@loaxley
In the past week I’ve had two very satisfying and not wallet stretching meals at two stylish but casual bistros that I can highly recommend.
First, La Barra de la Tasquería on Duque de Sesto (Salamanca district), which is the original space of the now Michelin-starred La Tasquería, which gained its international fame specializing in offal dishes.
The owner, Javi Estévez, moved La Tasquería to Chamberí, but he kept his second in command here in the original space to offer a more varied bistro menu not specifically offal focused although the some of the greatest hits are still there.
The amuse bouche here is a decadent partridge paté mixed with apple puré and a touch of oloroso served with crunchy rye bread. It´s irresistible.
I´m not a fan of offal, but young chef Adrián changed my mind, as his sweetbreads made of lamb with a baby scallop, topped with an egg yolk convinced me. I even was tempted to try his “bikini” sandwich of cured, smoked tongue topped with Compté, which every other diner was enjoying and my seat mates at the bar said was outstanding.
But the chef also serves a wonderful and award winning steak tartare served on brioche with shaved foie gras, along with award winning croquettes, a lovely dish of 3 meat canalones topped with béchamel and a rice dish with tenderloin, artichokes and foie. And the wine list, with many bottles available by the glass, is outstanding. Particularly friendly service. I walked in solo sans reservations on a busy Sunday afternoon but nonetheless was given a coveted seat at the bar right next to the chef’s prep area and could observe all the activity in the open kitchen.
https://tasqueriabarra.com
My second hit, although not quite as impressive, is the new Alto Bardero in the former space of Juana la Loca (which has moved to Calle Recoletos, Salamanca).
Here my husband and I shared their famous Spanish omelet, a carryover from Juana la Loca, octupus kimchi with potato gnocchi and a ¨secreto", Iberian acorn fed pork fillet plus a dessert of lemon pie with maracuyá and a coconut foam. Plus two glasses of Neno godello.
The bill at both with shared starter, main, excellent bread, dessert and glass of wine shoudn´t exceed 60 euros/p.
About the Mercado Antón Martín…
if you go just head straight downstairs to the Mercado Gastronómico, where you´ll find the absolute gem of all of Madrid´s market dining at LaLópez Bar. Look for the turquoise sign. It’s tiny but mighty. Last year owners Maia and Sergio won the award for best Madrid dining for under 40 euros (although you can spend far more there, as my chef friends do).
