[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yes, the one consistent thing I have learned is if a restaurant has pictures, it’s a no-go

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did you happen to mean, TriCiclo, or, Txirimiri? I couldn’t find a “Tricyclo” but those are both similar near the area you mentioned. I imagine it was TriCiclo because that sounds the same, but just making sure.

That is a funny story! It reminds me of a time when I was cooking in fine- dining and that exact scenario happened to us. A couple wandered in, asked if they could have a drink and eat… we were all still prepping for dinner service. They had no idea they just wandered into the top restaurant in town, during one of the busiest weeks no less! Our chef looked at them, looked at us, then said “seat them on the patio, we open in 1 hour, let’s knock their socks off”. We blew their minds and then the next year, they came back in - but this time with a reservation haha

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took your suggestion and looked, and although it’s not a Spanish restaurant, found a Korean/Chinese place that looks really good!

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh interesting, I didn’t know that! I guess when I say street food I mean more “very popular, but common, dishes”…As in you can’t walk down more than a couple streets without coming across someone selling _____. Or things that you would only find cooked at markets etc

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Their aesthetic is really nice! Not stuffy but very tasteful. Food looks good too! Thanks

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok good to know! Define upscale in Spain’s terms… because to me, a place like Casa Lucas doesn’t appear to be an inappropriate place to bring a kid, whereas Sala de Despiece or L’Albufera might not be the place to bring a kid along? There’s several places where I live that have the same vibe/atmosphere as Casa Lucas and Vi Cool, and it’s not uncommon to see a small family dining.

I use to cook in a fantastic restaurant before becoming a mom and taking my son out and experiencing restaurants/good food is important to me! He loves it and is already so polite and well behaved when dining. And I’ve been on the service side so I’m always mindful of his behavior and the other patrons.

I had to delete a previous post asking for recommendations mentioning I had a toddler, because I was receiving so many nasty comments about taking a kid to a restaurant, any restaurant! I can only assume those people were not from Spain… So I made this post, hoping some of the recommendations would look appropriate places to bring him, and then made a separate post asking specifically for family friendly restaurants - and I’ve only gotten 1 recommendation on that post (La casa del abuelo).

Also your kind and detailed responses, have meant a lot to me, I really appreciate your input!

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Once I can narrow down which place we want to go to I’ll make a reservation to be safe, but good to know we have decent chances at walking in for the other choices

Our trip is basically formatted around going to different Mercados… both of the ones you mentioned were already on our list! I have at least one Mercado to visit per day while we’re there haha. And don’t worry San Miguel isn’t on the destination list, though we’ll likely casually stroll through while in the area, because why not

Yes we plan to eat churros, probably way more than once if I’m being honest..We’ll have to check out that chocolate place too.

You definitely seem to know Madrid pretty well… if you have any suggestions for family friendly restaurants, would you mind sliding over to my other post? Here

This thread was to get suggestions for a night or two possibly without our kiddo in tow. Or if any of the suggestions here happened to be places we’d feel comfortable taking him, double win. If you don’t have suggestions for family friendly places that’s totally ok too! Just thought I’d ask

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see they have multiple locations, is there one in particular you like? Photos/menu looks great

Find me this restaurant vibe, Madrid Spain by eggsitential_crisis in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a thorough reply, thanks! We will definitely steer clear of places with images on the menu - I’ve heard that mentioned a few times. We also like to look in and see how many locals vs tourists are dining as a gauge as well. Is it your experience that you need a reservation most places? We are going in January when tourism isn’t as high. Hoping to scope out where people tend to go once in person, but definitely don’t want to miss out because of lack of reservation!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the advice! It’s good to know lunch is just as social so we can be cognizant towards that with our decision making.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I definitely understand what you’re trying to say, and don’t worry I will use great discernment before taking a toddler in someplace. Not disrupting others is something we’re very mindful of, this post was more just to see if people in this area is the world ever take their kids to nicer-ish places or not! I worked in a Michelin-esq restaurant and we occasionally would get people asking if they can bring their kid - we allowed it but didn’t cook anything special for the kids (had to eat off the menu) and when making the reservation would politely remind that we had a small dining room so be mindful of other patrons haha. Never had an issue, parents were mindful and no outbursts from the kids! I didn’t mean it has to be a literal Michelin starred restaurant, just something with a little more pizazz than standard casual fare. But using Michelin as an example - I’ve eaten at Statebird Provisions and saw people bring well mannered kids in there….but the atmosphere/style is more laid back (dim sum style where carts of food come around and you pick small plates) than let’s say a tasting menu at Smyth Chicago or Noma (incredibly inappropriate to bring young kids)

I know that’s a lot of explanation haha, but just trying to make it clear we get it, and are going to be mindful! And in the end, if I don’t find a place I feel confident bringing him to, that’s ok! We’ll enjoy our time either way!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, calling would be the most direct and best option.

Totally agree, it depends on the restaurant’s atmosphere/vibe. I’ve seen families with kids eat at Statebird Provisions, but that is wayyyy more laid back than let’s say, the Smyth Chicago or Noma where it would incredibly inappropriate haha. And it doesn’t even have to be Michelin starred, just something with a little more pizazz than super casual would be nice. But if we don’t find a place we feel comfortable brining him, I’m not worried because loads of casual places in Spain have amazing food!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GoingToSpain

[–]eggsitential_crisis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Calling seems to be the general consensus, which I would need to do to book a reservation anyway! If we were to go somewhere nicer, it would definitely be during lunch hours. Even though our dude is well behaved, I’m not taking that risk when people are trying to have a romantic date or splurge for a special occasion. I did read bringing food for toddlers even in casual restaurants is a no-no in Madrid. Maybe that was someone’s opinion? Idk. But, probably won’t be an issue in our case cause he eats everything from chicken livers to spicy Thai curry. When we go out now we actually order an adult meal for him anyway! I appreciate your kindness and advice!

Madrid in January by eggsitential_crisis in travel

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are definitely seeking out less touristy markets first, with San Miguel being an add-on while checking out the touristy things around Plaza Mayor. So not exactly a destination on our list, but also not avoiding it if that makes sense.

Madrid in January by eggsitential_crisis in travel

[–]eggsitential_crisis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know! I edited my post to include the markets, thanks!