Michelin Lunch Madrid is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report.
A friend of mine happened to be in Madrid at the same time I am here for my residency (see TPOL Now Living in Madrid!). As a tourist, he went to a cooking class, something that I will not do as a ‘local’ (see TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?). There, the instructor told him that her favorite restaurant in Madrid is La Montería. I tried to make a reservation via the website for the day off but could not. When we arrived at 4 PM, the place was packed with people eating and drinking copious amounts of wine. How was this happening on a Wednesday afternoon? I thought there was no way that we would be seated. Indeed, the hostess was shocked when we said we did not have a reservation. Nevertheless, they put two tables together and were graciously accommodating.
TPOL’s TIP: Reservations for most restaurants in Madrid are recommended.
When I sat down, I looked at the wall and was surprised when I saw the Michelin awards. I have only been to one Michelin-starred restaurant. It was in Copenhagen and it was a special experience (see Punk Royale Copenhagen: Michelin Restaurant on Acid). Going to another for lunch was a bit over the top.
Wine
If you’re going to do Michelin, you must have great wine. With the help of the waitress, I selected this hearty bottle from Rioja.
Food
Everything was ordered to share. Everything was fantastic.
Overall
The budget could not handle a Michelin lunch every day, nor would I want to indulge on such fancy food every day. Still, I am left wondering if Michelin meals are the norm for the upper class of Madrid.
TPOL’s Tip: La Montería is located at C. de Lope de Rueda, 35, 28009 Madrid.
Looks delicious –
When in Madrid, we usually do tapas and dinner at the many restaurants and pubs on Calle de la Cava Baja. Great libations and food throughout! Few come to mind: Casa Lucas, and La Antoñita at Posada del Dragon for dinner as they have the best oxtail cooked to perfection (Crunchy Oxtail Roll) among other dishes. Across the street, you have Taberna la Concha where they spray your Vermot glass with gin – delicious stuff! There are at least 30-40 other top notch establishments that serve the best F&B.
Lol wait for my tapas post this Friday.
Looks delish. And it’s bib gourmand, not starred. So how much was the check?
Beyond my comprehension as to what the difference is. Tried to look it up. And I have no idea. Check was paid before I could panic.