SPAIN...FOOD, WINE, MUSIC AND ART.
- By Tomas San Jose
- Published 10/26/2008
Tomas San Jose
Previous Nationality: Spain. Attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tn.- Met and married a beautiful Southern Belle in 1952. Still together. Drafted during the Korean War; active duty with 1st Cav.Div. earning my U.S. Citizenship.Have a Memphis born daughter,a great son-in-law and two granddauhters, our pride and joy. Living in a small town just north of Memphis - Retired - we are enjoying the peace, quiet, and good neighbors we are lucky to have.
MADRID, CAPITAL CITY.
Precisely at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, the capital city of Spain is center of economics, and administration of the country, having a very important cultural and artistic heritage, legacy of centuries of fascinating history; art and culture are very important in Madrid life.
The city offers a broad range of accommodations and services, and this,combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.
EL PRADO MUSEUM is the most important of the 73 museums in Madrid. Previously known as "The Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture", it has kept for over 175 years, works only enjoyed by the monarchy before. With its annex, "El Cason del Buen Retiro" is one of the world's finest galleries, exhibiting frescoes by Giordano, and adding Goya, Zuloaga, Tizano (among other Venetians painters), Rubens, El Greco and many more.- El Prado is located in the heart of Madrid, by one of the most beautiful parks in the city: El Parque del Retiro.
LA PUERTA DEL SOL, (Gate of the Sun) is one of the best known and busiest places in Madrid. It is the center (Kilometer "0") of the radial network of the Spanish roads. In the Square, also is located the clock, that with its bells mark the traditional eating of the twelve grapes, and the beginning of the new year.
La Puerta del Sol, originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century, and the name of the gate came from the rising sun decorating the entrance, since the gate was oriented to the east.- Now, a metro station named SOL lies under he square.
GASTRONOMY,
Since Phillip II made Madrid the capital of Spain, numerous recipes and influences from all the regions of the country entered its kitchen. Today, is practically impossible to say which dishes are original and which imported; so Madrid offers more of a Spanish, than a regional cuisine.
TAPAS.- In Spain, dinner is served between 9:00 and 11:00pm, some times as late as midnight. That leaves quite a gap, from the end of the work day to dinner time; so, its customary for the Spaniards to often go "Bar-hopping"- Ir de ta - and eat tapas during that time. Tapas are a variety of appetizers served when you order wine, or an alcoholic beverage of some kind. Tapa means "lid" or "cover"in Spanish. There are several explanations for the etymology of tapa; the most commonly cTed is that something like a piece of bread or even a flat card of some kind, would often be placed on top of a drink, to protect it from fruit flies. At some point, it became a habit to top drinks with a snack. Razor thin slices of Serrano ham, chorizo (sausage) and cheese are some of the most popular tapas requested in bars when ordering a beer or a glass of wine.
Internationally, I believe the "Paella" is the most known and popular Spanish dish. Personally, one of my favorites are"gambas" (shrimp) deep-ed in a vinaigrette covered by floating, finely chopped onion.
Madrid has many exceptionally good restaurants, their Chefs rating among the best in Europe; with the thearters, night-clubs and shows, this city has a very active and interesting night life.- Would recommend visiting a "Tablao Flamenco", where you can dine, drink wine, and enjoy Flamenco guitars, singers and dancers.
"El Corral de La Moreria" is considered to be one of the most famous in the world. Get there early. About half a block away is a bar, where you can eat some very good tapas with a glass of wine in a very pleasant ambiance, while waiting for "The Corral" to open its doors.
Precisely at the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, the capital city of Spain is center of economics, and administration of the country, having a very important cultural and artistic heritage, legacy of centuries of fascinating history; art and culture are very important in Madrid life.
The city offers a broad range of accommodations and services, and this,combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.
EL PRADO MUSEUM is the most important of the 73 museums in Madrid. Previously known as "The Royal Museum of Painting and Sculpture", it has kept for over 175 years, works only enjoyed by the monarchy before. With its annex, "El Cason del Buen Retiro" is one of the world's finest galleries, exhibiting frescoes by Giordano, and adding Goya, Zuloaga, Tizano (among other Venetians painters), Rubens, El Greco and many more.- El Prado is located in the heart of Madrid, by one of the most beautiful parks in the city: El Parque del Retiro.
LA PUERTA DEL SOL, (Gate of the Sun) is one of the best known and busiest places in Madrid. It is the center (Kilometer "0") of the radial network of the Spanish roads. In the Square, also is located the clock, that with its bells mark the traditional eating of the twelve grapes, and the beginning of the new year.
La Puerta del Sol, originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century, and the name of the gate came from the rising sun decorating the entrance, since the gate was oriented to the east.- Now, a metro station named SOL lies under he square.
GASTRONOMY,
Since Phillip II made Madrid the capital of Spain, numerous recipes and influences from all the regions of the country entered its kitchen. Today, is practically impossible to say which dishes are original and which imported; so Madrid offers more of a Spanish, than a regional cuisine.
TAPAS.- In Spain, dinner is served between 9:00 and 11:00pm, some times as late as midnight. That leaves quite a gap, from the end of the work day to dinner time; so, its customary for the Spaniards to often go "Bar-hopping"- Ir de ta - and eat tapas during that time. Tapas are a variety of appetizers served when you order wine, or an alcoholic beverage of some kind. Tapa means "lid" or "cover"in Spanish. There are several explanations for the etymology of tapa; the most commonly cTed is that something like a piece of bread or even a flat card of some kind, would often be placed on top of a drink, to protect it from fruit flies. At some point, it became a habit to top drinks with a snack. Razor thin slices of Serrano ham, chorizo (sausage) and cheese are some of the most popular tapas requested in bars when ordering a beer or a glass of wine.
Internationally, I believe the "Paella" is the most known and popular Spanish dish. Personally, one of my favorites are"gambas" (shrimp) deep-ed in a vinaigrette covered by floating, finely chopped onion.
Madrid has many exceptionally good restaurants, their Chefs rating among the best in Europe; with the thearters, night-clubs and shows, this city has a very active and interesting night life.- Would recommend visiting a "Tablao Flamenco", where you can dine, drink wine, and enjoy Flamenco guitars, singers and dancers.
"El Corral de La Moreria" is considered to be one of the most famous in the world. Get there early. About half a block away is a bar, where you can eat some very good tapas with a glass of wine in a very pleasant ambiance, while waiting for "The Corral" to open its doors.
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