Serious Jamón

If you’re serious about your jamón, especially the ibérico, then you’ll have to make a pilgrimage to Spain and visit one of the many shops that specialize in this delicious delicacy. During my recent trip, I found myself wandering about the streets of Madrid, eventually to Cava Baja, where there are a number of fine tapas joints. Lo and behold! There stands Alma de Ibérico at number 41 Cava Baja, the shop you see in the photo below:

While I stood by with my mouth watering, I watched a master carve off the thinest slices for a nice lady. These slices are so thin, they melt in your mouth, releasing all the flavor of a well-cured meat. Now, just in case you want to purchase your jamón intact and do the carving yourself, check out the selection below with yours truly grinning at the possibilities:

Take your pick! It is tempting but not inexpensive. Then again, the good things in life are never cheap. At any rate, if you find yourself in Madrid, on Cava Baja, make a stop here. You won’t be disappointed.

Published in: on May 4, 2010 at 4:22 am  Leave a Comment  
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Loving Frequent Flier Miles

Once again, I’m loving frequent flier miles. The flights on this trip were paid for using my American Airlines frequent flier mile program and about $100 in cash. Not a bad deal for two business class tickets to from the US to Madrid, Spain.

Furthermore, I’d like to say a big “thank you” to all the friendly and helpful people at American Airlines. The cabin staff was fantastic on all flights. Of course, the pilots are professionals of the highest order, making nice landings, avoiding turbulence whenever possible, and personable to boot. Then, I enjoyed the Admirals Club in Miami with all its amenities.

Again, all this cost me $100 plus the miles, which were earned at no interest by using a credit card (carrying no balance) and the other flights I took on American. I’d call that a handsome reward for a bit of loyalty.

Of course it’s going to take me quite a while to accumulate another batch of miles for a trip like this. It’ll be worth it. (Starting tomorrow, I’ll have photos, videos, and zany blog commentary about this sojurn to Spain. All you’ve come to expect from The Bent Page, and more!)

Published in: on May 3, 2010 at 9:32 pm  Comments (1)  
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Good Shoes

There are some things you can skimp on, but shoes are not one of them. For more than two weeks, I’ve been walking over hill and dale, castle walls and cathedral steps. Thankfully, I have a decent pair of treads under my toes and heels. Without them, this journey would have been much less enjoyable. Seriously, don’t waste your money on cheap shoes. They’ll only let you down, literally and figuratively. After all, it’s your feet that take you where you want to go. Treat them right and you’ll arrive in style.

Here in Spain, shoes are an art form. Every imaginable shape and style is on display both in the shop windows and on the feet of the populace. Some streets feature 3, 4, even 5 shoes stores, sometimes one next to the other. This culture adorns their feet like no other that I’ve encountered. That said, I’ll venture a guess that not all of the respresented designs are as comfortable as they could be.

But after spending between 4 and 7 hours each day on the pair I have, I can reliably report they have passed the test.

Soon this blog will be filled with photos, video, and more from this voyage to Spain. Be patient. It’ll be worth the wait.

Published in: on May 1, 2010 at 7:32 am  Comments (1)  
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