May 04, 2022

Reminiscing in Madrid

By Philippe Jolicoeur
Beautiful View of Madrid Spain

Since a young age I've always wanted to visit Madrid. The architecture, the history, the food it always sounded  amazing to me. So when I had the opportunity to go for the first time , I jumped at it. Turns out, Madrid is even more beautiful than I imagined. The city is thriving and full of life, but also has a lot of history and character. It is also the birthplace of the Torrefacto roasting technique that served as an inspiratiion for our 1936 coffee. Luckly for me, I have had the opportunity to visit this beautiful city on many more occasions. Here are a few highlights.

 

 If you're like me, and love spending a day browsing art museums, then the Prado Museum in Madrid is a must-visit on your list. It's no wonder that the Prado is one of Madrid's most popular tourist attractions. The museum is home to one of the world's most impressive collections of European art, with pieces from some of the greatest masters including Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Bosch. So whether you're an art history buff or just looking for something interesting to do in Madrid, make sure to add the Prado Museum to your itinerary.

 The Retiro Park in Madrid is a must-see for any visitor to the city. With its expansive gardens, elegant fountains, and splendid architecture, it's no wonder that the park is one of Madrid's most popular tourist destinations. A stroll through the Retiro Park is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in nature. So take a break from sightseeing and spend an afternoon wandering through this beautiful green oasis in the heart of Madrid.

 It's not every day you get to tour a royal palace, but in Madrid, that's exactly what you can do. The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the city's top tourist destinations, and for good reason. With its ornate architecture and beautiful gardens, it's easy to see why this palace is fit for a king (or queen). So if you're looking for an unforgettable experience while in Madrid, be sure to check out the Royal Palace. You won't regret it!

 This vibrant city has something for everyone, from world-famous art museums to Michelin-starred restaurants. Of course, no visit is complete without sampling the local cuisine and drinks. So what should you eat  while in Madrid? Tripe Stew (Callos a la Madrileña) ,fried Pig Ear (Oreja a la plancha) ,boquerones en Vinagre (Pickled anchovies) ,soldadito de Bacalao (Fried salt cod fritter) ,Cocido Madrileño (Madrid Stew) Cochinillo Asado (Suckling Pig) ,Bocadillo de calamares (Calamari sandwich) are only a few examples.I will do another blog only on the Jamón Serrano....but please , please visit la Casa del Jamón.

 What do you drink with all this delicious food ? Don’t get me started… Vino of course !!! Spanish wine is famous around the world for its quality and variety. From crisp, dry whites to smooth, fruity reds, there's a Spanish wine to suit every taste.Spain is a major wine producer, with over 300 different grape varieties grown in the country. The climate and soil type make Spain an ideal place for winemaking, and the combination of traditional and modern techniques results in some of the best wines in the world. In addition to the classic Rioja and Sherry styles, Spanish wines are now being made in all kinds of different styles, from sparkling Cava to dessert wines like Moscatel. So if you're looking for something new and inexpensive , explore Spanish wines . Somehow they taste even better when you drink them in Madrid !

Coffee is a big deal in Spain. It's not just a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon energizer; it's an art form. And nowhere is this more evident than in the country's growing torrefacto coffee scene that have serves as an inspiration for our 1936 Torrefacto Instant Coffees .Cafés are popping up all over the country that specialize in this unique, smoked coffee preparation. If you're looking for an authentic Spanish coffee experience, be sure to check out one of these cafés! And when you come home reminisce with us !

 As I sit here in my apartment in Madrid, enjoying the last few minutes of sunlight before it disappears behind the buildings for the night, I can't help but reflect on all that has happened in the past two weeks. From touring the incredible city and its ancient architecture, to sampling delicious culinary delicacies from all over the world, to experiencing some of the passionate nightlife for which Madrid is known I have had a blast! This trip has truly been a journey of exploration and cultural immersion for me. I can't wait to see what else Madrid has in store for me next time I come back.

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