shops which are settled here are not the standard and famous shops such as Zara or Tommy Hilfiger, unless you walk trough Calle Fuencarral (nearby Chueca), no Chueca has different stores, both trendy and classic, appropriate for all kinds of people from young to old. Prices for clothing merchandise is in general not very cheap but the quality is far above average. Even more, the clothing in the stores are not mass focused. Often only one or two clothing peaces are available which offers you the probability on a unique outfit.

But what about the best restaurants and bars?

For me, although I am heterosexual, Chueca is one of my favorite neighborhoods to have a drink and have dinner. One place you definitly should visit is Mercado San Anton. Where Mercado San Miquel (nearby Plaza Mayor) is very touristic, San Anton is crowded with tons of Modern and hip Spanish people, both hetero- as gaysexual. The atmosphere in this 3 floor building reminds me of the American serie ''Orange Country''. Everybody is beautiful and enjoying life is priority number one! The first floor is a market where fresh meat, fish and vegetables are being offered. When you take the stairs and go to the second floor you see all kinds of small modern tapas bars, from sushi till oysters. The second floor has some tables and seats where all the people are having a glass of wine and eat a small bite. After you enjoyed the atmosphere over here I recommend you to go to my favorite part of San Anton; the third floor. The third floor is a combination of a restaurant and a lounge. For the restaurant you often have to make a reservation in advance. They have a extensive menu where they offer al kinds of dishes; both modern as classic tapas, fish, meat, vegetables etc. The plates are served very creative. I have to admit the tastes vary per dish. Some I like, others are too salty for me. The prices for the plates aren't very cheap (for Spanish meanings). You pay for a main course around 16€ - 20€.

Back to the lounge part of San Anton. The lounge part is outside the restaurant. During the winter period the lounge is heated which give a cozy and intimate athmosphere. People are sitting outside and having a wine or a beer. People of all ages appear here but they all have in common that you can see they are dressed hip and trendy. In the summer San Anton is even better to go. You can enjoy the sun while having one of your favorite cocktails. The terrace/lounge has al kinds of furniture where you can chill. Getting a drink at the bar is a bit cheaper than if you order it at a waiter. For a bottle of wine you pay around 15€, a beer is around 3€ and a cocktail is relative expensive (9€). Music is being played at low level on the background. If you want to have a good and enjoyable drink with hip and trendy people I definitly recommend you to visit the third floor!

San Anton roof terrace I

San Anton market overview

San Anton tapas

San Anton roof terrace II

Or take a look at the following short-movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REfj9iBv9OE

You definitely convinced me Casper! But what do you recommend more?!

Well, Chueca is more than San Anton. Nearby San Anton there is square called Plaza de Chueca. This is a square where people are drinking and eating at all kinds of different restaurants, while enjoying the sun. Just a good place to take your relaxing moment.

More specific places

Other favorite places which I like to visit for instance for having a lunch or for a dinner is 'Bla Bla Bla'. This restaurant is established in Calle Prim. A restaurant where classic and trendy is combined. The food is relatively expensive but served well and has fine taste. Service in this restaurant is above average and the saxophonist playing romantic songs at the background makes this a perfect place to have a dine with your beloved one. 

Bristol furniture

Bristol food

Bristol restaurant

Bristol champagne

Behind Calle Prim there is a street which also has a good restaurant/bar, this street is called: Calle Almirante. Here you can find the Bristol Bar. The Bristol bar looks like a English fashion upper class restaurant/bar. The red colors, nice furniture and their posh look give the restaurant/bar an expensive appearance.  Although the prices are relatively high its not unaffordable. Besides, the Bristol Bar has something special. They are specialized in the spirit Gin. With a collection of more than 60 different Gins they distinguish itself from others in this area. You can order your own personalized Gin cocktail exactly how you would want to see it. Furthermore they have every month different Gin offers. If you want to do posh and want to have a good Gin than you know where to go! 

Bristol restaurant

Bristol Gin collection

Bristol furniture

Bristol bar

From the Bristol Bar were are going to Oscar (Plaza Vazquez de Mella). Oscar is a trendy and fasion hotel. If you are looking for something different, established in the center, and you have some money to spend, go to hotel Oscar. This seven floor building with swimming pool on the roof provides all the necessary accessories that a hotel should offer. The furniture is very colorful and gives a futuristic feeling. If you go to the highest floor, you can enjoy of a perfect view of Madrid. The seventh floor has a small swimming pool on the roof where you can cool down if you can't stand the heat anymore. A normal drink costs here around 6 euro (view included). Breakfast is until 12:00 so if you had a rough night you can still be on time for some delicious food. 

Oscar outside

Oscar furniture

Oscar roof and swimming pool

In Chueca there are a lot of places I would like to show and recommend you, but if you want to visit Madrid you need have some adventure left and therefor I am arriving at my final recommendation: Diurno! The interior of Diurno is the combination of Madrid and Paris. It is the perfect place for having a lunch, a cup of coffee or just for take away. Diurno is settled in Calle San Marcos and accounts normal prices for their products. From the inside of the cafe you feel the relaxed atmosphere. Some people are drinking coffee and just talking a bit, while others are relaxing or reading a book. 

Diurno provides also the opportunity to borrow  DVD's and watch these inside of the cafeteria. They have a big collection of al kinds of (recent) movies, from comedies to horrors. Diurno has few service because inside of the cafe you can choose and pick your own meal/lunch. After you have made your choice you pay at the cash desk. One tip: Diurno has fantastic (irish) coffee! This cafe is one of my favorite places to go for having a quick lunch or just to sit down and study my lectures. The quality of their products; sandwiches, pies, yogurts, coffees is extremly high comparing to prices they are asking. 

Diurno interior 

Diurno outside

Diurno sandwiches and shakes

Diurno furniture

This was it for today! Next week I am going to write about the center of Madrid, everything around Sol in particular! Although this area attracts a lot of tourists I have some inside information about great places. You definitely don't want to miss that!

See you next week.

Cheers

Casper 

Best lifestyle restaurants tapa bars, shops and places in Salamanca, Madrid

Dear readers,

Today Its saturday the 11th of may and I am going to write about the neighborhood Salamanca. One of the richest neighborhoods of Madrid. The weather in Madrid was perfect. The sun was shining and the people were smiling. I woke up at 11:00 after having a heavy night in a club. Yesterday I went to a club called Kapital. A club with seven floors each with different areas and different atmospheres. The average age in this club varies between 20-35 years old. All kinds of people are visiting this club from fashion boys and ladies to more classical people. 

Museo de Jamon

After snoozing from 10:30 till 11:00 I finally decided to go out of bed and started with my tour across Madrid in my search for a good and affordable breakfast. After a wake-up walking tour from 15 minutes  I decided to take a breakfast at Museo de Jamon, nearby Plaza Mayor. I was attracted by the cheap prices where I could get a so-called 'bocadillo de Jamon' for only 1€. The bar, even at 11:00 in the morning, was crowded with all kinds of people; tourists, spaniards and other people who I cannot identify. Nevertheless it was cozy. Although it was early people were having breakfast with different kind of 'bocadillos' with small beers (cerveza called in Spanish). The service was quick and very helpful. If you don't want to stand, this is not a good place for you to go, but if you do I recommend you go here and try the taste of Madrid. Besides a bocadillo, you will get a free tapa included (Spanish sausages).

Salamanca, Retiro Park

After having my breakfast I decided to go to the neighborhood Salamanca to visit Park Retiro to enjoy the nature and the sun. The Retiro Park is located east of the city center, not far from the Prado Museum. Its main entrance is near the Alcala Gate, at the Plaza de la Independence. Retiro Park is the biggest park of Madrid with several attractions to do. You can just sit down and relax (for example nearby the lake) or for instance go to Palacio de Cristal to sightsee a house which is completely constructed of Glass. Another feature of the park is the Rose Garden, the Rosaleda. And possibly the most remarkable feature of the Retiro Park is one of its statues, El Angel Caído. It is dedicated to Satan, possibly the only such statue in Europe. 

Magasand

After enjoying the sun, my stomach was asking for some food. I decided to go more in-depth in the Salamanca neighborhood and eventually I found a restaurant called Magasand. Magasand is a modern Spanish lunch place where you can sit both inside as outside. Because the weather was nice I decided to sit outside. The terrace is nice, not to crowded, and the seats are perfect. 

I ordered a chicken sandwich with honey mustard sauce and after 15 minutes a received my sandwich and it was the best sandwich I have ever eaten!! It is a place that I would recommend you by heart if you want to have a good lunch, with nice service for a reasonable price (+-6€).  This restaurant offers the more modern lunches, not the Spanish sandwiches with jamon but the more creative ones. Very tasteful! 

After my well deserved lunch I decided to visit some of the shops in Salamanca. 

Sandwich Magasand

Colomer and Sons 
People in this Salamanca area are in general well-dressed and you can definitely see that this neighborhood isn't affected by the (Spanish) crisis. There are all kinds of stores in Salamanca; from the expensive ones such as Prada, Gant, Michael Kors, to the more cheaper ones such as Zara an H&M. One store that I remembered was Colomer and Sons, it established at the C/ O´Donnell. Neaby famous club Gabana 1800, where a lot a famous Real Madrid players go out. Colomer and Sons is a small shop where they sell handmade shoes, but they are famous about their handmade Swiss watches. They sell a lot of different Swiss watches; ocean black, ocean green, ocean GMT, Fibonacci, Fuerzas Areas, Miss Davis, Hoyo 19, Chronos, Big Ben, Trimaran, Madre Perla and a lot of others. Definitely worth seeing! Especially for watch collectors. 

Other nice places to visit in Salamanca
Salamanca is a perfect area to enjoy, shop and relax. In general the neighborhood is quite expensive but definitely worth visiting. The following areas in Salamanca are nice to visit:
-Goya
-Lista
-Recoletos

Loft 39
After my tour in Salamanca, I needed to gain new energy and I decided to have a meal at Loft 39.  Loft 39 is a restaurant and lounge combined. It is established on the Velazquez 39. Their chef is Pascua Ortega and you can taste this back in the food he prepares. Although the restaurant is quite expensive, but still affordable, this is one of the best restaurants I have visited in Madrid. I ordered a Rack of Lamb on a whet risotto, herbs,berries, bainilla and wine dressing  which costed me 24€ but it was the best meal I have had since my arrival here in Madrid. 

Loft 39 terrace

Loft 39 interior & restaurant

This was it for today. Next Saturday I am going to write about the Neighborhood Chueca. This area is famous about their Gay scene area and places like Mercado San Anton, Bla Bla Bla, Bristol Restaurant,  Plaza de Chueca, Roommate Oscar, Lateral and a lot more. 

Keep you posted!

See you next week.

Cheers,

Casper