We’re looking for interns!

Write your way into being a local Madrid expert!!!!!!!!!!

MAPMagazine.com, Madrid’s #1 English-language online guide for locals and tourists, is seeking Madrid-based interns and contributors to provide Restaurant Reviews, Bar Reviews, Nightlife Reviews, and Feature Articles. Our site is both a comprehensive guide for tourists and a great resource for locals interested in Madrid events – anything from what’s going on at the most popular flamenco clubs to concerts at the most underground rock dives.

If you have drive, stamina, and want to make contacts as a MAP writer, shoot us an email. You must be dedicated, dynamic, and perhaps a little nuts. We drop flaky interns like a burning paper bag of feces and reward the great ones with glowing recommendation letters.

If you’re a power player, we will recognize that with references. Our former volunteer contributors and interns have moved on to working for premiere media outlets (AP, MTV, etc). Some have even gotten paid gigs writing Madrid guides – we’re willing to give you the opportunity to prove yourself and build a portfolio.

As for the veteran journalists out there reading this – sorry, we can’t afford to pay anyone. We recognize the value of what you do and would pay you if we could. Our opportunity is mainly for young journalists looking to make a start.

As MAPMagazine.com recently partnered with the Toronto-based Planet Eye, interns and contributors will have their content published across the Planet Eye network as well. Photographers, journalists, and creative writers are all encouraged to apply. As mentioned, we cannot offer cash payment at this point, but interns and contributors can receive perks in the form of access to clubs, concerts, reference letters, and other “freebies.”

Please send a resume and portfolio sample to business (at) mapmagazine (dot) com.

Thank You.

www.mapmagazine.com

New MAP Magazine launches!

Dear MAPistas,

I’m Phillip Stark the founder of MAPMagazine.com. Today, I’m very pleased to announce the launch of MAPMagazine.com in partnership with PlanetEye.

Originally a Microsoft Research project, PlanetEye was started in 2006 by a group of Toronto entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to use what was then the Worldwide Media eXchange project to create advanced interactive visualizations of large volumes of digital media using map interfaces.

Throughout the years their technology has continued to evolve to support all kinds of media, and their focus on the travel space has led to one of the most complete databases of points of interest in the tourism industry.

With the broad scope of travel information available on the web, PlanetEye’s ability to organize snippets of information found on different sources using geolocation information provides a new way to browse and explore destinations. One particularly important aspect of their operation is their extensive network of bloggers, both on staff and independents that continuously create editorial content to go side by side with their database or points of interest.

Over the past couple of years their focus has been on bringing the content from blogs into their database but now, through partners like Map Magazine there is a great opportunity to display relevant snippets of information alongside blog content, creating actionable links that give the reader the ability to book, reserve, and explore anything mentioned in the article.

I want to thank Jonah, Juan, and PlanetEye who helped put this all together. They evaluated the high value of our content– and recognized our problem as being the technology supporting it. But as the saying goes, times are a’changin.’ From this day forward, MAPMagazine.com will be hosted and technically supported by Planet Eye – which is a quick thing to say but has massive implications. The MAPMagazine.com – Planet Eye partnership will result in cutting-edge tools, exponential traffic growth, and much more. However, as we are upgrading old technologies to the new system, there will probably be bugs so please bear with us while we navigate through this new transition.

MAPMagazine.com began in 2005 with the intention to fill a gap in the market, as there was not (and still is not) any other quality online resource for Madrid events attractions in English. While the idea was solid, I learned the hard way that execution is everything; at the time, I barely knew how to write a link in html! Being a newbie to online business and technology, the project suffered many setbacks and overhauls. The journey has been tough – and there is still a long road ahead of us (though hopefully it will be a much smoother ride from now on).

I want to thank the following people for bringing MAP to where it is today: Mary Cuddehe- the first MAP editor; Elizabeth Gorman who flew here from New York on a heartbeat after reading my craigslist ad; and Andrew Poole who stuck with me until his last nickel. All of these people, like me, worked for free. Speaking of unpaid labor, I want to thank all of the writers and interns who donated their time; however, I’m afraid I might leave a person out if I try to list everyone who has supported the project since 2005, so let me just say THANK YOU –you know who you are. If you catch me at a bar, be sure to remind me and you’ll get a caña out of it.

Our current editor Cynthia Blair Kane will be adding new articles, events, and turning MAP Magazine into an even higher quality online resource for Madrid events and attractions. She received her BA from Bard College and MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. She worked with Michael Gross, New York Times best-selling author, on 740 Park: The Story of the World’s Richest Apartment Building and Rogues Gallery. She is the former Senior Editor of two literary magazines, A Gathering of the Tribes and Lumina, and the former Marketing Director for Barbara Probst Solomon’s literary magazine, The Reading Room. She is a regular blogger for the Jerusalem Post, and a Savvy Auntie Expert on www.savvyauntie.com.

Her writing has appeared in: Recessionwire (www.recessionwire.com), VegNews magazine, Pregnancy magazine, Yoga Journal, Bridal Guide Magazine, The Independent, InMadrid, and more. Her short story “Curly” appeared in the anthology Submerged: Tales from the Basin (2008). She has also written two novels, and is currently writing a hiking guide about the Community of Madrid.

Finally, there is one last bit of information we want to throw out there – we don’t like our logo!!! If you have a good idea, let us know. We can’t offer cash at the moment, but for a young designer still in school – it would probably make a good portfolio sample. Also, we’re always looking for writers, photographers, video bloggers, and interns. Feel free to contact us.
Well, I guess that’s it. Welcome to the new MAPMagazine.com.

Phillip Stark
Director
MAPMagazine.com
business (at) mapmagazine (dot) com

MAP NEWS – Summer hits Madrid! Chinese restaurants in Madrid, La Latina, Huertas, gyms in Madrid, and more.

Hey Mapistas!

With summer at our doorstep, MAP Magazine is back in action with the latest reviews and features, covering Madrid businesses, activities, and more! It’s been awhile since our last newsletter, but of course this is a “labor de amor.”  I’ve been busy with our production company RedHill Media (www.redhillmedia.com), while Cynthia has been writing non-stop for a bunch of other projects. But no worries,  we are on track for the summer and should have some exciting news as well for all of you soon!

Here are some of our latest articles!

Need to get in shape for those municipal pools? Hit the gym!

Gyms in Madrid are popping up all over the city, which makes it difficult to actually find one! MAP has walked the streets, talked the talked, and asked the right questions to give you a round up of some of the most popular gyms in the city. So no more excuses, it’s time to get fit!

Nothing like summer nights down in La Latina. Get your grub on at Taberna el Tempranillo:

Looking for a tapas restaurant in Madrid that serves up spectacular plates at an inexpensive price? Then head over to Taberna el Tempranillo in La Latina. Here you’ll find raciones at a good price, and a buzzing crowd with smiles on their faces.

In to cheap food and big portions? Head on over to Huertas!:

Budget restaurants in Madrid that offer a lively atmosphere and good food are hard to find. So why not check out II Piccolino della Farfalla on Huertas, which offers vegetarian options, pizza, Spanish meats, and much more! Here you’ll have a wonderful meal at a low price. They also have menus in English!…

Ready to don some new summer duds?

Vintage handmade clothing is what you’ll find at Divina Providencia on Calle Fuencarral in Madrid. The offerings here are truly unique, and the staff is incredibly helpful, and friendly. Definitely check out the store, and website, to see why this store is one of the most talked about shops in the city.

Sick of tapas? Check out our review of Chinese Restaurants In Madrid:

Chinese restaurants in Madrid are making life easier for many locals. Why? Because they off take out! When you feel like staying in and watching a movie, take out is a great option. Check out some of the Chinese restaurants we recommend if you’re looking to stay in and eat!

That’s all for now Mapistas. Please send your questions, comments, concerns, ramblings, recommendations, and more to me at business@mapmagazine.com

Ciao for now!

Phillip Stark & Cynthia Kane
www.mapmagazine.com

MAP NEWS! Best wine, seafood, and restaurants in Madrid

Hey MAPISTAS!

Welcome to another MAPMagazine.com newsletter! We’ve been doing a lot of eating lately – and a lot more drinking.  However, we were able to sit still long enough to write the reviews below. Enjoy!

*WINE TASTINGS in Madrid, or catas de vino, are a great way to learn about different kinds of wine. From the taste to the texture the classes offered below will help you decipher even the rarest variety of grape. We even threw in a great place for cheese tastings just for kicks!

*BEST SANGRIA BAR in Madrid that’s a hidden treasure is Cuevas de Sesamo. The bar is a cave bar; the entire establishment is underground. With live piano music and tasty sangria, Cuevas de Sesamo is a wonderful to go with a group of friends to relax and be jolly.

*BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT in Madrid if you’re looking for a quick and cheap bite is Colorado Express. The establishment is a great place to go if you’re looking to grab something to eat before catching a movie at the nearby cinema.

*MEXICAN RESTAURANT in Madrid that has the best atmosphere and margaritas is Barriga Llena. The colors and friendly wait staff will turn any sad day into a happy one!

*PERUVIAN RESTAURANT in Madrid that serves up classic dishes is D’Valeria. For a night of traditional Peruvian dishes this a wonderful place to go. And if you’ve never tried this type of cuisine before, the waiters are keen to help with any questions you may have.

*For a ROMANTIC DINNER in Madrid go to La Fragua de Sebin. Here you’ll find a calm establishment that offers beautiful dishes and great service. During the summer and spring they also have a terraza that overlooks La Plaza del Dos De Mayo.

*SEAFOOD RESTAURANT in Madrid that serves up authentic Galician style dishes is Ribeira Do Miño. If you’re craving lobster, crab, crayfish, or shrimp then this is definitely the place to go.

Todo lo mejor!

Phillip Stark & Cynthia Kane
www.MAPMagazine.com

MAP NEWSLETTER

Hello MAPISTAS!

Welcome to another MAPMagazine.com newsletter!!!

Last weekend, we hit some awesome places in Madrid we think you should definitely check out. For starters, yhe MAP crew began the night at La Pequeña Bety In Chueca watching two electrifying garage rock bands. They’re getting known for this sort of thing,  so screw your Pilates class and get your twist on:

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Restaurant-and-Live-Music-Venue-in-Madrid-La-Pequena-Bety/

As the night raged on and most of the bars starting closing, we headed out to an after-hours bar just off of Gran Via with no entrance fee. I don’t remember much, but I have the general sensation that it was a good time….

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Clubs-in-Madrid-Club-Demode/

Oh!  You wanna hear about food, right? Well okay, here’s this weeks’s grub reviews:

*Javier Bardem’s family run tapas bar and restaurant is La Bardemcilla. With yellow walls and a relaxed vibe, this establishment draws many locals and is always packed.

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Best-Tapas-Restaurants-in-Madrid-La-Bardemcilla/

*Madrid tapas and wine restaurant Entretapas y Vinos is a great place to go if you’re in the mood to relax with a glass of wine, or for something to munch on. The staff is nice, and the food is great!

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Best-Tapas-Restaurants-in-Madrid-Entretapas-y-Vinos/

*Scandinavian bar and restaurant in Madrid that’s chic, trendy, and draws an A list crowd is Olsen Bar. Here you’ll find a variety of Vodka, and Northern European cuisine.

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Best-Bars-in-Madrid-Olsen-Restaurant-and-Bar/

*Italian restaurant in Madrid that serves up tasty dishes in a classy space is Nina. Located in Malasana, the restaurant is a favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to make a reservation as the place is always packed.

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Best-Restaurants-in-Madrid-Nina/

Already, now that the grubs been covered, here two some recommended events for the week:

1)    Arco – one of the world’s top art fairs comes to Madrid!

http://mapmagazine.com/blogs/arco-comes-to-ifema

2)    Kings of Leon in Madrid on Sunday! If you don´t know about these guys, might as well go back to Mars: http://www.mapmagazine.com/blogs/kings-of-leon-concert-in-madrid-this-sunday-feb-15-/

Well that’s all for now! See ya next week!

Love,

Phil Stark & Cynthia Kane
MAPMagazine.com