Madrid
(AS SEEN IN EPISODE 101, “Tilting Windmills in Castilla la Mancha,” EPISODE 112, “Pure Paella” AND EPISODE 113, “Madrid and the End of the Road”)
Madrid, one of Spain's smaller autonomous communities, is best known for the country’s capital city, which bears the same name. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Madrid is a major European economic, political, and cultural center. It’s home to El Prado, the major museum that houses most of Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco’s best works. It’s also home to callos (stewed tripe), cocido (a chickpea-based stew), and huevos estrellados (the funky dish of French fries and fried eggs served at Casa Lucio). Madrid is also where Mario lived with his family during high school, where he developed his close relationship to Spanish food, history, and culture.
RESTAURANTS
Casa Lucio
This restaurant is a celebrity hotspot and is frequented by the King of Spain. Gwyneth, Mario, Mark, and Claudia ate here before setting out on their road trip.
Practical Information: Cava Baja 35, Madrid, +34.913653252, www.casalucio.es
La Bola
Located in the historic downtown area of Madrid, Mario and Mark went here after a long night out and enjoyed traditional cocido Madrileño (the perfect hangover cure).
Practical Information: Calle La Bola 5, 28013 Madrid, +34.915417164, www.labola.es
Sergi Arola Gastro
This restaurant was the backdrop for the Iron Chef competition and is one of Madrid’s newest and highly-acclaimed restaurants.
Practical Information: Calle Zurbano, 31, Madrid, +34.913087240, www.sergiarola.es
HOTELS
Hotel AC Santa Mauro
Conveniently located, this beautiful, luxurious hotel is a short distance from most of Madrid’s historic and popular sites. It’s where the Spain... on the road Again press conference was held.
Practical Information: Calle Zurbano 36, Madrid, +34.913196900 www.ac-hotels.com
Hotel de las Letras
Situated in a nineteenth century townhouse near the Puerta del Sol, Hotel de las Letras is as charming as it is comfortable.
Practical Information: Gran Vía 11, Madrid, +34.915237980, www.hoteldelasletras.com
ATTRACTIONS
El Prado Museum, where Gwyneth, Mario, and Mark were joined by renowned chef Ferran Adriá to discuss paintings and the relationship between food and art.
Practical Information: www.museodelprado.es/index.php?id=50
La Reina Sofia Museum, where you can see Picasso’s ‘Guernica.’
Practical Information: www.museoreinasofia.es/museoreinasofia/live/index_en.html
El Matadero, the slaughterhouse that has been transformed into a cultural center, where Mario, Mark and Claudia toured an exhibition.
Practical Information: www.mataderomadrid.com
La Caixa Forum, a cultural center well-known for its exterior ‘vertical garden’ designed by Patrick Blanc.
Practical Information: http://www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com and http://www3.lacaixa.es/caixaforum/cat/flash/index_antiga.htm
Bar Chicote, the popular nighttime destination where Mario, Mark and Claudia enjoyed a night on the town.
Practical Information: www.museo-chicote.com
Real Madrid Stadium, Madrid’s fútbol team that Mario and Claudia cheered for in their hometown stadium.
Practical Information: www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/Home