The Perfect Birthday

+

The Perfect Birthday

November 26, 2018

I can't believe that a whole year has already passed. Isn't it scary how quickly time flies? I don't know about you, but I spend the days waiting for something: the weekend, some exciting plans, a trip, celebrations... that I forget to enjoy the little things every day. Maybe that's why time flies, because we are so busy, busy at work and busy planning things to take our minds off. It's kind of nerve-wracking to realize how quickly time flies by, but at the same time I'm so grateful to turn one year older.

Just like that we are back in my favorite time of the year. It all starts with my birthday on the 27th, then more family birthdays and finally the most magical time of the year, Christmas. My birthday is also the day we put up the Christmas decorations which I love so much: the mixture of green, red and gold, the lights...the streets look so beautiful too.

Since the 27th is on Tuesday, we celebrated this weekend in my hometown Leon. We tried a very popular rooftop restaurant with excellent city views called niMú. We absolutely loved it. It's the type of food and ambiance we always look for in a restaurant. For starters we shared Spanish anchovies, tomato with avocado and pomegranate and nigiris. The main dishes were squid, sirloin steak and cod. The most spectacular thing were the desserts, the assorted ice-cream is adorable, isn't it? I chose their signature dessert: the fish bowl. It is literary a fish bowl with an amazing mixture of flavors: nuts, chocolate, lemon...one of the most delicious and original desserts I've ever had. The candle is also edible, it's made of white chocolate. Needless to say, it was a wonderful birthday celebration.

As you see, I like to keep things casual but the fact that I get to spend it with the people I love makes it so special. I don't need a big birthday bash, this is what makes me happy. What about you? What's for you the perfect birthday?

OUTFIT DETAILS

El Ganso scarf, bag and shirt

Places to Enjoy a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal in Madrid

+

Places to Enjoy a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal in Madrid

November 18, 2018

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2019

I have updated this list of places to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal in Madrid for 2019. There are some spots that I cannot confirm if they are doing it this year or not. It's all specified below. 

One of the things that helps me keep my memories of California alive is to celebrate certain American traditions in Spain. My favorite is Thanksgiving because apart from taking the time to be thankful for what we've got, it celebrates all things fall that I love so much: the colors of fall foliage, pumpkins, being at home warm and cozy... I have never cooked a full traditional Thanksgiving meal but I incorporate some recipes to our regular meals, I make pumpkin pie and I decorate the house accordingly.

If you are Spanish and would like to try a traditional Thanksgiving meal or you are a homesick expat, you can find plenty of restaurants that offer Thanksgiving dinner in Madrid this week. Today's post is a list of wonderful restaurants that celebrate Turkey day. Click on the name of the restaurant to see the menu and make reservations.

PLACES TO ENJOY A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING MEAL IN MADRID LIST

Hotel Urso

This is a luxury hotel that has one of the most spectacular dining rooms in Madrid. "It is a former palace that integrates the royal character of the bourgeois architecture of Madrid during the 20th Century, with the modernity and comfort of a modern luxury hotel."

Date: November 28 2019

Hotel Orfila

We celebrated our wedding anniversary this year with brunch in this beautiful luxury hotel. The chef who created the brunch menu and the Thanksgiving menu has been awarded two Michelin stars. You can read about our brunch here.

Phone: +34 91 702 77 70

Date: cannot confirm for 2019

Price: 48€ (2018)

Hard Rock Cafe

"Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high-energy vibe serving burgers & American classics."

Fun fact: I have a collection from Hard Rock Cafe pins from all around the world.

Date: November 28 2019 from 13:00 pm to 11:55 pm

Price: 25.90€

La Otra de Malasaña Bar

I've never been to this restaurant but has good reviews and it is on the list of 30 best restaurants around the world to celebrate Thanksgiving. It's the only Spanish restaurant that made the list.

Date: from November 27 to December 1 2019.

Price: 39€

Cafe de Oriente

With an amazing location opposite Palacio Real, Cafe the Oriente is one of my favorite restaurants in Madrid. I've been several times for lunch or tea and it never disappoints. I've included them in several Madrid guides that you can read here.

From November 26 to December 1 2019. 

Price: cannot confirm for 2019, on 2018 was 45€

El Jardin del Intercontinental

Another spectacular luxury hotel in the center of Madrid. Here you will find an all-you-can-eat buffet which actually makes the price worth it.

Date: cannot confirm for 2019

Price: 60€ (2018)

La Gringa

La Gringa belongs to the same group as Carmencita Bar, one of the most popular brunch spots in Madrid.

Reservations: +34 679 183 399

Date: cannot confirm for 2019

Price: 35€ (2018)

Nice to Meet You

Great food and spectacular views of Madrid, I wish I could say the same about the restaurant manager... You can see pics of the food and read our experience in this rooftop restaurant here. This hotel in Gran Via will celebrate Thanksgiving with a special menu created served in the restaurant on the 14th floor.

Date: November 28 2019

Reservations: +34 638 90 85 59 reservas@nicetomeetyoumadrid.com

The Jame Joyce Irish Pub

Apart from the set menu, they will also be showing live NFL. Book a table via info@jamesjoycemadrid.com

Date: November 28 2019

The American Club of Madrid

Live music, open bar and buffet dinner in the center of Madrid.

Date: November 28 2019

Price: 40-50€

Gumbo

Traditional New Orleans Cuisine

Date: November 28 2019

Price: 33€. They are fully booked for dinner already but they have some spots left for lunch.

THANKSGIVING MEAL IN MADRID MAP

You can save this map by clicking on the star next to the title.

Do you want to celebrate at home? If you prefer something low key with friends at home, Taste of America has your favorite American products waiting for you. It was the first shop in Madrid to specialize in American products. On their website, you'll find various locations throughout Madrid.
If preparing the whole thing is too much for you, organize a pot-luck and have everyone bring a dish.

Black Friday has become increasingly popular in recent years too, you will find discounts on most shops during this week. Bear in mind that the discounts won't be as good as in the US. Here you will only find 20-30% off.

How are you going to celebrate Thanksgiving?

THANKSGIVING IN MADRID SHOPPING GUIDE

Get the look. Here are some similar options.

Dresses & skirts

For the home

Liked this post? Pin and share it!

Perfect Sunday in Madrid

+

Perfect Sunday in Madrid

November 12, 2018

It is said that a Sunday well spent brings a week of content. The last day of the week happens to be one of the best days to enjoy all that Madrid has to offer. So, how do you spend the perfect Sunday in Madrid? Apart from the obvious and world popular Sunday brunch, here are a few ideas you may find useful when planning your stay. Bonus: most of them are free!

These photos were taken in Retiro and around. I was with a group of girlfriends enjoying a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon in the park and then we took a walk to find a place for tea and chat. Once you leave the park, there are plenty of beautiful buildings nearby. It's one of the most beautiful areas in Madrid. So that's my first plan for you.

El Retiro
Retiro park is hands down the best place to see fall foliage in Madrid. The variety of trees all in different shades of red or gold are a feast for the eyes. One of its landmarks is Palacio de Cristal, a glass and wrought-iron construction, which dates from the 19th century. Entrance is free.

Visit Mercado de Motores
The entrance to this railway museum is free and only opens on weekends: Saturdays from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 11am to 9pm. Apart from seeing trains from different times in history there's a great vintage market and food trucks.
The Flea Market takes place the second weekend of every month. Find the next dates here.

El Rastro
If you are a fan of flea markets you can't miss El Rastro, the largest in Madrid. You can access it from Embajadores station or Puerta de Toledo. It is located in the neighborhood of La Latina and opens every Sunday and every bank holiday. The most popular flea market in Madrid is 400 years old with stands that sell not only everyday objects but also unique items. The origin of the name is nonetheless curious: el rastro means “the trail” and is derived from the tanneries that used to exist there. When the animals were taken from the slaughterhouses to the tanneries, they would leave a trail of blood and that's where the name comes from.
More info here

Templo de Debod
This Egyptian structure looks its best during sunset which right now, after daylight savings time, happens at 6pm. Apart from walking around Parque del Oeste, where the temple is located, you can visit the inside of the temple. On Sundays it's open from 9:30am to 8pm. Entrance is free.
Website

GET THE LOOK

Prado Museum
The most famous museum in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. It's free from Monday to Saturday between 6pm to 8pm, on Sundays and public holidays from 5pm to 7pm.
Visit the official website here

Museo Reina Sofia
This modern art museum is home to Picasso’s iconic Guernica and is free from 1:30pm to 7pm every Sunday.
Website

Casa de Campo
This is Spain's largest green space and dates back to the 16th century. Casa de Campo is where many madrileños spend their Sunday. The park has a large lake, where you can hire a boat or a kayak. There are also plenty of restaurants around the lake. Casa de Campo includes sports facilities, numerous paths for running and cycling, the famous aerial cable car, an amusement park, the zoo Aquarium and the Madrid Arena venue.
Official site

Madrid Río
Walk along the banks of river Manzanares. Ten kilometres of green zone with a few leisure areas which include swings and zip-lines among other things.
Website

Monastery “Las Descalzas Reales”
You can find this monastery close to Callao. This convent occupies the old palace where Carlos I and Isabel of Portugal used to live. You can visit the monastery or just buy delicious pastries from the enclosed nuns who still live there. On Sundays it's open from 10am to 3pm.
More info here

Matadero
A former slaughterhouse turned cultural center. A complex of pavilions built in 1911 which in 1996 was turned into the "laboratory" for contemporary artistic creation that we know today.
Check out their schedule to see what's going on.

How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Find all about madrileño lifestyle through this tag.

What to do in Madrid in November

+

What to do in Madrid in November

November 5, 2018

This long weekend has been full of great moments: Halloween recipes (I always post those on InstaStories so follow me if you want to stay tuned), romantic lunch with my husband, meeting blogger friends... I wish I could stop time and stay like this forever.

My favorite things about fall are the changing colors of leaves, warm drinks, pumpkins and coziness. Those ingredients are present in my autumnal plans. Fortunately, the variety of things to do in Madrid this November includes all of that so we can make the most of autumnal weather in the city. Today I want to share with you new places I've discovered in Madrid that you can't miss this fall.

While living in the US, I discovered pumpkin patches, now that I'm back in Spain it's one of those things I miss a lot. I really hope someone comes up with the idea and starts organizing pumpkin fests here too.

WHAT TO DO IN MADRID IN NOVEMBER: VISIT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

The closest thing I've found to pumpkin patches is this pumpkin display in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Madrid. It's a beautiful arrangement of all sorts of pumpkins that is worth seeing. The exhibit is going to be there till the pumpkins start going bad so you still have some time to stop by.

The whole Botanic Gardens are a joy to behold this season. The beautiful flowers you could see in the summer are not there anymore but fall foliage is equally stunning. There was this particular tree with yellow leaves that with a small wind blow the leaves started falling as if it was snowing, it was magical.

There's a really cute shop and cafeteria in the Botanic Gardens where you can have tea and eat seasonal dishes like this pumpkin soup. It's pricey but the quality is great so definitely worth it. If it's warm enough you can sit outside and enjoy the gardens while sipping coffee.

WHAT TO DO IN MADRID IN NOVEMBER: HAVE A COZY MEAL

Another discovery I made this weekend was the new restaurant Casa Galleta. It belongs to the same group as El Canadiense and El Perro la Galleta. It has a similar style as those too but a different concept. This is what we call in Spanish: casa de comidas. It's a traditional restaurant with rustic country decor. Casa Galleta is a casa de comidas with a twist. All that is traditional is the decor, the menu is quite modern. My husband and I chose this place because we are big fans of the other two and it did not disappoint. In fact, we liked it so much that we've booked a table for a meal with friends we have in a couple of weeks. Apart from the food, we loved the ambiance, we felt as cozy as at home. Husband and I shared the eggplant battered in biscuit with Pomodoro sauce and Parmesan cheese and the stuffed mushrooms filled with zucchini, truffle cheese, tomato tartar and pesto. Then I had grilled squid risotto and my husband ordered the burger. Finally, we shared the cheesecake. There wasn't a single thing we didn't like. 

Oh, and like in their other restaurants, dogs are allowed!

Restaurant info:
Casa Galleta
Calle Castelló, 12 (great location, just a few minutes away from Retiro Park)
Phone: +34 610 181 711
TripAdvisor

FALL FAVORITES

Like this post? Pin and share it!