CATHY AND FRANK......AND MICHELIN!!

We've recently had a visit from Cathy and Frank Laska. Cathy has known Dulcinea since at least B.L.5 (one can never be exactly sure of prehistoric times) and Frank was attending a convention here in Madrid, so it gave us a chance to catch up with them. So whilst Frank was conventioning and Dulcinea working feverishly, Cathy and I spent a leisurely day walking around Madrid, taking in Plaza de Espana, the Imperial Palace, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Sol, and a lovely lunch at Don L's tapas bar of choice - Estado Puro. Our timing was great; whilst at the palace, we watched the ceremonial changing of the guards which only happens on special occasions (We haven't previously witnessed it).

Look behind you Cathy!



Estado Puro - Michelin tapas.

The roof - giant flamenoc hair combs

On Saturday evening, Cathy & Frank came out to see los ninos, and then we headed out for dinner. It was still in the high 20's at 9.00pm when we arrived at our destination - the Michelin star rooftop oasis known as La Terraza del Casino.

 

The setting is stunning, the weather was sublime, and we chose to partake of Paco Roncero's "Menu Degustacion".

Menu Degustacion

 He is a gastronomic genius (anyone who can get me to willingly eat anchovies has to be!), and at 1.00am we were still nibbling at our 'Morphings'. Is it being critical to say that there was just too much (it's a common 'problem' with all the Michelin restaurants in Madrid - stupendous food, each a perfect size, but too many courses). Highlights? Plenty.....Daikiri-frozen, frozen parmesan strawberry, chocolate and foie-gras "Filipino", Sole fish meuniere, Hare buns with chocolate fondue, Pina colada....and I could go on. Here's some samples.......

Olive oil butter

Galician octopus

Pekin's duck style

The no longer dreaded anchovies

Red prawn with peas and its cream

DIY noodles

Frozen parmesan strawberries & choc foie-gras....sublime

 Evenings don't get much nicer in Madrid.

Cathy & Frank

Dulcinea & Don L

What can one say....

Footnote: Cathy and Frank's son Alex is the lead guitarist of up and coming Melbourne rock outfit Kingswood (just supported Aerosmith and played for the troops in Afghanistan last Xmas, so they must be doing something right). Their grooovy new extended EP 'Change Of Heart' is available at JB Hi-Fi. You may as well go and get a copy; after all, when they ultimately conquer the world you want to be able to say that you were on to them at the beginning!!

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