Tuesday, 9 October 2012

3 Nights in Madrid: Tapas, Fish and more Tapas



Asador Donostiarra Madrid, Spain
When I found out I had a business trip to Spain, the first thing that came to mind was: Paella. That savory, scrumptious, rice dish with shrimp, chicken, peas and whatever else the chef can conjure was all my mind could think of. My mouth was watering as I landed.

I didn't end up having paella the whole 3 days I was there; I had no chance to sneak away from the work dinners. I did however get to sample some amazing Spanish meals in top notch restaurants.


Hake fish with Garlic
 The first night we went to Asador Donostiarra in Madrid. As soon as you walk in you can see the walls are crammed with pictures of celebrities and politicians which have visited the restaurant. Once we sat, plate after plate of appetizers, or tapas like they call them locally, were served. Aged cheese, scrambled eggs with green chili, spicy sausages, cured meats with fruit, the list just goes on! After that the main dish was served. I ordered Hake fish with garlic, which turned out to be divine.  



Monkfish at El Telegrafo
 The second night we went to El Telegrafo, a restaurant which specializes in fish and the inside mimics the interior of a boat. They served a specialty, Monk fish, which I had never tried before. It is very strong but with a unique texture.

Dessert was rice pudding, which was a pleasant surprise. Rice pudding is very popular in Egypt and i hadn't had it in ages. It was served in a cute presentation with a caramelized sugar topping. 
Rice pudding with a caramel topping at El Telegrafo


Tiramisu, Chocolate covered bananas with cream and profiterole
The last night we went on a tapas bar frenzy, running around Madrid trying out different places. We had pretty much the same tapas as offered in the other restaurants and all I could think about was having paella- SIGH. The dessert at the last bar was phenomenal; the best tiramisu I have ever tasted. I had an exhausting 3 day, 18 hour work day trip, but the amazing food made it worthwhile. And since I didn't have paella, I guess that's a good excuse as any to go back!

Have you been to Spain? What local food was your favorite?


3 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, Ameirah, I'm so jealous! :) I've always wanted to go to Spain. The food you've pictured looks delicious, and thanks to you, I'm now craving fresh seafood (which is almost impossible to find where I live.) I've never actually tried making paella, but I'd LOVE to learn. And tiramisu is seriously one of the yummiest desserts ever, so now you've given me more reasons to go to Spain if the opportunity ever arises! :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. Heba I need to go back so take me with you! :)

    ReplyDelete