Vegetarian — By admin on May 1, 2009 at 12:00 am

Vegetarian Restaurants in Madrid: El Estragón Vegetariano

Set in the sloping Plaza de la Paja in La Latina, a place that whispers of Medieval Spain, El Estragón Vegetariano is surrounded by quaint buildings with red tiled rooftops, bell towers of churches, a gated garden, and lively and traditional tapas bars. While you could very pleasantly sit outside and enjoy this view from the restaurant’s terrace, stepping into El Estragón is akin to stepping into an inner garden courtyard. Pumpkin-colored walls contrast with crisp blue and white Spanish tile, the brick archway and bar are adorned with vines, and white tea candles burn on small tables for two or four in the cozy setting. If you arrive around lunch time (between 3 and 4 p.m.), you will be welcomed by the optimistic hum of chatting Madrileños, while soft piano and jazz music plays in the background. Although the restaurant has three levels, it holds less than twenty tables and retains an innate feeling of intimacy.

Adding to the illusion of a garden escape is the extensive menu of fresh vegetarian dishes. Particularly distinctive in Spain—where so much of the cuisine prominently features ham, sausage, beef, seafood, and whatnot—El Estragón offers a variety of fresh vegetarian options and mouthwatering new recipes. Such as thick and savory cream of pumpkin soup, sprinkled with toasted almonds, a refreshing option on a bright sunny day, or warm and aromatic during chillier seasons. Or, the delectable fried zucchini scallop with garnish; a crisply breaded scallop that bursts with the pungent flavor of blue cheese and freshly cooked zucchini; a juxtaposition of textures and tastes that will leave you licking your fingers. Other house specialties include cheesy vegetable lasagna Au Gratin, crisp avocado salad, vegetable stuffed crepes a la Estragón, and tangy Cuban Rice. And of course for the sweet tooth—the enticing dessert menu boasts homemade yogurt, fried peaches with sugarcane honey, and a chocolate truffle tart, among other delights. During the lavish dining experience, don’t forget to also try out the interesting drinks. El Estragón offers a wide variety of wine, tea, and homemade natural juices. The small but friendly staff will gladly accommodate experimentation during a lengthy, relaxing meal, which best precedes a siesta.

PRICES: Menu del Día (served 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.): Menu 1- First Plate and Second Plate, 8 euro. Menu 2- First Plate or Second Plate, Drink and Dessert, 8 euro. Menu 3- First Plate and Second Plate, Drink or Dessert, 10 euro. Menu 4-First Plate, Second Plate, Drink, and Dessert, 12 euro. Regular Menu: Salads- 9.50 to 11 euro. First Plates- 7.50 to 9 euro. Second Pates- 12 to 13.50 euro.Desserts- 3.50 to 6 euro.

El Estragón Vegetariano
Plaza de la Paja, 10
Telephone: 913 365 8982
Metro: La Latina
Hours: 11:30 a.m. until bar close (2 or 3 in the morning)
Menu del Día: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

By Jane Caffrey