Since this thread has been resureccted, I have a request.

When I was in Madrid in April, I failed to have
"Gambas al Ajillo". It has a certain sentimental value to me.

Can anyone cover me on this?

Mongo:

I am not going back to Madrid until the end of September, so you will probably be able to take care of this yourself. But do not fear, I will go to Casa del Abuelo and get gambas al ajillo for you. Do you want gambas al la plancha too?

Hola GoMadrid-I am hoping to be there myself at that time. I always like to take advantage of the warmer weather cuisine such as gazpacho and tinto verano without the full summer heat. Hopefully I will run into you in the elevator!

Although I enjoy the gambas at Abuelo II
(my friend Inez runs the place), I prefer to get my gambas and langostinos across the street at "La Costa de Vejer". They are a better value, just as good and with less tourist traffic. There is nothing more relaxing to me than a plate of langostinos, a glass of fino and reading a copy The Herald Tribune spread out on the bar before a siesta in Hostal Adriano. (Costa Vejer doesn't close in the afternoon.)

Mongo wrote:
Mongo, what a great idea! I think I will prepare some tonight in your honor!! yum yum!!!

This is NOT fair. you guys are having all the fun. am a wreck Can't wait to get there.

Ok, first a poll for those of us who have never been to Madrid.

1) the very VERY best place to eat Tapas
2) favorite tapa - you can only pick one
3) Indicate where in Madrid to find this place, with geographical references (for the rest of us)

Next question; someone said something about bringing back food item(s). What are the chances of bringing back a Hamon Serrano?

To answer your first question, I really believe that there is not one single place that has the best all around tapas. The large places like Bar Brillante across from Atocha station and the bar at Hotel Europa will give you good overview.

To really get the best you need to go to the smaller specialty places such as El Abuelo for gambas, La Trucha for smoked fish and calamares and Oreja de Oro for orejas and mollejas.

My favorite, if I had to decide would be Mollejas. They are the sweetbreads of lamb, grilled in garlic and parsley with a squeeze of lemon. This may change tomorrow and will certainly change on my next trip. (See Oreja de Oro, above and below)

The best area in my mind for tapas is around c/Victoria where it crosses c/ de la Cruz and over to Nunez del Arce up to Plaza Santa Ana. This includes both Abuelos (a GoMadrid favorite), La Zapateria (Galician raciones), La Tosta, Oreja de Oro and La Costa Vejer.

Another hot area is c/Huertas down the hill to c/Jesus, where both branches of Maceira are. Maceira has the best Galician seafood raciones in town.

C/Postas runs from Sol to Mayor and has some busy places of the old "clean, well lit" variety. My favorite is Sol Mayor, run by my friend Pepe. They specialize in fried seafood. It is a hoot to watch them hustle when they are busy.

As for the jamon, forget it and either buy it from LaTienda.com or try to find it in your city. They sell it in Minneapolis in a greek deli by my house.

I hope this helps!

where are the best beer in the world?i want to find cruzcampo beer