Saturday Night
We tried to stay awake as late as possible, and this was helped by the fact that we did take a couple of naps. But we figured it would be OK because the Madrilaños eat dinner so late we would grab a bite to eat at about 9:00 PM.
We walked over to the Opera, and the Plaza de Opera directly to its east. It was a beautiful evening with people lounging in the area, lovers kissing, accordionists accordioning, and in general everyone just relaxing. No more Fútbolista, thank goodness! There were several cafés right in the plaza, but we wanted to hold out for better food. Our friend Alex Jordan (who lives in Madrid) recommended a place on this plaza – the Café de Oriente, (but inside, not outside) so we tried that. Alas, it was not to be! They were full (This was, by now about 10:00 PM) We gave plenty of thought to the plaza cafés, but figured we would have time to eat in those types of places over the next week. So we held out for a nicer place.
We had seen some restaurants on the walk over from our apartment (which is on the Plaza San Nicolas) and decided to try our luck at a nice looking place called Del Norte. East, North, there couldn’t be TOO much difference! So we walked up and were graciously greeted. They had tables, but only inside. That was fine by us, and they seated us by a very queit Australian couple (Oddly enough, we have seen beaucoups of Ozzies on this trip. I have no real idea why. Is it spring break there or something?)
The hostess noticed us speaking English and brought us menus that had an English translation. This was very nice of her and made it much easier for us to order. We started with a nice little glass of dry sherry, and looked at the menus.
The menus had a plethora of options, and we would have ordered one of everything (except for the rabbit) if we could. We ended up with one appetizer – a Tortilla with Hongos and Gambos, or Mushrooms and Shrimps with Truffle Oil. I ordered a nice Rijoa Crianza red wine to go with dinner, and they brought it at the same time as the Tortilla. (In Spain a Tortilla is like an omelet) The server (as distinct from the waiter) served us (since we had split this, she divvied it up onto two plates) and gave Doreen all the shrimp and me all the mushrooms. We each ate half of our treat and swapped. I think I liked the mushroom half better.
For our main course I had ordered veal cheeks with a potato and carrot puree, and Doreen had ordered what was described as “Spring Lamb” on the English part of the menu, but the Spanish side had described as “Cabrito” or baby goat. She would have been happy with either one, but happier if it DID turn out to be goat.
And goat it was indeed. It was roasted to perfection with a nice crispy skin and a meat that would melt in your mouth. It was accompanied by a cherry sauce and a green salad. The cheeks, too were outstanding. Very tender (veal don’t chew much) and the thick puree of carrots and potatoes were an earthy accompaniment to the rich meat.
The wine was a delightful Temparillo Rioja. Dry and bold, it developed nicely in the glass throughout the evening. We lingered over our glasses as we discussed dessert, and decided on a poppy seed cake and a “tocino de cielo” or heavenly bacon custard. Both were OK, but didn’t really live up to the rest of the meal.
By now it was about 12:30, and we walked the very short two blocks back to the apartment and tumbled into bed.
We walked over to the Opera, and the Plaza de Opera directly to its east. It was a beautiful evening with people lounging in the area, lovers kissing, accordionists accordioning, and in general everyone just relaxing. No more Fútbolista, thank goodness! There were several cafés right in the plaza, but we wanted to hold out for better food. Our friend Alex Jordan (who lives in Madrid) recommended a place on this plaza – the Café de Oriente, (but inside, not outside) so we tried that. Alas, it was not to be! They were full (This was, by now about 10:00 PM) We gave plenty of thought to the plaza cafés, but figured we would have time to eat in those types of places over the next week. So we held out for a nicer place.
We had seen some restaurants on the walk over from our apartment (which is on the Plaza San Nicolas) and decided to try our luck at a nice looking place called Del Norte. East, North, there couldn’t be TOO much difference! So we walked up and were graciously greeted. They had tables, but only inside. That was fine by us, and they seated us by a very queit Australian couple (Oddly enough, we have seen beaucoups of Ozzies on this trip. I have no real idea why. Is it spring break there or something?)
The hostess noticed us speaking English and brought us menus that had an English translation. This was very nice of her and made it much easier for us to order. We started with a nice little glass of dry sherry, and looked at the menus.
The menus had a plethora of options, and we would have ordered one of everything (except for the rabbit) if we could. We ended up with one appetizer – a Tortilla with Hongos and Gambos, or Mushrooms and Shrimps with Truffle Oil. I ordered a nice Rijoa Crianza red wine to go with dinner, and they brought it at the same time as the Tortilla. (In Spain a Tortilla is like an omelet) The server (as distinct from the waiter) served us (since we had split this, she divvied it up onto two plates) and gave Doreen all the shrimp and me all the mushrooms. We each ate half of our treat and swapped. I think I liked the mushroom half better.
For our main course I had ordered veal cheeks with a potato and carrot puree, and Doreen had ordered what was described as “Spring Lamb” on the English part of the menu, but the Spanish side had described as “Cabrito” or baby goat. She would have been happy with either one, but happier if it DID turn out to be goat.
And goat it was indeed. It was roasted to perfection with a nice crispy skin and a meat that would melt in your mouth. It was accompanied by a cherry sauce and a green salad. The cheeks, too were outstanding. Very tender (veal don’t chew much) and the thick puree of carrots and potatoes were an earthy accompaniment to the rich meat.
The wine was a delightful Temparillo Rioja. Dry and bold, it developed nicely in the glass throughout the evening. We lingered over our glasses as we discussed dessert, and decided on a poppy seed cake and a “tocino de cielo” or heavenly bacon custard. Both were OK, but didn’t really live up to the rest of the meal.
By now it was about 12:30, and we walked the very short two blocks back to the apartment and tumbled into bed.
posted by Dan Piette at 12:23 PM
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