TWO GREEN DAYS IN MADRID
par HÉLÈNE
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Officially lawyer performing in Mmm cities (Madrid and Marbella), but so much book lover that she gets more excited by a Balzac masterpiece than a Pharrell Williams gig and would refuse a date with Brad Pitt for a tea time with a Litterature Nobel Prize. Just back from an ayurveda cure in Ceylan, Violeta guides us through the streets of Madrid proving movida is still well alive.
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Other cities can be green …. with envy…. because now Madrid has it all. The culture for healthy food, ecological nourishment and sustainable development is growing stronger in the capital of Spain. If you have not visited the city in a while it s time to come back, you will still find the allure of the old and classic Madrid as well as its endless nights but you will also sense the modernity and sophistication of a top European city.
Having only two days to spent, there is no time to loose:
FRIDAY
Arriving Friday, check in on Room mate Hotels, any of them (Mario, Oscar, Alicia or Laura), each of them has its own personality and style and are located on key spots. Design & comfy even if not totally green.
Take a walk through Malasaña, the neighborhood that was the cradle of la movida on the 80`s, now known as the hipster area in Madrid, full of cool bars, pubs and restaurants.
Have dinner on “ Crucina”, on calle divino pastor 30, crudivegan (raw food) little restaurant that uses techniques that alter food minimally cooking below 41 ° C which is the optimum temperature to preserve intact the natural nutrients and enzymes in food.
The food is greek inspired, as its chief. It’s surprising and delicious, even for non vegans.
Don’t miss the vegan moussaka or the desserts which are totally guilty free ! No sugar, no dairies, no wheat, no eggs: pure pleasure !
crucina raw lasagne – Irina Bondarchuk
SATURDAY
Saturday Morning you can go to RENT & ROLL to rent a bike and enjoy a long ride through the largest park of Madrid “ El Retiro”. The Park belonged to the spanish Monarchy until the 19th century, when it became a public park.
Take a boat in its pond, and enjoy its beautiful « statue Walks ». Go to the Royal Botanical Garden, which is a few steps from El Prado Museum, and gives the chance to enjoy the piece and quiet immersed in nature. While the garden has species dating back from more than two centuries for visitors to enjoy, it is also the home to both researchers and botanics.
For Brunch or late lunch ( if you had enjoyed Madrid night life night before) go to café Murillo and try their typical spanish tapas, which includes some light and eco friendly dishes. Best location possible (it has a wonderful terrace with views to El Prado and the Royal Botanical Garden), and a commited restaurant that donates a % of their revenue to The City of Hope and Joy Foundation.
In the afternoon you can visit El Prado, or if you are not in the mood for big crowds you can search for an expo in Caixaforum, Fundacion Mapfre , Thyssen Museum or Reina Sofia (Modern Art Museum) . There is always something good going on so it s good to check “la guia del ocio” in advance to guarantee you are profiting the extensive cultural offering of Madrid.
The weekend we were here, la Caixa Forum (known also for its fantastic vegetal wall from Patrick Blanc) was hosting a stunning exhibition of Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado. I cannot resist to the pleasure of sharing my favorite pictures with you of this wildlife and human nature lover. Perfect parallel no ? :)
If you’re in the mood for a tea break, we recommend Il Tavolo Verde, a cool concept between the organic café and the antic market.
Walk around “ El barrio de las letras” ( which can be literally translated by “ the Word s neighborhood”), where all the famous classic writers like Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderon de la Barca had their residence; special mention deserves Lopez de Vega`s House in calle Cervantes. Enjoy its ancient wineries and “librerias de Viejo”, antique bookshops which will transport you to Spain`s Golden Century.
If you’re more in the shoppers adddict family, and not mentioning the local fashion idol Zara, wander in the magic garden of Federica & co, gathering young designers « located in one of the most beautiful areas of Madrid. Our passions are antiques, vintage and everything that enlightens our imagination at home ».
Last before going out, we recommend also Handmadebeauty-db.com, a lovely spot focused around organic, holistic and natural beauty that offers a variety of treatments with 100% natural products, in an eco chic relaxed experience.
Have dinner close to Plaza Santa ( a must see spot) at Green and More ( calle Prado), all products come from Tudela`s vegetable garden.
If you still have some spare energy you can finish your night having either a cocktail in Le Cabrera, cocktail & gastrobar or dancing in Triple R ( Rock and Roll Radio), an hiper fun club with great rock live music and great crowd.
SUNDAY
Sunday is the day were people usually go to El Rastro, in Lavapies, Madrid s flea Market where you can find anything… there are multiple Indian restaurants around the neighourhood , but Shapla might be the best option ( includes vegetarian menu). Few steps from there you can rent a bike and ride through Madrid Rio.
For lunch we recommend Mama Campo, a new concept, that open plaza de Olavide. Restaurant and shop working exclusively with local producers.
Pict: Manolo Yllera
pict: Manolo Yllera
And if you still have time, don’t miss “ Matadero”, an old slaughterhouse now converted in a Contemporary Cultural and artistic centre. There are expos, art fairs, Threatre plays , a full cultural offer in a very hipster atmosphere where you can find young people swing dancing or having a beeron their terraces. Matadero`s cafeteria « Olivia te cuida » offers tons of natural and eco friendly products.
Madrid may not be the greenest city of the world, but it’s definitely on the right path… The city is full of life and its people will make you feel at home…Maybe that’s why the city motto is « From Madrid to Heaven ». Amen ;)
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ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED SPOTS
www.harinamadrid.com: boulangeries where you can find delicious bread and pastries, with no sugar, no additives or chemical ingredients.
RESTAURANTS
www.lavaqueriasuiza.com
www.restauranteelcocinillas.com
SHOPPING
www.pez-pez.es
www.zonajorgejuan.com
VISIT
Tempo de Debod, Egyptian Temple in Madrid
ESCAPE
Aranjuez (43 km from Madrid), and visit its famous palace
Buitrago de Lozoya ( 73 km from Madrid)
And to follow the best Books advices of Violeta, and practise your spanish: http://clubdelecturalavaqueria.blogspot.fr
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