Madrid – Chamberi – traditional cuisine in Arapiles

A new part of town for me but I’m always happy to travel for good food. Nicky and I started with a glass of wine and a quick tapa sitting outside a nice old bar called La Nueva at 7 Calle de Arapiles, just around the corner from Quevado metro station. Barrio map here, Madrid Google map here.

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Casa Ricardo (Intermediate B+), 31 Fernando el Catolico

Listed in ‘1001 Restaurants You Must Experience Before You Die’ this is an old school restaurant with bullfighting connections.

They are especially famous for ‘criadillas’ (bull’s testicles) but they didn’t seem to be on the menu when we were there. They are best in the bullfighting season which is from April to September.

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As usual when I’m with friends I was too busy talking to mark the dishes, but it was all really good. I’ve included links to recipes which look quite similar.

Menestra de Verduras; vegetable soup

Habitas Fritas con Jamon; fried broad beans with cured ham.

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Alcahofas Naturales Rehogados con Ajo; fresh artichokes sautéed with garlic and served here with green beans, carrot, peas and Swiss chard.

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Media racion de Rinones de Cordero Lechal al Jerez; a half portion of lambs kidneys cooked in sherry.

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Gallina en Pepitoria, similar to chicken fricassee but made with an almond sauce rather than mushrooms.

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Rabo de Toro; stewed oxtail with chips.

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The house red was okay but we upgraded to a 2011 Rioja Crianza from Martinez Lacuesta which is what the food deserved.

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For dessert; Filloas; A Galician pancake similar to a crepe but made most typically, I think, with pork lard rather than butter.

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And a glass of a good PX crianza.

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With two brandies the bill came to €98 for the two of us which seemed fair. Definitely a place I’d recommend for delicious and very authentic Spanish cuisine.

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