Feasting in Madrid (not NM)

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A two-day stop in Madrid enroute to Puglia, was filled with great food and was too short of a visit. So many great things to eat, all in the spirit of M’tucci’s. Local, made with care and exceptional skill.

Stay in the historic center and walk everywhere. Start at La Casa del Abuelo, know for their Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp). The vermouth on tap was exceptional, as were the Calamari Andalucia, patatas bravas, croquettes with Iberico Jamon & Manchego and local bread. The waiter was so impressed with all of the food that we ordered, he brought us a plate of morcilla (blood sausage on the house).

Later in the day we went to Mercado San Miguel, not really a market, but an amazing food hall. Choose from Iberico ham, sausages, fresh oysters, burrata sliders, an olive bar, wines, beers, vermouth. I recommend starting at La Hora del Vermut. I particularly liked the vermouth from Rioja, La Cuesta. The fresh oysters were from Brittany and were probably the best I’ve ever had. My wife, who doesn’t normally eat raw oysters, thought they were exceptional. It was so good, we returned on our second night for more oysters and a spin through the olive bar. It’s crowded, so be prepared to hover near someone who appears to be finished and snag their seats as soon as they move.

An experienced traveler might be tempted to think that the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín, is a mere tourist trap. Forget that notion and make reservations. Based on Chef Shawn’s recommendations, we did. They are famous for their roasted meats. The suckling pig is fantastic, but the suckling lamb in life-changing. Don’t miss the house made sangria (which is nothing like the sweet crap you think of when your hear the word). We had lunch there and took a nice long walk after.

I’m embarrased that we have lived in Albuquerque for more than six years and have never attended the flamenco festival. We went to the Tablao 1911 and it was sensational. I’ve always loved the music, especially the guitarist Paco de Lucia. However, I was never a huge fan of the dancing - until now. The entire performance was sensational.

Two days was not enough, we’ll be back. Off to Italy!

Weekend Specials

M’tucci’s Italian

Five Cheese Ravioli - Beef Tips, Calabrian Peppers, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Gorgonzola Thyme Cream Sauce, Micro Greens $25

14 oz. New York Strip - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $36

Pan-Seared Baquetta - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Grilled Artichokes, Lemon Caper Sauce $35

Herb Braised Flank - Black Truffle Creamy Polenta, Sautéed Green Beans, Parsley $27

Weekend Cocktail

Bumbu Bliss - Bumbu Rum, Mango Shrub, Orgeat Syrup, Lemon Juice


M’tucci’s Moderno

14 oz. Ribeye - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Italian Salsa Verde $43

Pan-Seared Arctic Char - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $29

Beef Tips Raviolini - Beef tips in Cajun Seasoning, Grape Tomatoes, Rosa Sauce, Gorgonzola Cheese, Green Onions over Five Cheese Raviolini $23

Weekend Cocktail

Witches Heart - Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Botanist Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Muddled Blackberries, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five

Veal Parmesan - 2 Breaded Veal, Marinara, Burrata, Spaghettini, Alfredo Sauce, Asparagus, Garlic Butter, Pecorino, Basil $23

Pan-Seared Barramundi - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Zucchini, Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $36

14 oz. Ribeye - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Creamy Horseradish Remoulade $43

Weekend Cocktail

Boston Tea Party - Earl Grey Infused Seagrams Gin, Bittermens Boston Bitters, Egg White, Honey Simple, Lemon Juice

M’tucci’s Bar Roma

Pan-Seared Swordfish - Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Capers, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Butter Sauce $33

Wagyu Beef & Goat Cheese Ravioli - Bianco Braised Wagyu Beef Ragu, Cremini Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Italian White Beans with Pecorino & Fresh Herbs $27

Weekend Cocktail

Larry Beez - Citadelle Gin, Basil Leaves, Black Cherry Syrup, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice

Live Music for October

M’tucci’s Bar Roma - 6:30pm Wednesday & Noon Sunday    

10/20 RJ Perez 

10/23 Robb Janov

10/27 Eryn Bent 

10/30 Myles Chavez       

M’tucci’s Moderno - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday           

10/18 Eryn Bent 

10/24 TBD

10/25 Robb Janov 

10/31 Halloween no Music

M’tucci’s Twenty-Five - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday          

10/18 RJ Perez 

10/24 Johnny Lloyd 

10/25 Myles Chavez 

10/31 Halloween No music

Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!