Sunday/Monday in Madrid/Barcelona
I will be travelling to Spain in Mid-Late April for 10 days (arriving & departing Barcelona but spending about half the time in each of Madrid and Barcelona).
I've done my research on the 'better/more expensive' places (e.g starred) and will eventually book 'fine dining' every 2nd night, with tapas (or similar) on the alternate nights. However, 'most' places are closed Sun/Mon and I have the option to fly back from Madrid to Barcelona on a Sun or Mon.
Any help would be appreciated on where to eat on a Monday evening in Barcelona and whether to eat on the Sunday in Madrid or Barcelona (and where). I'm mostly looking for a sit-down place (expect to spend many/most lunches in bars or similar).
My preferences are more modern than traditional, but I do welcome traditional if it's not TOO rib-sticking. In Madrid current choices are Sergi Arola and La Terrazza, and from Barcelona expect to go up to at least 1 of Can Roca and/or Sant Pau, but for the Sunday/Monday looking for more downscale (e.g Cisne Azul is already on my list for Madrid - but not on the Sunday).
In particular I plan on seeking out some suckling lamb sometime during the trip - that would definitely be an option for the Sun/Mon if someone knows a good place (but please don't restrict to that dish as I can always have it another night). And, if possible, a good wine list helps too!
Thanks for any and all guidance.
By estufarian
on Feb 23, 2010 02:36 PM
View »
Video
Hi estufarian,
I enjoyed a Sunday night dinner at the Gran Barril in Madrid last summer.
http://www.elgranbarril.com/
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623297
Permalink | Reply
Thank you. That's a great help.
Permalink | Reply
Sunday evenings is difficult in Barcelona if one is looking for a good sit down restaurant. One will have better luck with tapas/pintxos. Monday is not a problem as most restaurants are opened Monday through Saturday.
Permalink | Reply
Try an Asturiano place for Sunday night I've mentioned them many timeson this board, good if not grat Fabada La Burbuha Que Rie, inexpensive, studenty... or :Los Asturianos for a more refined take w/a good wine list
Permalink | Reply
Yes, I had noticed some of your recommendations as well. Not sure the fabada is exactly my style - but the place you mentioned with a great sherry collection seems to be definitely my style. I think sherry is vastly underrated and do hope to try some premium versions on this trip.
Permalink | Reply
Los Asturianos has more than Fabada and the cook is the Mom of the owner. A very warm if out of the way place.
Permalink | Reply
OK It's on my short list! Maybe VERY short list!
Permalink | Reply
If you do visit the new Sergi Arola restaurant, please report back. I've had many great meals when he was at La Broche, but have not yet been to the new place. I expect it will be great but have heard some mixed reviews.
Permalink | Reply
It's 'almost certain' I'll go there. Checking if there's anything more exciting with contacts in Madrid. I need to confirm my dates as well. Should know within a few days.
Permalink | Reply
Serghi Arola was 'very disappointing'. Food was competent but didn't really excite! And the 'optional wine pairing' was a disaster. From that point on I ordered by the bottle at most places and had excellent luck (or good choices) - typically paying less than half what I was charged at Sergi Arola.
Much preferred La Terrazza - and in turn preferred Ramon Freixa to both (but a close finish with La Terrazza).
Also no sign of Arola himself in the restaurant - somewhat surprising as the chef appeared at almost every other place I tried in Spain.
Permalink | Reply
Wrapping up this thread with my report.
On the Sunday ended up at Botin - Ok touristy but still the best of a reduced selection. The suckling pig was pretty good too.
For suckling lamb I ended up at Asador Tierra Aranda (recommended on another Board). It seemed authentic, but really didn't have much flavour (or texture). Very friendly and helpful, but in future I'll take my lamb a little older.
Permalink | Reply