Back on our international journey
We go from elephant sanctuaries in Thailand to flamingo dancing in Spain! A favorite family trip of 2019, the first and arguably favorite, stop was Madrid.
I made it my personal mission to try as much paella I could get my hands on and as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way. The first paella we tried was a seafood paella in a hidden nook in the Plaza de Sol. Unfortunately unaware of the future entries I would be writing, I haven’t noted every restaurant’s name but I have hardly forgotten them.Paella, while hailing from the Valencia region, has become a sort of national dish of Spain to the outside world. Using medium grain rice, a blend of spices for flavor including paprika, onion, garlic, and tomatoes, the above is full of flavors beyond a typical risotto dish which it resembles. In Madrid, we ordered a traditional seafood paella. Mussels, clams, and shrimp garment the top and are served right in the paella pan. Smoky from a wood-fire this hearty dish meets expectations. While I am aware we were in a traditional tourist area and therefore this wasn’t as authentic as can be, someone who hasn’t had the infamous dish was pleasantly surprised. This was no typical rice bowl that we are accustomed to in the states and the fresh seafood flavors added the Mediterranean flair that my paella seeking soul was searching for.
In the same restaurant, we ordered a traditional huevos with papas. Cracked fried eggs and, for lack of a better description, fried beans and rice balls, top crispy potatoes fries, and sautéed onions. This dish is more similar to those we’ve had growing up with the fresh take on fries and eggs that aren’t quite as oily while still fried. Just add a bit of sauce or sriracha on top and this is the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner, and easily replicable too!
On to what all bakery loving fans are here for, the dessert. There was no shortage of bakeries, coffee shops, churros, donuts and ice creams to be had. For this post, I am going with a lovely little spot with cakes that delighted. Pictured here we have a red velvet slice, cream puff, and chocolate bread pudding topped with powdered sugar. Behold in portrait mode:
Bread pudding, with so many sweet and savory options and its ingenious use of stale bread, is one of those desserts that for me is underrated. It should be semi-“mushy” in texture, yet solid, which I think you can see here is perfected with chocolate reigning supreme throughout. The cream puff consisted of a crispy puff pastry type of dough that crisped and made a delicious mess. I would say we could have done with more cream inside but maybe I’m just thinking of Krempita too much. Red velvet cake ironically to me is one of those overrated desserts which remains true here. I will always give credit to the consistency, with the same cream cheese notes and taste, you know what you’re getting here and don’t get me wrong, tastes good! This is just one bakery stop that led to some nice aesthetics but I will give Madrid a 10 out of 10 rating on its shops, sweets, and treats about town, beyond memorable.
And for good measure, just in case you missed it on Mina’s Bakery Instagram, these Man Waffle creations are a sight not to be missed. No description needed, just enjoy the overload.
