Chic Chueca Chow and Darn Fine Disco Dancing

Take one chic and delicious café on the outskirts of Chueca by day, add an awesome underground night-club by night (Thursday to Sunday), then throw in some good lookin’ friendly staff, blend that together with music to get the toes zapping, then for the finishing touch sprinkle a dust of metrosexuality and you have one of the coolest places to discover in Madrid.

Café Oliver
Although slightly pricey as an eating establishment, Café Oliver is well worth the treat as you’re guaranteed quality comida. One of the A-Listers on the menu is the famous Sunday brunch which is sexy and oh, so citylicious. Perfect for soaking up the pain of Saturday night’s alcohol with the endless courses of top notch nosh. Imagine that hangover hunger gripping your body, then fill it with a perfect pastry, eggs benedict, fresh fruit salad or cheeseburger (among other options), wash it down with some coffee and fruit juice and I guarantee that you´ll be joining another Oliver in asking “Please sir, can I have some more?”

Main dishes will set you back about 20 euros so  I wouldn´t recommend this as your daily dining option, but certainly get yourself over to Café Oliver at least once a season to enjoy a belly-filling beauty of a meal. Don’t worry if you don’t get to try everything on the menu the first time around, this place is a fixture so you’ll have plenty of opportunities and special occasions to come back.

The Velvet Room
Now the delights of Café Oliver are nothing to be pushed into a corner, but come the weekend the shadows take over and the chic café environment slips into the background with the ease and grace of the Opera´s Phantom. And what emerges from the darkness is the inviting sound of the clandestine underground. On a Thursday to Sunday evening, you´ll arrive at the corner of C/Almirante and C/Barquillo thinking that the place is closed with nothing going on, and yet you´ll be met by a friendly bouncer inviting you in to the very dimly lit café. Once inside, head to the back where the music beckons and follow Alice´s lead into the rabbit’s hole below… Though if you fancy a chilled drink then the upstairs café bar is open, serving a full range of copas and cocktails. Also, upstairs is perfect to come up for a breather  once you’ve ventured to the depths below and worked up a sweat.

On descending the spiral staircase you enter into The Velvet Room: an intimate affair with a disco power that Donna Summer would find hard to avoid. The lit up dancefloor is my personal favourite and with fun music and a crowd that holds a host of new friends, you´ll be dancing til the sun comes up.

One tip: head to Velvet when you´re being kicked out of the other bars about 3 .a.m, because this is when the place kicks into gear and gives Lewis Hamilton a run for his money. Also, the DJ changes at 4 a.m. and then the tunes are cranked up further and it’s non-stop anthems all the way. The music is generally vocal house, commercial dance and disco tunes, giving the perfect mixture of fun beats you can sing along with.  The atmosphere is also one of the only genuinely ‘mixed’ surroundings I have experienced where straights and gays seem to fit hand-in- hand. So head to Velvet for some fun times, you won’t regret it.

Café Oliver
C/Almirante,12 (on the corner with C/Barquillo)
Tel: 915 217 379
Metro: Chueca
Horas: Mon-Sun Lunch 13:30 p.m. -16:30 p.m. , Mon-Fri Dinner 21:00 p.m.-00:00 a.m., Sat & Sun Dinner 21:00 p.m. -01:00 a.m., Sunday Brunch 11:30 a.m. -16:00 p.m.
Plato: 16-20 euros

The Velvet Room
C/Almirante,12 (on the corner with C/Barquillo)
Metro: Chueca
Horas: Thurs, Fri, Sat 23:00 p.m. – 06:00 a.m. , Sun 23:00 p.m. – 05:30 a.m.
Entry: 12 euros
Beverage: 8 euros
By  Tom  Burgess

Madrid Restaurants: Cheap Greek at La Taberna Griega

Many restaurants in Madrid combine chic looks with cheap food as a way of attracting customers. Places like the Asian food franchise Wagaboo, for instance, are designed to be easy on the eyes as well as on the wallet with affordable food and Ikea furniture that looks classy (but isn’t). Then you have the much more usual traditional restaurants and taverns—you know, the ones with white floors, neon signs, worn out bar stools and hanging televisions featuring telenovelas and football games. Some of these are well kept while others are baptized with the very Spanish concept of being cutre, the word to describe places that are rundown, cheap and hopelessly picturesque because of it. Taberna Griega isn’t a cutre place, but it definitely falls into the traditional tavern category. It’s as plain as it is simple—I mean, they didn’t even bother coming up with another name other than just Taberna Griega—but man oh man, the food is amazing.

The restaurant has been located on calle Juan de Urbieta for the last five years, offering a cheap tavern in the front and a series of tables for actual dining in the back. It has since then won over more than a few local residents—most spend time around the bar—and business is going good according to its grateful Greek owners. Far as I can see the secret to their success comes from two things: cheap beer and great food. Greek beer is 2.30 euros and 5.00 euros for half a liter, while all the dishes are less that 10 euros. The place offers all kinds of Greek plates made from the freshest ingredients and there is variety for all tastes, whether you are a meat lusting predator or strict vegetarian. This being Greek, the dishes contain elements from both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine; the star ingredients are Mediterranean style meat and rice, white cheeses, yogurts and nut and honey based desserts. There is (of course) a large selection of gyros to choose from, with the most expensive one—the killer double gyro with tzatziki sauce and cheese—costing no more than 6.50 euros. There are also hamburgers and rolled pizzas available for a similar price which, although also good, should perhaps be substituted by more traditional Greek specialties: say a tasty serving of musakas, a chopped meat pie with eggplant and béchamel sauce, or the succulent tomatoes and peppers stuffed with meat and rice that go by the name of gemista.

One great thing about this place is that you have the option to order by portions and thus eat from a large selection of flavors, a sort of Greek tapas if you will. Don’t miss the hummus and melitzanosalata rations (3.90 euros each), which go very well with pita bread or pretty much any part of your meal. The second ration refers to a sauce made from eggplant and olive oil (known usually in the West as babaganoush) that is irresistible. Another good serving to share or to just gobble up yourself are dolmadakias (7.00 euros). These treats are those stuffed vegetable dishes commonly seen across the Middle East, in this case they are vine leaves drenched in lemon and olive oil filled with rice and chopped dills. Don’t get too caught up in the main dishes though because the desserts are well worth a try. There is the traditional yogurt with nuts and honey, and we all know the reputation Greek yogurts have around the world. Happily enough there is also a strong Middle Eastern influence in this section as well, so baklavas and halvahs (3.00 euros each) are offered as well. The first is a sticky and sweet pastry that contains nuts, pistachios and honey, while halvah is a sort of bland turron that is as tasty as it is filling. So procrastinate no more and take advantage of Madrid’s large range of international cooking! Come by or get a delivery order from this cheap and healthy tavern that offers the best in Greek food; you won’t be disappointed.

Taberna Griega
91 434 89 19
Calle Juan de Urbieta 6
Metro: Pacifico or Menendez Pelayo
Open from 13:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. and 20:00 p.m. to 24:00 a.m. (the bar is usually open till 1:30 a.m.)

By  Daniel Sznajderman

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Nutella Filled Crepes, Cakes and Fondue in Madrid

L´art Creperie isn´t much to look at. Contrary to what its name may suggest, it does not look like a French restaurant or chic creperie—at most its a traditional Spanish tavern that barely bothers to put a few pictures of Paris on its walls. What it does have is a good location, low prices and a very long list of dishes to order from. In here you can eat from the normal menu or the run of the mill fixed priced menu, usually present in other restaurants. But you also have a wide variety of sweet and salty crepes to choose from as well as other dishes like fondue and tea selections that are hard to find in Madrid.

The normal Spanish food is good and varied, and for an 8.90 euros fixed menu that includes bread, a drink and dessert it´s not at all a bad idea. Starter options are usually green salad, asparagus soup, pasta with meatballs or tuna salad and main dishes include roast beef with fries, stuffed chicken or a crepe of your choice. Yet if you do make it to the L´art Creperie perhaps it´s better to use the occasion to gorge on rarer dishes like, say, the Miami Crepe: meat, cheese, ham, peppers and tomatoes wrapped in a huge crepe. There is also the Italian crepe that has ham, cheese, eggs and tomatoes, while other combinations have egg, spinach and ham or spinach and chicken. Present everywhere in Switzerland but as far as I know a rarity in Spain is fondues, and here you can get both a cheese and meat one for 16 and 18 euros for two people, respectively.

The real variety, however, comes when you enter the sweet crepes section. Crepes with sugar; nutella; white chocolate; dark chocolate; sugar and honey; marmalade; chocolate, cream and nuts; banana split…! Mouth watering yet? Think about the Jamaican crepe—a mix of ice cream, pineapple and Grand Marnier liqueur—the Viennese with sugar, chocolate, nuts and cream, or the Brazilian crepe that comes with vanilla ice cream, nuts and fruit. All the salty crepes cost between 5.00 and 7.00 euros, while the sweet ones are placed between 4.00 and 6.00 euros depending on your level of gluttony. You would think the chocolaty obsession ends here, but it goes on: fondue also comes with strawberries covered in melting hot chocolate at a price of 16 euros. Chocolate cakes are also available for 4.50 euros, 50 cents extra for a scoop of ice cream on the side.

Apart from crepes, this place also excels in variety when it comes to tea. With an endless list of options, you´ll spend more time choosing your tea than drinking it. All of them cost 2.00 euros, here are some options: black, spearmint, cinnamon, jasmine, orange, peach, lime, apple, rum, vanilla, Azahar water, almond and cardamom. Coffee delights abound as well with cups like the French café—Grand Marnier and cream—and the traditional Irish coffee, each costing 5.00 euros. So if you don´t mind the ordinary setting and rather mediocre service, then come discover an affordable menu full of plates that are anything but ordinary in Madrid.

L’art Creperie
91 547 52 28
Calle de Martín de los Heros, 6

By Daniel Sznajderman

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New York Style Bagels at Beigol Bagels Madrid

In the land where toast with olive oil and churros dipped in hot chocolate are the typical breakfast, how would bagels fare? Beigol Bagels, which opened up barely two weeks ago, is about to find out. Although there are a couple of bakeries that sell bagels and its necessary ingredients, Beigol Bagels is the first sit-down and chill out café in Madrid solely dedicated to the consumption of these round wonders. Behind this place is a native New Yorker who’s longing for bagels got her through making her own, an idea later amplified with the opening of this friendly bagel sanctuary.

Yes, that’s right; all that’s sold in this café is either made or prepared in its kitchen. This includes the different kinds of bagels: normal, sesame, garlic and onion—cheeses and toppings, which brings us to Beigol’s second perk after guaranteed freshness: variety. In here you will find traditional combinations, strange Spanish infusions and sugary creations that can place a bagel as a good option for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Let’s start with the conventional kinds so as to not scare off the traditionalists: bagels with cream cheese or butter, with ham and cheese or with cream cheese and salmon. There is also the Spaniardized option, bagel with olive oil and crushed tomatoes, or with a tortilla stuck in the middle—all these range between 2.50 and 3.80 euros.

For the more adventurous there are the special combinations for 5.00 euros each: pizza bagels; chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo, and  fried plantains with cheese bagels. Of course there are also a variety of ingredients for the old “make your own” option, where there bagel is 2.50 euros and the toppings range between 30 cents and 1.60 euros. Among these are chorizo, ham, egg salad, tuna and mayo, salmon, plantains and many other vegetables. Sweet options aren’t lacking either  they have bagels with nutella, sugar, honey, sweet apple, and marmalade, all between 2.60 and 3.80 euros. There are a couple of other items on the menu for those who don’t want bagels—gazpacho, a soup of the day and dessert brownies—but coming here for something other than bagels is like going to the Museo del Jamon for chicken cutlets. Be sure to try some of their tasty drink options though, like the natural juices and chocolate milk, all under 2.00 euros.

Beigol Bagels wants you to come and read, work or waste time with acquaintances for as long as possible, for its designed precisely for that. The two sofas and window lounge chairs are soft and comfy, the music is background noise and the lighting is artsy and not too bright. There is a small but valuable bookshelf filled with names like Conrad, Wilde, Joyce and Garcia Marquez, the walls are covered with art or photography of local artists and Wi-Fi is readily available. Theme nights are on the way of being organized. So far Wednesday’s are reserved for cycling enthusiasts and Thursday’s are dubbed international night, where Spanish and English learners can come and learn from each other.  Plus, the café’s schedule make it a multipurpose place indeed: it is generally open from 10:00 a.m. till late at night, so it’s not only a place to get all three meals but also a fully equipped bar that serves beer at 1.20 euros and all other liquors between 5.00 and 7.00 euros—a well rounded place worth going to!

Beigol Bagels
Calle de Melendez Valdes, 29
91 162 53 89
Metro: Moncloa or Arguelles
Hours:  Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays 10:00am – 12:00am / Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday’s 10:00am – 2:00 am / closed on Tuesdays

By Daniel Sznajderman

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Let the Curry Flow at Anarkoli Indian Restaurant

What immediately comes to mind when you hear the words Barrio de Lavapies? Immigrants, colorful buildings, dirty zigzagging streets, drug peddlers and a whole lotta Indian food would be the probable answer of many people that have been to this popular neighborhood. This particular article focuses only on the last point (sorry there, drug seekers). There are enough Indian restaurants in Lavapies to fill its streets with waves of hot curry and ride them with naan surfboards, but if you find having a huge amount of choices to be rather overwhelming I’d like to humbly recommend a sure thing: the Anarkoli Indian Restaurant. Located in the neighborhood’s main street, it is a place to have a feast of traditional and odd Indian dishes full of that which characterizes Indian cuisine outside of India: intense flavor and ever present spice.

The restaurant is clean and simple with one room that serves as a  bar and waiting place for takeout orders and an ampler room for dining. The brick walls hold various posters and paintings of Indian religious figures and of the country itself, but these are not too overwhelming in number or variety—the food is what you should be concentrated on anyway, and the food is good. If as mentioned before you have a problem with having too many choices then bad news with the menu, this place has almost too many dishes to count. To give some idea and direction the menu is sectioned so forth: entrees (2.95 to 4.95), tandoor oven cuisine (5.00 to 13.50), chicken and lamb dishes (6.95 to 8.25), vegetable plates (3.95 to 5.50), the all inclusive two person meal (approx 32 euros) and a large selection of breads (3.50 each).

Notable entries include the traditional meat somosas and the spicy lentil soup, the latter goes well with some naan bread, which is offered in its traditional form but also with garlic, meat and cheese. You can also order the peshwar naan which comes doused with almonds, coconut and sugar—though that hardly classifies as a side dish anymore! Chicken and lamb options are ample, with dishes such as mango chicken, and the explosive paneer tikka which comes as a mix of meat, cheese, yogurt and spices. For 13.50 euros there is a mix grill plate that combines chicken tikka and tandoori, lamb kebab and fried king prawns.

For those who can only think of innocent animals being slaughtered when reading this list of recipes, don’t worry—there’s stuff for you cow huggers as well. The malai kofta is a cheap dish of potato balls with almond cream, while the mitar paneer has fried cheese, onions, tomatoes and peppers. If you’re a curry lover (you know, the kind who can’t help always getting curry despite having other dishes to choose from) there are plenty of curry options when it comes to the type of meat, rice and spice level. These are usually 8.00 euros each except the mixed curry that comes at 12.50 and the vegetarian at 5.00 euros. Well, there you go—next time you are walking in Lavapies on a sunny day or are itching for Indian food, drop by Anarkoli.

Anarkoli
Lavapies 46
91 467 60 00
Metro: Lavapies or Tirso de Molina
Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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The Best Cuban Food in Madrid

Standing inconspicuously somewhere along the narrow Calle de Infantas, Zara is not the kind of place you’d expect to have a good reputation and widespread popularity. Yet this small restaurant has been known to locals as the place to go to eat Cuban food for nearly thirty years. Its cozy, simple ambience and nonchalant staff makes costumers feel at home and the food, as today’s lingo so rightly expresses, is the bomb. Lodged between bigger buildings, the sliding door leads to a small space that looks a bit like a cabin with rough walls and a bent wooden ceiling. The decoration is intentionally plain, with just a couple of maps of Cuba and a small olden time sign of La Habana. The place, however, is not dirty or crookedly built: on the contrary, the floor and tables, covered in traditional red and white checkered tablecloths, are impeccably clean. This must be so because of the tight shift run by the restaurant’s owners, an elderly couple, he a Spaniard and she a Cuban, who first opened the place in 1978 as a café and then expanded it into what it is today.

The restaurant offers virtually all the traditional Cuban dishes—as well as some Spanish and infused ones—that will make those that are used to the food happy to eat it again and those that are new to it happy to have discovered it. The menu’s backbone is rice, black beans, meat and chicken, ingredients that although common, are seasoned here to produce a distinct flavor. Common not only in Cuba but in large parts of South America is the “ropa vieja” dish. “Old clothing” refers to seasoned and juicy meat cut into little strips, which comes accompanied by rice and beans—here in Zara, they offer their own black rice as an alternative to the customary white that is delicious. Just as commonly well known are the chicken and rice dishes and the “arroz a la cubana”, rice with fried eggs and tomato sauce.

What makes this restaurant authentic and worthwhile is that it also makes food using ingredients that, opposed to rice and chicken, aren’t very common on this side of the Atlantic. Yuca (cassava in English), a root vegetable and common side dish in Latin America that can be served fried or boiled, is tasty and should not be passed up.  Another celebrated sidekick are tostones: fried plantains that are as eagerly eaten by little children as toothless old timers wherever they form part of the daily diet. Heading towards sweeter things, the place offers a variety of fresh juices, and by that I mean thick, colorful, tasty juices. Such fruits are also used in desserts, notably the guayaba paste, fresh pineapple and coconut in sugar based syrup.

Drinking enthusiasts and dependants need not worry: although not a bar, Zara offers plenty of alcohol, from standard beer and wine to more tropically inspired drinks like pina coladas, daiquiris, and of course Cuban rum. Also available is ice cold sangria (we are in Madrid after all) and a variety of cream liqueurs like Cointreau and Baileys. As far as prices go, Zara is neither cheap nor expensive—a big meal for 3 would for instance cost around 60 euros. The general price breakdown would be: soups and entrees cost between 3 and 5 euros, meats and seafood between 8 and 15, and desserts and drinks are around 6 or 7 euros.

Zara
Calle Infantas 5
91 532 20 74
Metro: Gran Via
Open Monday through Friday from 13:00 p.m.  to 17:00 p.m. and 20:00 p.m. to 23:30 p.m.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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Russian Food in Madrid

When it comes to food, Madrid is known to be especially cosmopolitan. It seems that every type of culinary experiment and tendency can be found in and around the city’s streets and boulevards, and Las Noches de Moscú is a perfect example. Set up a few blocks from the tribunal metro—on one of those streets that get downtrodden by partiers on weekends—this genuine Russian restaurant will transport you to good food and a warm atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door.

The place is small and colorful, not more than eight tables surrounded by walls decorated with a sense of folklore that you’d imagine exists more in this restaurant than in Moscow itself: part of the ceiling is built in the shape of a dome that Russian architecture has made famous, the walls are filled with reproductions of 19^th century traditional Russian portraits and the indispensable babushka dolls, and the food is served in traditional porcelain dishes. Of course, such decorations are of backburner importance compared to the quality of the food—happily, all that eye candy isn’t there to distract customers from the meals. In fact, the courses are mostly succulent and satisfying pieces of Russian cuisine that, with the exception of a few rather luxurious dishes and drinks, are priced at amounts not seen since the Iron Curtain days.

The menu offers different sections of food with soups and salads starting at 3.50 euros, fish and meat from 6.50 euros, blini-blinchinki’s (traditional crepes) at 6.00 euros, and desserts ranging from 2.00 to 5.00 euros. Among the essentials are well known Russian dishes: the beef stroganoff (12.40) is just right while the “borsch moskovita” is the traditional warmer upper, a delicious soup with onions, beetroot and other vegetables and a hint of white cheese (5.40). Dishes with herring are a specialty of the house, a particularly good combination being the “salat ish padshuby” (5.80 Euros) which comes with potatoes and is marinated with onions and carrots. If you’re feeling particularly oligarchic, there’s always the good old blini with black caviar (22.00 euros for 100gr worth). The black bread and salmon crackers included in the meal aren’t bad either.  Finally, desserts are meant to be refreshing and aren’t as heavy as the main courses. Among the recommended are the Kamchatka yogurt (3.50 euros) and the lemon sorbet with vodka (5.00 euros).

There is variety when it comes to drinks as well: juice combinations are mostly 3.00 euros (the beetroot, apple and orange juice mix is good); white, red, and pink wines range from 9.00 to 28.50 euros and vodka choices are not limited. A well worth it drink is the white Russian sangria. Whether it’s a drink that has been altered to fit Spanish culture or one that is totally made up, its mix of wine, cucumber, fruits and vodka is perfectly balanced. A big jug will cost you 9.80 euros and can be shared by three people—two if you plan to not drive back home. The relaxed ambiance and food attracts all kinds of clientele, from family to groups of young people, whom are well attended by the young staff.

Las Noches de Moscú
Calle del Marqués de Santa Ana, 37
91 531 04 11
Metro: Tribunal
Open everyday from 13:30 p.m. – 16:30 p.m. and 20:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

By Daniel Sznajderman

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2. Calle del Marqu�s de Santa Ana, 37

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Madrid Restaurants: La Mucca

Madrid is a really hot destination right now. Tourists from all over the world are making sure they visit the Spanish city. Those who live within Europe can find really cheap flights straight here and of course there is very little time difference, so they can get looking around almost immediately. Madrid has so many great neighborhoods but the one of the moment has to be Malasaña.

It is the perfect place to come if you are looking to experience a more alternative side to Madrid. It is vibrant and always offers a great night out. You’ll even see well known Spaniards there, maybe artists or musicians enjoying the vibe, so you’re in good company. In the day time there is a great range of boutique shops to look at and at night restaurants and bars that are bound to catch your eye.

If you’re looking to have a quiet cocktail with a friend, impress a date, or get together with a group of former colleagues, head to the heart of Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood and check out La Mucca.

The modern, urban, style of the establishment resembles what you’d find in Soho, New York. It blends perfectly with the traditional Spanish mom-and-pop shops, graffiti-ridden façades, highly fashionable boutiques, and rock’n’roll bars in the neighborhood.

The seating arrangements include an outdoor terrace (open all year round, thanks to outdoor heaters), and a huge interior that is cozy and open. Besides the usual tables for small to large groups, there is a semi-isolated area with a sofa and armchairs giving the space a “living room” feel.

But of course, the main attraction is the food. Served by a young, dynamic, and friendly staff, the restaurant offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes from all over the world: Spanish and Mexican tapas, fresh Mediterranean salads, Asian dishes, American hamburgers, Curry chicken, Italian pizza, and more. Try the popular “Boletus Pizza” or the brand-new “Kill Bill Pizza,” made with tuna, ginger and wasabi. For dessert, have a bite of their yummy cakes.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of Spanish wines and if you’re a gin lover there’s no better place for a glass of Hendrick’s (7.50 euros) than right here. Their most popular drinks include:  the Cucumber on Flames (ginger, rum, sugar, orange juice, and rose petals), and Hendrick’s Hot Punch (ginger, port, clove, nutmeg, lemon juice and water).

In case you need another reason to check out La Mucca, we have one! Go ahead and take the furniture home with you. That’s right – it’s for sale. All of it!

Quick Tips:

-       La Mucca’s kitchen is open all day.

-       There’s a lunch menu for 10.90 euros on weekdays and a special priced menu for groups.

La Mucca
Plaza de Carlos Cambronero 4
Neighborhood: Malasaña
Metro: Noviciado or Callao
Telephone: 91 521 0000
Types: bar, restaurant, tapas
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 1:30 p.m.; Sat and Sun: 12 p.m.
Closing hours: Sun-Thurs: 2 a.m.; Fri and Sat: 2:30 a.m.

By  Trini Goyanes

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RESTAURANTS IN MADRID: Bourbon Cafe

If you’re seeking an evening of comedy, dancing, shows, and gloriously gaudy entertainment, there is no restaurant more energetic and extravagant than the Bourbon Café. The name says it all: El loco restaurante de Rose Bourbon (Rose Bourbon’s Crazy Restaurant). Located next to the Puerta del Sol, this lavishly and theatrically decorated site offers international cuisine, theatric sketches and shows, and an undeniably lively ambience.

Entering the swank, urban-chic restaurant is akin to stepping into a theatre. Black wood floors and ceilings contrast with vibrant tangerine walls; flashing lights cast a rainbow of hues across the scene; and black and white tables are adorned with orange square plates for a contemporary touch. For added extravagance, white-vintage chandeliers hang from the ceiling, ornate mirrors are draped with fuchsia feather boas, and the full bar is set to a backsplash of black and white cowhide print. Yet more dramatic than the ambience are the performers. All of the waiters are actors, singers, and dancers, decked out in elaborate costumes and full makeup. These entertainers serve tables, but also strike elaborate poses and later hit the stage for a round songs and energetic dancing.

Shows at the Bourbon Café begin around 10:30 in the evening, and while the dining ambience may seem sophisticated and posh initially, the performances instantly transform the scene into a clapping, animated, madhouse. Shows include sketches, singing, dancing, drag, and comedy. The lead actress—playing Rose Bourbon herself—draws energy from the crowd with jokes and musical numbers. Diners can purchase special menus that include the price of the show. On Crazy Thursdays, for example, a menu for two includes appetizers, entrees, drinks, dessert and the show for a 39 euros per pair. Beyond these deals, the extensive menu features entrees between 10-20 euros from nationalities around the world, including Spanish, Greek, Italian, German, Brazilian, North American, English, Mexican, and Thai. Savor a spicy Brazilian meet dish on Brazilian Night (Sunday evening). Or enjoy a margarita pizza, chicken fajitas, Iberic ham, or Greek salad any day of the week—the variety, color, and flavor of this restaurant extends to the menu as well. Around 2 a.m., carry on the partying with 10 euro specialty cocktails, when the restaurant converts into a stylish, yet uniquely raucous, nightclub.

PRICES:
Specialty Menus (show included)- 30-38 euros per person
Crazy Thursday Menu for Two (show included)- 39 euros per pair
Entrees- 10-18 euros

Bourbon Cafe
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 5
Neighborhood: Sol
Metro: Sol, Sevilla
Telephone: 91 532 58 57
International cuisine, live music, shows
Hours: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday
(Dinner served 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., nightclub 2 to 6 a.m.)

By Jane Caffrey

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Best Restaurants in Madrid: Con Dos Fogones

Salads, hamburgers and Argentinian beef are only some of the tasty dishes you’ll find on the menu at Con Dos Fogones. For a while now this restaurant has been popular with the locals. The atmosphere is classy, and bursting with colors and stylish decor. They offer a menu del Mediodia for 10 euros, Monday – Friday, and a Menu Nocturno for 17,50 Euro where you get an appetizer, main course, and dessert. And their prix fix menus don’t stop there – they also have a group menu for 35 euros.

Con Dos Fogones
Calle de San Bernardino, 9
1-5 p.m. & 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Telephone: 91 559 63 26
Metro: Plaza de Espana

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1 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Calle de San Bernardino, 9

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