Madrid is awash with stylish restaurants serving up great food.
The Spanish capital is renowned for its cuisine. But for a
gastronomic experience to savour forever, you would find it difficult to beat
the Goya Restaurant at the Hotel Ritz, Madrid.
This legendary hotel, built at the request of King Alfonso XIII, has been
attracting celebrities and world leaders for over 100 years.
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| The Goya Restaurant & Terrace |
The Goya Restaurant, decked out elegantly with lush red carpets, a marble
fireplace and crystal chandeliers may be grand, but the atmosphere is most
convivial.
I was recently there on a warm, late summer’s evening and
was able to enjoy a superb meal on the terrace overlooking the hotel’s leafy
garden. It was such a beautiful and tranquil setting that it was hard to
believe that I was bang in the heart of the city.
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| Hake with green pepper nectar |
Jorge González, executive chef of the
Ritz, Madrid since 2004, and his team serve up top-notch cuisine. Using only
the finest seasonal ingredients, meticulously prepared, he dishes up fresh
interpretations of classic Spanish dishes as well as recipes
influenced by French and Basque cuisine to which he has added his own
contemporary twist
The wine list is impressive and features several that are sourced locally.
Ask the sommelier for guidance as she is extremely knowledgeable. As you
would expect the service here is impeccable.
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| Steak tartar |
For an apéritif, I had a glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry which was recommended by the
sommelier. Crammed to the brim with flavours of raisins, dates and figs and a
smattering of nuts, this rich fortified wine was velvety smooth on the palate.
For nibbles there was delicious ham, and olives that tasted as if they
had just been picked.
To start I went for one of the specialities, the tuna tartar coupled with
scallops. The dish, beautifully presented, was superb. For main, I plumped for
another highlight of the menu, the hake with a green pepper nectar. A glass of
a Fuente Elvira, from D.O. Rueda was the ideal
accompaniment. This citrus- fruit -soaked white wine is
refreshing and easy to drink.
My companion opted for the steak tartar which looked wonderful.
She chose a glass of Retamas from Bodega
Regajal, This blend of tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah went down a treat.
If you do find
that you have room for a dessert, there is plenty to set your taste buds alight.
Dining at the Goya Restaurant is always a special occasion.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting
there
British Airways Holidays offers two nights at the 5* Hotel Ritz, Madrid
from £269 per person, until January 31. Price Includes Euro Traveller
return flights from London Gatwick or London Heathrow and accommodation on a
room only basis. For reservations visit ba.com/madrid or call 0844 493 0758
For further information about the Hotel Ritz, Madrid visit
hmandarinoriental.com/ritzmadrid
