02 Thursday Feb 2017
So… I loved this place. One of Madrid’s coolest new cocktail bars. Even though I’m not so big on cocktails, or alcoholic drinks other than wine. But during my last Madrid Getaway I ended up stopping in here two days in a row, early evening, for a cocktail. And it was lovely. Great ambiance, friendly staff, tasty drinks… looking forward to the opening party of their sister bar here in Sevilla in the Mercer Hotel.
21 Saturday Jan 2017
Posted in friends, getaways, madrid, markets, spain, tapas bars, twitter, twitter friends
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This was absolutely the highlight of my Madrid Getaway… FINALLY getting to meet Lee @sheleebeelee! We’ve known each other for years, meeting first (I think) on Twitter, via our mutual pal @raincoaster. Since then we have stayed in touch via Facebook though, for some duh reason, I forgot to get in touch during my summer 2014 Madrid visit. So when I went back last July I was looking forward to getting together. Unfortunately Lee was having some serious health problems, and I wasn’t able to see her.
This time, although still undergoing treatment and recovery, she was well enough to meet up on my final afternoon in Madrid. I popped over to her apartment after checking out of mine, left my bag there and visited for awhile with Lee and the charming Toni (her lovely golden cat). Then I went for a stroll through nearby Antón Martín market before meeting Lee again and going out to Tandem (another spot I didn’t manage to get to last summer).
Lunch, as you can see, was amazing. But the company was even better and the time flew by far too quickly. By 5 pm I was back on the AVE heading home to Sevilla (and an evening tapas tour!), and feeling ever so thankful that the internets had brought Lee and I together. Hope to see you again soon, sister! xx
20 Friday Jan 2017
Posted in food & drink, friends, gastronomy, getaways
Graeme, Peter & Andrew
Where would I be without Twitter? After finally meeting Andrew @undertheflor on our first night in Madrid, we also got to see Graeme @graeme_SoW, who I first met during a social web conference here in Sevilla back in 2010. Andrew had arranged a special lunch at one of his favourite spots, Territorio ERA, in the newly renovated Barceló Market. And then one of my favourite things happened… chef and co-owner David just brought us food – delicious dishes, all paired with fabulous sherries. Didn’t have to think about or decide anything. It was wonderful. Great company too.
18 Wednesday Jan 2017
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It was great to finally meet Andrew (aka @undertheflor) a fellow sherry lover and long time Twitter pal. And so of course we had to meet at one of Madrid’s coolest sherry bars, Palo Cortado. It was like meeting up with an old friend. Andrew suggested a couple of fab sherries for us to try before heading off and promising to meet up again before we left.
17 Tuesday Jan 2017
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My second favourite train station in Spain (after the prettily tiled Jerez station) is Atocha in Madrid, with its fabulous tropical gardens under a soaring arched ceiling. We arrived in town at 12.30, with just enough time for a quick beer before getting to our apartment in Plaza Angel.
So of course we also had to have a famous calamar butty at Bar El Brilliante, across the street from Atocha. It was Peter’s first time there and he loved it. Then we headed off to the apartment.
It was in a great location, very clean and quiet. Only one bedroom, but the sofa bed was comfy enough for the two nights Peter was there. So we were off to a good start on this year’s first Madrid Getaway.
casa azahar 