A Minor Feast, Spain

When traveling, it’s hard not to eat too much. For one thing, the portions are mostly out of your control. Then there is the menu of the day, which includes two courses for one price. Temptation takes over. However, a minor feast can be a good one, as I found in many parts of Spain. So long as you stay active, the pounds will stay off. For example, when in the handsome little town of Alarcón, we stopped in for lunch to the local meson, seen below.

This place was the Asador/Marisqueria Don Julian. Knowing a decent local joint when I see one, I popped in to see what was to be had. (Not to mention that those rain clouds were on the way in, signaling that the outdoor tables would be of no use.) Vegetables being necessary for a well-balanced diet, I started with the mixed salad. In Spain, this is a grand affair that includes hard boiled eggs, asparagus, and tuna, although I asked them to without the tuna. Check out how Don Julian serves the ensalada mixta here:

This went down easy, but as you can see, is quite a lot of food. Still, I pressed on with the second course, a pork loin pounded flat and grilled. Hence:

The roasted peppers were a nice touch. Plenty of flavor to them. By the time the meal ended, the rain had passed and we were back on the streets in search of history, culture, and fun, all of which are easy to find in Spain. Plus, after a minor feast like this, you have to walk it off.

Published in: on May 11, 2010 at 11:08 am  Leave a Comment  
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Museo Pan Gallégo, Madrid

Museo Pan Gallégo is located just a block and a half from the Plaza Mayor on the little Plaza de Herradores. This is a busy crossroads, with people coming up over the hill from the area of the Teatro Real. Here’s a look at the storefront:

I like small shops because they usually embody the character of their owners as opposed to the sterile environment of the big super centers. This place certainly fits the bill, starting with the sign out front.

There’s plenty of proclamations on the sign. Check it out carefully for a brief history of the shop. Inside you’ll find not only various types of fresh-baked bread, but plenty of Spanish treats from olives, to chorizo, to cured hams, and so on. Here’s a quick look at the interior:

When in Madrid, it’s hard to resist popping into one of the tapas joints for a quick snack. However, as mentioned in previous posts, why not pick up something at a little shop like this, heading to a park or your hotel room for a mini-fiesta of your own. You’ll get to interact with the people in the shop and be able to dine at your leisure afterward. This is a fun way to immerse yourself in another culture. Tasty, too!

Published in: on May 9, 2010 at 10:47 am  Leave a Comment  
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Mercado San Miguel, Madrid

Mercado San Miguel is located off western end of Madrid’s Plaza Mayor in the old part of the city. The place has been remodeled and updated in the last couple of years. The people of Madrid and visitors alike pile in through these sleek glass doors for the best of every type of food on offer.

Let’s start with the basics. How about some fruits and vegetables like this:

Next would be fresh bread, no? How about like this?

Maybe you prefer fresh seafood such as this:

Has to be something there you like. By the way, don’t forget the cheese. Take your pick from this counter.

Olives and such are one of the basics of every Spanish meal, too. Which one is your favorite? They’re all here.

And while you’re at it, might as well get dessert.

What else? There’s wine, oysters on the half shell, and plenty of other things that simply won’t fit here in a standard post. If you’re ambling about Madrid, in the area of the Plaza Mayor, I would stop in here for a snack or everything you need for a great meal. By the way, there will be a post showing the tapas that can be had. Stay tuned.

Published in: on May 7, 2010 at 1:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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Alarcón, Spain, Fortifications

Alarcón, Spain, features a handsome set of fortifications. The town itself perches atop a tower of rock that rises above a winding river, making it an ideal place to built a castle. Take a look at the long view:

The main tower sits on the left side of the frame above. The watch tower to the right gives a great view into the next valley as wells as intersecting fire should someone have been stupid enough to approach from the area of that reservoir below. Note the walls that form a line about half way up the hill to the town. Panning slightly left, you’ll further see how isolated the town’s position is:

In the foreground left, stands another watch tower that guards the access road leading toward the town’s main gate. The people who fortified this town were serious about their mission. The main fort is now a paradore, welcoming visitors who wish to spend the night and enjoy a nice meal. I didn’t have the opportunity to stay there or dine. Let’s take a look at that building from the other side:

Those rain clouds passed while  I enjoyed a nice lunch. More about the food later. Check out the rainbow on the left. It was a nice touch for the photo. Before leaving, take a closer look at the road and the town’s main gate:

Alarcón isn’t the largest castle you’ll see in Spain. However, it does have all the features you come to expect from Spanish castle builders. Plus, you’re able to get up close to this piece of history.

Published in: on May 6, 2010 at 9:53 am  Leave a Comment  
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