Cortefiel and "Soul Food Nights" with Chef Mario Sandoval

The top Spanish chef, Mario Sandoval and Coque transform Cortefiel on "Soul Food Nights"

Cortefiel transformed their store on Serrano into a "Pop Up" restaurant in aim of raising money for Action Against Hunger

The charity event “SOUL FOOD NIGHTS”, which brought the most renowned chefs in Spain together at a selection of the best stores in Madrid's Salamanca district. Fashion and cuisine share the stage to showcase the best of Madrid for the charity.

For one night, Cortefiel's fashion area was briefly transformed into a restaurant of the utmost elegance. According to Mario, “We do this in luxury stores because we feel that fashion and cuisine share a bond. And what better place to do it than a fashion store like Cortefiel”.

During the event, a select group of diners enjoyed food prepared by Mario Sandoval, owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant "Coque", and his team.

http://www.restaurantecoque.com/

CORTEFIEL
http://cortefiel.com/

Madrid Tapas Fair

For all you food lovers, some of the top tapas chefs will be at the Feria de la Tapa (Tapas Fair) at Palacio de Deportes making delicious tapas. Each tapa costs 1,20€ and comes with a caña (small draught beer) or soft drink... bargain! Entry to the event is free and it runs between 9th-12th June from 12pm until midnight. The Palacio de Deportes is located in the Salamanca district near metros Goya (L2, L4) and O'Donnell (L6).

The Mercado de San Antón- a traditional market with a modern twist

We visited the recently reopened San Antón food market in the trendy neighbourhood of Chueca to see what it had to offer, and walking around and seeing the food on show certainly made us feel hungry! The market is one of Madrid's oldest, but its renovation has brought the market into the 21st century and has created a space where you can not only buy food, but enjoy eating it as well. Given its sleek new makeover, the market may not exactly feel like an authentic market found in many of Madrid's neighbourhoods, but from wandering around it does seem more like a traditional market than the touristy Mercado San Miguel. You'll find your greengrocer, baker, butcher, dairy and a number of other stalls selling delicatessen products where you could do your daily shopping, yet still find something a little more special. Upstairs there is a mezzanine level offering a selection of quick eateries including tapas, sushi, oysters, Italian foods and a juice bar. On the very top floor is the restaurant, La Cocina de San Antón, which has a roof terrace giving views over the city.  The restaurant lets you choose food from the market and they cook it for you, or you can order from the menu.We've not tried it yet, but we've heard some fantastic things said about it from those who have eaten there.

Our verdict: the produce on sale did look very tempting, although you will pay more than in other places. If you want something cheaper and more authentcally madrileño, you might be better taking a look at the Mercado de las Maravillas or the Mercado de Cebada. We did a feature on these and other markets in Madrid a few weeks ago- Markets in Madrid.

Location: Mercado de San Antón, Calle Augusto Figueroa 24, metro Chueca (L5), Gran Vía (L1, L5) or Sevilla (L2)
Opening hours: marketplace: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm; mezzanine food stalls everyday 10am-midnight; restaurant: Sun-Thurs 10am-midnight and Fri/Sat 10am-1.30am

Markets in Madrid

There's no better way to get an insight into a place than visiting its markets, and Madrid has its fair share. Here are some of the best markets for you to explore in Madrid:

Mercado de San Miguel

This market specialising in gourmet food is very touristy and a little overpriced, but the food is great! It's located just a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor in an early 20th century wrought iron building. It's also one of Madrid's newest markets, opening only a couple of years ago after extensive renovation.  Here you can find excellent tapas, sea food (sushi), fruits and vegetables, cheeses, olives, preserves, typical sweets and wines. It's a good place to come for lunch as you can hop from stall to stall trying the different tapas (a tapa costs around 1-2€). We recommend the stall which sells 'papas arrugadas', salted boiled potatoes in a spicy sauce, a dish typical of the Canary Islands. It's perhaps not the best place to go if you're looking for everyday foods, but if you're looking for something special, it's worth taking a look. Location: Plaza de San Miguel (just off Calle Mayor). Metro: La Latina (L5) or Ópera (L2, L5, R).

The Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de Maravillas

A gem of a place for those who know about it. Known in Spanish as the 'market of wonders', the market sells everything under the sun Being one of Madrid's biggest and best loved markets, many madrileños say 'if you can't find it go to the Mercado de Maravillas. If it's not there it doesn't exist'. Shopping here is much more authentic and cheaper than the Mercado de San Miguel, and here you will still be able to find typical produce from all corners of Spain. Expect friendly service and great value for money. Located at Bravo Murillo 122 in one of Madrid's typical suburbs. Metro: Cuatro Caminos (L1, L2, L6).

Mercado de Antón Martín

If you're looking to buy fish, this is place to come, although vegatables and meat are also sold here. Located in one of Madrid's central neighbourhoods, it's always bustling. Location: Calle Santa Isabel 5. Metro: Antón Martín (L1).

Shopping at a market in Madrid

Mercado de La Latina (la Cebada)

Another one of Madrid's traditional markets. Located in a very distinct 1960s building (make of it what you will), the market at La Latina has been part of the neighbourhood for centuries- the orignal and more more elegant market building was pulled down years ago. Here you will find fresh produce- meats, fish, vegatables, fruits, as well as homewear, clothes and other curiousities. Inside, the building looks dated (there are plans to rebuild) and many of the shops are tired looking, but you'll meet plenty of friendly locals and pay very little! Location: Plaza de la Cebada. Metro: La Latina (L5).

Mercado de la Paz

Another oldie and the market building was designed by Gustave Eiffel! Located in the upmarket Salamanca district, but despite its location, still is very down to earth. The market is well known for its produce including meats, fruits, fish, breads and excellent selection of European cheeses (look for the shop La Bouette). You can find some fantastic tapas here as well as other fine gourmet products.
Location: Calle Ayala 28. Metro: Serrano (L4).

25th Salon de Gourmets Food Fair

This gastonomic fair takes place every year and is a must for all food lovers! This year it will be running from 11th-14th April at the Feria de Madrid (IFEMA) and more than 75,000 people are expected to pass through its doors over the four days. More than a thousands food producers from all over Spain will be there exhibiting their products- from the picotas del Jerte cherries, olive oil producers, to fine Spanish hams and chocolates. There will also be the Club de Gourmet de Vinos, a specialised exhibition dedicated to wines. To visit, you will need to get accreditation here (technically is for professionals only), which costs 15€ online or 30€ on the door. We went along last year and here's a video we made:

Fried pigs ear and sheep intestines....dishes you have to try in Madrid!

Spain is a gastronomic paradise, and whilst many people think of tapas when Spanish cuisine is mentioned, each region of the country has its traditional dishes and specialities. Here are some dishes typical to the Madrid region which you might like to try during your visit.

Cocido madrileño (Madrid style stew). This is a very wholesome stew made from chickpeas, vegetables, potatoes and meat (usually pork and beef), traditionally cooked during the winter months. This dish is believe to date from the Middle Ages; quite possibly from the Jews who inhabited Spain during the period. Over the years the dish has changed, but it's still very popular in restaurants today and many have their special way of preparing it. Tradition dictates that all the ingredients are served serparately.

Callos a la madrileña (Madrid style tripe). Maybe not everyone could stomach this! This is another dish dating back centuries and it's believed to have orginally come from the Asturias region on the northern coast of the country. The dish consists of tripe, chorizo, blood sausage, the hoof and snout of a cow and paprika. You'll find this dish prepared in any traditional madrileño restaurant.

Bocadillo de calamares (friend calamari sandwich). Although Madrid is as far away from the sea as you can possibly get in Spain, the madrileños love their bocadillos de calamares. You'll find most bars and cafés have them on the menu, however El Brillante (Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V 8, near Atocha Station and the Reina Sofia) is well known by locals for having the best ones in Madrid.

Orejas a la plancha (pig's ear). Another one perhaps not to everyone's liking! This dish consists of fried pigs ears, which turn crispy, served with garlic or a spicy sauce. 

Gallinejas. Not so commonly found these days, but once a widely eaten dish. Gallinejas are the fried insides of a sheep.

Churros con chocolate. These are long friend doughnuts served with a cup of very thick hot chocolate and are very popular with everyone! The idea is to dunk the churros into chocolate for a very fatty breakfast or snack. Many cafés in the city have these, in fact some of the most popular ones in the centre open all night at weekends so revellers can get their fix on their way home. Madrid's best loved churro places (although more expensive, we must add) include Chocolatería San Ginés (Pasadizo de San Ginés, nr Sol) and Café Valor (Postigo de San Martin 7, nr Callao). Elsewhere you should be able to find them for around 2,50€.

Rosquillas tontas y listas. Very similar to small doughnuts, finished off with sugar glaze, almonds or dried meringue. They are typically eaten during the month of May when the city celebrates the San Isidro festival.

Where to buy typical Spanish food products in Madrid

Spain is a food lovers paradise and here you will find excellent hams; serrano, ibérico and bellota, with bellota having the highest quality. You will also find other types of meat products here such as lomo (fine cured pork), chorizo (spicy sausage), salamis, and morcilla (black pudding). The country also produces much of the world's olive oil; look out for brands such as Coosur, Hojiblanca and Carbonell. Castilla La Mancha, the region to the south of Madrid, produces very fine cheese known as manchego made from goats milk. It has a firm texture and comes in various levels of maturity. You will certainly find it in any café or restaurant in the city if you wish to try it.

Typical Spanish food products

There are many delicatessen shops around the city where you will find these products as well as many other specialities. The newly renovated San Miguel Food Market, an old wrought iron building just off Calle Mayor, should not be missed by anyone wants to discover the delicacies of Spain. Here you will find food from all over Spain and it's all excellent quality. You can hop between the stalls and buy a delicious tapa for around 1-2€, so it's also a good place for a cheap lunch. If you facy something a little less touristy and more local, try the Mercado de Maravillas, which is located in a typical Madrid suburb. This is where many madrileños come to shop and you will find great produce at lower prices. Its at Bravo Murillo 122,  a couple of kilometres from the centre, although easily accesible from Cuatro Caminos or Alvarado metros. If you want to try some of the traditional shops in Madrid (although a little touristy and overpriced), the delicatessen Lhardy (Carrera de San Jerónimo, near Sol), is Madrid institution and has been going since 1839. You could also try Fiambres La Madrileña (Arenal 18, near Sol and Opera) or Casa González Quesos y Fiambres (Leon 12 in Huertas). If you don't plan on buying anything, we recommend checking out the shopfront. The Museo del Jamón cafés sell ham products and there are many in the main tourist areas. They are quite dated and rather seedy, but it's quite a curiosity for tourists to see all the legs of ham hanging up. The gourmet section of El Corte Inglés is another place to try, although it does not have quite the same charm.

For cakes and other patisserie items, we recommend Mallorca on Calle Mayor on the corner with Sol. This is a very well known establishment in Madrid and has been going for many decades. Casa Mira (Carrera de San Jeronimo 30, near Sol) supplies cakes to the Royal Household and is famous for its nougats and festive sweets. Caramelos Paco (Toledo 55, La Latina) with its fantastic window display, and La Violeta (Plaza de la Canalejas 6, near Sol) are two very famous sweet shops in Madrid and both retain their traditional charm. La Violeta sells sugared almonds, chocolates and glazed fruits typical of the Madrid region.

Spain produces many high quality wines and is one of the world's biggest producers. The main wine producing regions are La Rioja, Rias Baixas and Ribera del Duero for reds and Penedès for whites. Tempranillo, Albariño and Garnacha are popular grape varieties although there are several hundred in Spain. The Catalonia region produces a wine made in the same way as champagne known as cava. It is much cheaper than champagne and many prefer the taste. Of course Spain is famous for its sherry (jerez), which is a fortified wine and is much sweeter than other wines. It comes from the region around Jerez and is popular with desserts.

In terms of what to look for, Crianza wines are the youngest and reservas are the most aged. As you can imagine, prices vary greatly, with vinos de mesa or table wines being the cheapest and denominación de origen calificada the most expensive. A good compromise in price and quality would be a vino de tierra. Some wines to look for include Torre Muga, Tres Picos, Viña Godeval, and Petalos. The Wine Doctor website has an excellent guide to Spanish wines if you wish to find out more.

To buy wines, Madrid Is User Friendly highly recommends La Vinia (Ortega y Gasset 16, Salamanca district). It is one of Spain's top wine merchants and you can also order their products online.

Roscón de Reyes

This is Roscón de Reyes, a typical sweet eaten on January 6th (Spanish Day of the Kings). It's made from fruit and spices.