We went to Taberna Sanlúcar and really enjoyed the alcachofa, adobo sanluqueño, garbanzos con espinacas y bacalao, and of course the jamón ibérico. The place was packed when we arrived; we waited for a bit to sit at the bar and eat. Many people came and were turned away because they were so busy.

A beautifully presented fried artichoke, sliced thin and fanned out in a flower-like shape, with crisp, golden-brown edges and a tender, translucent interior. It glistens with olive oil and is sprinkled with coarse sea salt and paprika, creating an elegant balance of texture and seasoning.A plate of Adobo Sanluqueño, featuring bite-sized pieces of marinated dogfish coated in a light, golden batter and deep-fried to a crisp. The irregularly shaped pieces hint at a rustic, home-style preparation. Presented on a traditional Andalusian ceramic plate, the dish looks crunchy, savory, and inviting.A bowl of garbanzos con espinacas y bacalao, a traditional Cádiz dish made with chickpeas, spinach, and salted cod. The stew is rich and hearty, with visible chunks of flaked fish and greens in a glistening golden broth. A garnish of chopped boiled egg adds visual texture, and the patterned ceramic bowl enhances its rustic presentation.A plate of finely sliced jamón ibérico, arranged in overlapping layers to highlight the marbled fat and deep red hues of the cured meat. The slices glisten with natural oils, suggesting a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The decorative ceramic plate adds a refined, traditional touch.The interior of a traditional Cádiz-style taberna, warmly lit and filled with character. Hanging cured hams, shelves of vintage bottles, and rustic wooden beams frame the scene. A Cádiz C.F. 1910 scarf draped across a mirror adds local pride, while fresh herbs, grapes, and cheeses at the bar create a cozy and authentic atmosphere.

2025-06-09

We popped into Mercado de San Miguel for cava and were surprised this market was entirely food stalls (unlike València and Málaga, which were focused on fresh groceries).

I especially loved the wall art with subtle gay-themed stop signs to mimic the actual stop signs throughout Madrid.

The exterior of Mercado de San Miguel, a historic iron-and-glass market building with ornate architectural details, large glass panels, and decorative wrought-iron signage. The reflections on the glass showcase the surrounding plaza, while a crowd of people gather outside—some sitting on the low railing, others walking or entering through the central doorway.Close-up of a glass display case filled with colorful skewers of marinated olives, cheese, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and cured meats. The skewers are arranged in neat pyramids, with glossy textures and vibrant colors that highlight their freshness and variety. Jars of green and stuffed olives add to the visual appeal, and the reflection of customers adds a dynamic sense of movement.Bustling interior of the market with a crowd of visitors navigating food stalls beneath a vaulted ceiling with exposed iron trusses and terracotta tiles. The warm ambient light and wooden stall facades create a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. Hanging signage and black pendant lamps help define each vendor space, with people lining up for tapas and drinks.A wall mural made of glossy ceramic tiles featuring a loosely sketched illustration of a red-haired woman in a tank top, holding her hand to her head. The scene includes minimalistic figures and stylized street signs, with reflections of the market’s interior and a view of the building across the street visible through the adjacent window.Street scene in Madrid showing a pedestrian traffic light with a green signal featuring two figures holding hands, commonly used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion. The surrounding area includes modern and historic buildings, various street signs, and several pedestrians walking or waiting.Urban intersection with a green pedestrian signal showing two red figures holding hands. The scene includes a mix of modern and traditional buildings, a digital parking sign, and a busy sidewalk with people crossing or walking in different directions.

2025-06-09

We stopped into Pastelería El Riojano for a quick soletilla con chocolate and it was delicious! The melted chocolate was rich and the ladyfingers were very soft sponge. Their other desserts and ice creams looked great too!

A thick cup of Spanish hot chocolate sits on a white saucer with an ornate handle and a silver spoon, paired with a soft, golden sponge cake dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Both are served on fine white porcelain dishes embossed with patterns and marked with the name “El Riojano” in cobalt blue, evoking a sense of elegance and tradition. The chocolate’s glossy surface and dense texture contrast invitingly with the tender, airy look of the cake.A well-lit glass pastry display brims with traditional Spanish baked goods arranged across three shelves. Each level features neatly labeled treats such as empanadas, croissants, napolitanas, puff pastries, and cookies, framed by a backdrop of decorative jars and an opulent wooden and brass case. The abundance and variety—ranging from flaky to golden to sugar-dusted—create a tempting and indulgent visual feast.Rows of assorted cookies and pastries fill a glass display, organized by type and color in visually pleasing symmetry. The front row features geometric butter cookies, golden spirals, and nut-topped rounds, while the background highlights chocolate-dipped biscuits and striped pastries. The reflection of customers adds a candid charm to the elegant setting, capturing the moment of choice at a classic pastry counter.A freezer case of artisanal ice cream showcases over a dozen flavors in stainless steel tubs, each labeled with handwritten signs. Vibrant colors—from mango yellow and pistachio green to deep chocolate brown and bright raspberry pink—suggest creamy, rich textures and diverse taste profiles. The inviting presentation emphasizes freshness and variety, ideal for sampling on a warm day.A vintage black-and-white photograph of a traditional storefront labeled “El Riojano,” featuring ornate classical columns and carved wooden detailing around a narrow entrance. Two window displays on either side show tiered trays of confections and pastries, while the words “Repostería” and “Confitería” above the door frame the scene. The nostalgic ambiance reflects old-world charm and a long-standing legacy of fine pastry-making.

2025-06-10