Eats: Madrid - Vol. 2, Madrid, Spain

No matter how near or far you are from home, a recommendation for a good restaurant or bar is always nice to have. EATS is a collection of places that I’ve enjoyed during my travels.

Hands down one of the most visually exciting tapas experiences we had in Madrid was at Txakolina. It’s located south of Plaza Mayor on one of my favorite streets for nightlife, Calle Cava Baja, which draws its name from the nearby access “caves” that used to occupy the La Latina area. This neighborhood is one of the most popular spots for a tapas crawl, and for good reason, with one great bar after another as you make your way down the narrow street. This Pintxoteca Madrileña specializes in Basque-style pintxos, which comes from the verb pinchar meaning to pierce, hence the toothpicks that anchor these artful creations. These larger portion tapas are displayed along the bar, so you know what you are getting (vs. ordering blindly off a menu), making for an easier experience for the tapas novice.

With so many tempting options to choose from, it may be hard to make a decision (we went with 2 pintxos, one with brie and caramelized onions and another stack of fried eggplant). When you’ve made up your mind, tell one of the bartenders what you want and they’ll heat it up for you. The prices are a little higher at Txakolina, but it’s worth it given the portion sizes, selection and great ambiance. Come early because it’s sure to fill up as the night progresses. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).