Chasen’s Personal Blog

A few food mentions:

Los Patios de Beatas (photos 1–3) was delicious.

Claus Bakery (4–5) was our go-to breakfast spot.

Churros and chocolate at Casa Aranda (6) were a treat.

El Café de Chinitas (7) had a perfect tomato salad.

Puerta Oscura (8–9) had the worst margaritas but a great interior.

A composed dish featuring a golden potato mille-feuille topped with finely chopped beef tartare, mixed with pickles or green herbs, and finished with a dollop of glossy black caviar. The dish sits on a glass plate, with a layer of creamy sauce beneath the potato adding contrast. Two pieces of white fish crusted with black and white sesame seeds are served in a shallow green sauce and topped with thin crisps. The glossy broth-like sauce surrounds the fish, adding richness and contrast to the crunchy sesame coating. A portion of ensaladilla generously topped with a creamy yellow sauce and garnished with microgreens and a crispy element. The potato-based salad is plated on a dark slate, with some of it already eaten, showing its soft, rich texture. A cozy café interior with teal tiled walls, warm wood accents, and hanging filament bulbs. Behind the counter are pastries, fresh eggs, and coffee-making gear, while a display case on the right showcases cakes and baked goods, creating a charming, artisanal atmosphere. A dessert display filled with cheesecakes and baked goods labeled by flavor—like mango, fresa, lotus, and banoffee. The slices rest on turquoise plates in a chilled case, with cookies and other treats above them on wooden trays. A classic Spanish breakfast of crisp, golden churros on a metal plate, served with a thick cup of hot chocolate and a glass of café con leche. The churros look light and airy, ideal for dipping in the rich chocolate. A fresh tomato salad featuring chunks of multicolored heirloom tomatoes dressed in olive oil and sprinkled with flaky salt and chopped herbs. The tomatoes glisten with seasoning, highlighting their ripeness and juiciness. A pale yellow Margarita served in a coupe glass with a sugared rim, resting on a coaster from Puerta Oscura. The foamy surface and elegant presentation suggest a carefully crafted cocktail. An elegant bar interior with plush velvet chairs, chandeliers, ornate frames, and religious art. The space combines vintage charm with a moody, intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening drink.