http://www.chow.com/boards/50 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:07:05 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/531214#5204652 You may well need the car. As you'll presumably know, Los Gigantes is a small resort, just about purpose built for tourism and slightly isolated from other urbanised areas in the south. We stayed there about 10 years ago and thought the restaurant options were fairly limited. May well have changed over time - although looking at posts on the Tenerife Forum (http://www.tenerifeforum.com/), possibly it hasnt. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:41:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/531214#5204652 http://www.chow.com/topics/667509#5204504 If you want to try a Spanish red wine that steps outside the usual Rioja/Ribera duo, drink some Bierzo, made from the Mencia grape. Fabulous stuff. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:51:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667509#5204504 http://www.chow.com/topics/668867#5204467 Tapas places that have table service are your best bet for evening meal. Try Pacomeralgo, Cerverseria Catalana, Ciuta Comtal, Santa Maria, Taller de Tapas. For simple lunches: Can Lluis, Anima, Sant Joan, Bar Kasparo, Foxos, El Taxidermista (in the Placa Real), the more upscale Cafe de Academia and Embat, Can Conesa and Xaloc for good bocadillos. You should have no problem finding vegetarian dishes in any of them. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:38:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668867#5204467 http://www.chow.com/topics/669417#5204055 Heading to Lisbon and Porto for a pre-holiday trip with my girlfriend, 2 nights Lisbon, 1 in Porto. Looking for a few special venues, ideally local Portuguese cuisine, leaning towards the upscale. But overall someplace memorable, anywhere from modest to luxurious. Research here and elsewhere has provided a few ideas: In Lisbon, Olivier (noting mixed reviews) and Lisboa A Noite. Also curious about Eleven, though the recent reviews scare me. In Porto, leaning towards Foz Velha. Basically, if you had one night, what's the one place you wouldn't miss for the ideal experience in each location? Any and all suggestions/feedback welcome and appreciated. Many thanks! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:17:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669417#5204055 http://www.chow.com/topics/655387#5203995 Well, too much time has past , and in fact the wedding we were heading to Lisboa to celebrate was this past weekend ( and I made the two wedding cakes, a three-tier lemon and a chocolate grooms cake, so I've been busy! ), so I am just getting a moment to report back. First, we had a great time in Lisbon, charming city and really lovely people - everyone we met was open and genuine. The apartment we rented was ideal - actually right across the street from Tavares Rico ( and that wonderful coffee store, Carioca I think, and right around the corner from Cafe Brasilia - sure was central! ) . So, for our big dinner we chose: ( drum roll! ) Lisboa a' Noite, and it was wonderful! It was one block over, so we got dressed up and walked over - with no reservation - and the fun began. " Can you accommodate us tonight?" " No, we are over-booked, it's impossible. We are full. Follow me, please." They were lovely, and the cute young waiters flirted with us just enough and then let us sit at our table for hours - we were shocked to realize it was one am when we were at our front door. It was also Halloween, and there was some revelry, which was nice. The food was wonderful - the stand-out was the grilled octopus, and some spicy sausage - the wines were good and affordable. I'm sorry to say that we had such an emotional and wonderfully sharing conversation about our lives and loves that I've forgotten the rest of the meal. But it was a perfect evening and I thank you for the recommendation. On Sunday - it was All Saints - we took the train to Sintra, and when we returned the weather turned. By the time we were walking out for dinner it had started to pour. We were about to cave in and just run into the cheesy-looking Fado review restaurant around the corner, when a cab pulled up and from somewhere in my brain I remembered -vinhotinto75 said via Gracia is open on Sunday night! So, not only was I the hero of the night for having a restaurant up my sleeve, but the setting is wonderful, the view, the table a big deep banquet, again, they were gracious and welcoming, and the food was very good - not quite as good as Lisboa a' Noite, but the whole experience of the place was great! From this evening I have photos. Two of us shared the seafood medley of clams, shrimp, and mussels, I ordered the octopus, which arrived with the sprig of rosemary in flames, then blown out and fanned over the dish ( ! ) and the biggest hit was the amuse, which was a cod/ brandade mixture on eggplant with shot glass of gaspacho floating a poached quail egg - fabulous! Other highlights: love the little pastries everywhere, great coffee, and thank you, brought home a few handy trinkets from Braz and Braz - OMG - I wish this store was near me - I loved it! Down side: while tasting chocolates out in the plaza in front of the elevator - Justine? - I've forgotten already, or perhaps blocked it out, - because I was relieved or my wallet, as in money, credit cards, and PASSPORT. That was a drag. ( Upside - where do you Liboans find all those cute policemen? Good grief, one was more charming than the next, and completely adorable, as well as helpful and reassuring. It was almost worth it! ). So it was a bit nerve-wracking all weeknd, wondering if I'd be getting on my flight Monday morning, but the consulate was efficient and calm, and set me up with a new passport in an hour ( and $70 from my friend ). So altogether I met up with exactly one bad person, so that's not really a bad percentage. So, thank you for all your help and we loved it! Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:48:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655387#5203995 http://www.chow.com/topics/669160#5203487 "are the tapas places in the Parte Vieja open on Monday nights?" Most are indeed closed, but Astelana is open. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:20:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669160#5203487 http://www.chow.com/topics/652075#5203173 vinhotinto75, Any suggestions on a modern Portuguese dinner? What do you think about 100 Maneiras? Thanks Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:35:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652075#5203173 http://www.chow.com/topics/667825#5199039 I have eaten lunch, never dinner, at 7 Portes, maybe six or seven times over the years. Every meal I had there, I remember as tasty, and their service was always superb. I love 7 Portes, and my Barcelona friends tease me because of my adoration. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:39:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667825#5199039 http://www.chow.com/topics/593931#5197772 Barcelonian, Thanks so much for your food recommendations in Barcelona. I went this past September with my boyfriend and Restaurant Sant Joan was the best. We went there twice on our trip and were lucky enough to have their Thursday special which was paella for 6 euros I believe. I only wish they opened for dinner as well. We met the owner Joan and his daughter who made the wonderful desserts. They were both lovely. We basically deferred to their recommendations and were not once disappointed. I posted my reviews of my favorite Barcelona food picks on the blog link below. http://youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com/i-left-my-tastebuds-in-barcelona/ Shortlist was restaurant Sant Joan for the Catalan meals, La Pallaresa for the chocolate and churros, and Kiosko Universal (in La Boqueria) for the seafood. Apart from the Kiosko Universal, there's a big bakery in the heart of the La Boqueria (two parallel glass cases filled with goodies) that has a delicious muffin filled with custard and topped with thin slices of baked apple. If you get there first thing in the morning (8am, I think), the muffins come fresh out of the oven. My boyfriend also stopped by Cafe Viena to get the flauta iberico (iberian ham sandwich) hyped by NYT Mark Bittman and found it well, over hyped. Place was crowded even first thing in the weekday morning and not cheap (8 Euros) for a few flimsy pieces of iberico ham slipped into a baguette. Overall, we wanted the best food for the buck and managed to get to around 8-15 euros per entree at Sant Joan and Kiosko, which in Barcelona was tough to accomplish given the weak US dollar and how much prices were inflated for tourists. Especially coming from Los Angeles where we're spoiled with a range of great food choices from 5 star to hole in the walls, we couldn't justify grossly overpaying for something that would cost us the price of a plane ticket, so we gravitated towards any places that offered soulful, authentic local cuisine which we generally prefer anyways. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:53:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/593931#5197772 http://www.chow.com/topics/668397#5197670 Thank you, GTuritto. This is why I love this site. I will be sure to try all three places. I had planned on hitting the Boqueria last summer but it was closed for some reason, possibly Noche de San Juan. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:14:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668397#5197670 http://www.chow.com/topics/668569#5196392 This site is for food related topics. You will not get any feedback on traveling logistics, activities, sightseeing, etc. because the site monitors will delete them. Given your parameter of a large diverse group, the holiday and need to be inexpensive, I am not sure it you will get many feedback. My suggestion is a large place that serves tapas such as Cerverseria Catalana or the branch of Taller de Tapas in El Born. Most good inexpensive places are too small to accommodate such a large group. You might try Senyor Parallada because it has a large comfortable dining room (two levels), moderately price with large menu of decent Catalan food and probably open New Years Eve without charging a fortune. There are many large tapas/pinxtos places on the first couple blocks of Pg de Gracia that can seat a crowd. The food is nothing special but they may prove useful and convenient (open all day and just about everyday). The holiday period is difficult as many restaurants will be closed and New Years Eve is a difficult for anything inexpensive. Also, except of tapas/pinxtos places, most restaurants do not start evening service until 9pm. If you can give an idea of what is 'cheap', there might be some good suggestions. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:08:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668569#5196392 http://www.chow.com/topics/666386#5195937 go to El Mercat de la Boqueria, not fancy at all, but fresher than that it can't be. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:33:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666386#5195937 http://www.chow.com/topics/668037#5195793 I live in Madrid and as you are only there for one night, I recommend you hop in a taxi in front of El Prado, and tell them to take you to Calle Maldonado, esquina con Calle Castelló (Maldonado, corner with Castelló). It´s not far, and the taxi will cost about 5 euros. The restaurant is called La Cazorla - book, because it´s very popular for it´s delicious and reasonably priced Andalucian-style food. The phone number is 915627288. You will be the ONLY foreigners there - the Spanish dress smartly when they eat out; be warned! I recomment the Ensalada Cazorla, and the Fritura mixta de la Casa (mixed fried fish). The portions are HUGE - two people would struggle to finish those two dishes if they shared them - both dishes come to about 20 euros. Also good is... everything! Expect to be charged for the bread and aperitíf (2.50 each diner) - it´s a small cover charge - you only need leave a small tip in Spanish restaurants. I always take visitors to Madrid here, and they all LOVE it - good luck whereever you go xx Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:51:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668037#5195793 http://www.chow.com/topics/668509#5195668 There is no menu difference between lunch and dinner at Arzak. Below is the link to a recent post on the restaurant that might be helpful. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/665677 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:23:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668509#5195668 http://www.chow.com/topics/668089#5192172 We're also going to be there for NYE and are looking for a good spot for dinner that night. Like the previous poster, we're looking for something with high quality food but also a bit lively. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:47:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668089#5192172 http://www.chow.com/topics/668066#5191802 Just do a search on this board as there are tons of recommendation on restaurants/tapas/pinxtos places in Madrid. I would stay away from places in the Plaza Mayor. You're right in the tourist zone therefore, expect visitors but you will rarely find 'tourist traps" recommended on this board. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:45:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668066#5191802 http://www.chow.com/topics/668049#5191092 Anyone have a favorite few tapas spots in Segovia? Will be there only one night, and would like to a do a tapas crawl. We will hopefully be staying in the center of town, so anywhere within walking distance would be great. Thanks, Zot Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:13:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668049#5191092 http://www.chow.com/topics/665677#5191040 It's very friendly, and the least 'swish' of the famous San Sebastian restaurants. Really helpful staff and a wide range of diners. Order things you have never tried before, or combinations you have never seen before. No pint in visiting somewhere so outstanding & playing safe in your choices. There is some theatricality on the plates, however. We had an amazing pudding which the waitress poured some weird steaming liquid over until the whole plate seemed to be covered in what looked like dry ice - she said it was "un poco Harry Potter". Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:59:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665677#5191040 http://www.chow.com/topics/666389#5191012 Restaurante Atarazana in Calle Dos de Mayo (near the bullring) does tapas (and full meals) with a good modern twist on the old classics. Very good desserts too, which is not always the case in Andalucia. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:50:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666389#5191012 http://www.chow.com/topics/667538#5190973 If you want fantastic rice in Valencia, try El Tossal on Calle Quart. They don't call their dishes 'paella', and they have a very short menu, but you won't find any better rice dishes in the city. El Molinon on Calle Bolseria has fantastic tapas (try the carpaccio of horse meat, if you're bold). La Sucursal (the restaurant in the Contemporary Art Museum) is my favourite upmarket restaurant in the city. Don't know Barcelona as well but plenty of other on this board do, so get ready for suggestions. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:39:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667538#5190973 http://www.chow.com/topics/667581#5186492 Both Christmas eve and Christmas day dinners are mostly eaten at home with the family. Definitely more places will be opened for Christmas eve than Christmas day when just about every restaurant will be closed (exceptions are some hotel restaurants). I would call the restaurants that you are interested in and inquired. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:23:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667581#5186492 http://www.chow.com/topics/661051#5186462 Thanks. And I think we are staying at Los Augustinos so that may work. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:14:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661051#5186462 http://www.chow.com/topics/646657#5183718 How did your class come out? Would you recommend it? Do you have the direct link to the school? Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:30:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646657#5183718 http://www.chow.com/topics/667101#5181320 So I'm going to be In Bilbao for a day by myself and then later with some friends... saving up for Arzak in Donostia so what I'm looking for in Bilbao are a few places that have just really good local pintxos or "home cooking" type dishes (also preferably not too expensive). Suggestions? Favorites? Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:24:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667101#5181320 http://www.chow.com/topics/666143#5179761 Parigi, I am totally guilty of carrying a water bottle around with me when I was in Barcelona. But for some reason, I found myself extremely thirsty ALL THE TIME! Something about traveling left us really dehydrated. It was so strange! But we tried being discreet about it. Don't know if we succeeded... :) Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:16:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666143#5179761 http://www.chow.com/topics/665779#5178880 I would say an absolute "can't miss" for cheap eats in Madrid would be a fried calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamari) at one of the "El Brillante" locations, preferably the one near Atocha. Have one. Or three. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:42:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665779#5178880 http://www.chow.com/topics/513678#5176240 "kokotxas de bacalao en salsa verde were very good. The throat of cod, cooked very much like the classic Basque dish "bacalao al pil pil", to create that rich, gelatinous, emsulsion-sauce from the fatty fish" Yes ! We were just in San Sebastian, renting a place in the Parte Vieja. The lovely old market is practically next door. Not speaking much Spanish, we asked in a combination of French-minimal Spanish-even more minimal Basque-pantomime what the voluptuous-looking kokotxas were. Several poissonniers just pointed to their throat. We did a slow fry with it. It was very consistent and was more like stew meat. Boy, the Basques sure know about eating. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:49:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/513678#5176240 http://www.chow.com/topics/665678#5174677 I agree with your opinions on El Ravel and the Eixample. After the opening of the MACBA a few years ago, El Ravel is ever changing, becoming very gentrified, attracting mostly a young artistic crowd. New cafes and informal places to get seems to mushroom daily among the old timers such as Meson David (not recommended) and Can Luis (good menu del dia). The food may not have the cache of El Born but it is the area to find food with a fusion twists; salads and vegetarian everywhere. During the day, it is a great place for people watching with young/hip mingling with the old timers and people of Middle Eastern decent as well as Asians. Thank goodness places such as Can Luis, Man I Teca, Anima are still there and also Kasparo, Baraka and Tres Tombs. There is even a Camper hotel. My feeling for the Eixample is similar to yours. Because of the shops, beautiful architecture and bustling atmosphere, it is a wonderful area to stroll during the day. At night with the shops shuttered and except for the beautifully lit Pg de Gracia, much is the area is dark and deserted. I can't remember the number of times that I’ve had to make the tiring and tedious walk at night to some of my favorite places: Taktika Berri, Ciutat Condal, Paco Meralgo, Sauc, Coure. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:53:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665678#5174677 http://www.chow.com/topics/662343#5169933 Thanks Haters, I'll look out for that cookbook and I'm hearing more and more about this mojo sauce, so I'm really eager to try it. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:26:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662343#5169933 http://www.chow.com/topics/665707#5169711 Big thumbs up on Calle Laurel in Logrono. Expect lots of people on the street (I think it is closed off to traffic) and lots of fun. Haven't been there in over five years, but remember all the restaurants had very reasonably priced menus del dia. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:14:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665707#5169711 http://www.chow.com/topics/665770#5166733 Dear Barça mavens, We are returning to Barcelona for xmas-new year and need your lumière; - which market? We will be staying in the Born. Of course the Boqueria is a must, it is our Hadj. But we have also visited the Santa Caterina market several times and liked its fares and its less frentic atmosphere. And it is of course nearer for us. How do you compare the two? - which dishes? Could you recommend some winter specialties and recipes? We love to cook. On our holiday, our top thrill is to get local seasonal specialties and cook at home. Relatively simple recipes of course. After all it is our holiday we do not want to spend all day in the kitchen. We are very keen to try some fideu dishes and some razor clam dishes. - Other tips? Merci for sharing… Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:14:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665770#5166733 http://www.chow.com/topics/319543#5166639 Barcelona is a good place to do new years eve, you can find what to do and where to go here: http://www.apartime.com/barcelona-events-and-fiestas/new-years-in-barcelona.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:27:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/319543#5166639 http://www.chow.com/topics/663983#5165572 Those chipirones at Cal Pep have been calling my name ! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:05:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663983#5165572 http://www.chow.com/topics/663608#5163728 I don't get the "West coast" bit... There is no coast between Madrid and Lisbon that I know of. You want to take the A5 via Oropesa, Trujillo and Merida , Vila Viçosa, Estremoz and Evora (all historical towns, and well worth a visit!). Monsaraz, agreed, is also very nice if you have time, and there are plenty of wineries around there. The food is generally simple (black pig, kid or lamb stews, quite a lot of game) and best in the small restaurants (called tascas in Portugal). All the towns I mention have a Parador or a Pousada (the Portuguese equivalent) in a prominent castle / convent so check them first on the net as prices can be surprisingly cheap. Otherwise, go on www.booking.com they cover a lot of hotels in all categories, and have cheap prices! Lots of good advice also on www.tripadvisor.com if oyu search for these towns. I support Sesimbra, but you also want to take teh coast road from Lisbon to Cascais and beyond to Guincho. Avoid commuting hours unless you have a death wish, and beware of expensive restaurants in that area (but there are also some cheap ones...) Have fun! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:45:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663608#5163728 http://www.chow.com/topics/654323#5158907 Here are a couple of links: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/585898 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/593931 Personally, I wouldn't receommend some of the places I see in this post. In my opinion, you should try to steer clear of restaurants with English names or those serving non-Spanish food. There is such a wealth of options that you shouldn't waste your time if you are only there for a week. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:10:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654323#5158907 http://www.chow.com/topics/427280#5156644 SotoLive has information and reviews on all the best restaurants, bars, clubs etc in the Sotogrande area as well as the latest events. www.sotolive.com Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:48:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/427280#5156644 http://www.chow.com/topics/415969#5156641 SotoLive has information and reviews on all the best restaurants, bars, clubs etc in the Sotogrande area as well as the latest events. www.sotolive.com Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:47:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/415969#5156641 http://www.chow.com/topics/664292#5151244 Anyone know of good culinary arts schools in Spain? Other than Cordon Bleu? I've heard a bit about IEdeG, but unclear to what extent it is a culinary degree program, if at all... Anywho let me know if you know something, thanks. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:08:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664292#5151244 http://www.chow.com/topics/664229#5150509 we´ll be going on a monday if thats any help Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:24:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664229#5150509 http://www.chow.com/topics/640030#5149368 Really wish I had seen your question earlier - we spend a lot of time at http://www.alto-club.com in alvor directly between Lagos and Portimao - its a stop off on the "linea algarve" the train line that runs from faro along the coast. In my opinion this area has some of the best seafood resteraunts you are likely to come across - fresh fish barbequed - fantastic!. Also monchique is close by with resteraunts serving local produce we had plum and wild boar stew which was amazing. Also inland the prices are more reasonable. where did you choose in the end - and where did you eat? Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:43:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/640030#5149368 http://www.chow.com/topics/659499#5148261 FWIW, with the great Metro system in Madrid, virtually everything is within walking distance. The only place I had paella in Madrid was Paella Real, near the Opera metro stop, and it was great. Any time you can get decent paella in Madrid, you should consider it a coup, since Madrid is not really the place for paella. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:53:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659499#5148261 http://www.chow.com/topics/662590#5148247 In order to enjoy Andalucia a bit more, we are considering spending a week there, and skipping Valencia altogether this trip. In which case we would spend the first night in Malaga, the next day and night in Malaga recuperating from the trip, the next day in Ronda with the night in the Ronda Parador, the next two days in Granada but sleeping at the Antequera parador, then up toward Sevilla with perhaps a stop in Jerez on the way, that night in the Carmona parador, the next day in Sevilla with another night in the parador, then a morning flight from Sevilla to Marrakech. Two nights in Marrakech, two nights in San Sebastian, with the final four days of the trip in Madrid. Thanks for the help with Seville and Ronda. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:08:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662590#5148247 http://www.chow.com/topics/585898#5146734 There are many recommendations on this particular thread on Madrid; just read some of the above. Also search other posts on this board. Neighborhoods in the center for tapas: Latina, Huertas and around Pl. Jesus, Chueca, Lavapies, area just east of the Parque del Retiro. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:46:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585898#5146734 http://www.chow.com/topics/663829#5146279 Having been in Madrid for two months now, we decided to branch out into Indian food. Having heard there were decent places on Lavapies, all of which were crowded, we chose one (do not remember name, was #42). Alas, my rule on never going to a restaurant that needs a hooker (male bringing you into restaurant, not someone with a short skirt who is working) remains correct. Horrible. Even the onion bajee (bazee) was terrible. And bland, would have been an embarassment in the American midwest. So, since I still am interested in sometimes eating other than Italian or Spanish, does anyone have any specific recommendations for Moroccan (seems like it would be the best choice) or some Asian (non-Japanese, they are easy to find) resto near the center. Presumably Lavapies is the right barrio, but my experience last night scares me. Gracias Neal Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:18:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663829#5146279 http://www.chow.com/topics/663122#5144024 Very little of even mediocre quality in Gibraltar. Suggest you track down a British holiday site for any recommendations, although most of us would tend to think it's a charmless place and tend only to visit for the day when we're staying on the Costa. Algeciras - just across the border into Spain, is an industrial town and has even less charm. Assuming you're driving from Gibraltar to Malaga and need food, I'd suggest a stop at Estepona which is probably the least touristy town along the coast (head for the main square, not the marina). Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:04:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663122#5144024 http://www.chow.com/topics/662618#5138528 Thanks so much for the recommendations, Jenny15X! Just checked online, and veg paella is on both menus. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:44:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662618#5138528 http://www.chow.com/topics/549692#5134611 I know it my be a little late now, but for upcoming Madrid visits you can count on us. We are starting off a supperclub in Madrid. At this pint we are teaching sushi, hosting Spanish Wine and CHeese tastings, Spanish cooking and dinner, tapas tours, etc.. Our info: www.gastromaniac.blogspot.com www.madridtapastours.blogspot.com Regards, GASTROMANIAC Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:02:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/549692#5134611 http://www.chow.com/topics/660995#5134363 Had a really great menu del dia at Museo Thyssen. 14.90 Euros. Recommended - nice atmosphere, huge portions, and well-prepared food. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:52:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660995#5134363 http://www.chow.com/topics/662539#5132965 That about sums it up! Any price range, any location. TIA Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:44:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662539#5132965 http://www.chow.com/topics/657453#5129352 One place that has good (not too adventurous) food, nice setting and within walking distance from you is Set Portes. It is not a tourist trap. No one speaks English. How's your Spanish/Catalan/French? It is not at all Basque. It is Catalan. If you want a Basque place, the Euskal Etxea has a restaurant section that my friends like, but I myself have only had pintxos - excellent - at the bar. The Euskal Etxea is on Montcada, the same street as the Picasso museum, in the Born, - again, walking distance from you. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:53:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657453#5129352