Close to Nature - El Encinar, Madrid North (Guest Posting)

First I’d like to thank My Little Madrid for giving me the opportunity to write about this part of Madrid, a Madrid just outside the busy and noisy inner city. We’re talking about the northern district, a residential neighbourhood thas is becoming a place for families to find peace and quiet.

When peace and quiet are paramount

Restaurants outside Madrid - El Corralón del Embalse

Elegant inside

For this (or next) weekend (depending on weather) I recommend El Corralón del Embalse at Pinilla del Valle. Only 45 minutes away from Madrid you will find this nicely refurbished old barn on the edge of Embalse de Pinilla. Warm and welcoming atmosphere very suitable after a long walk in the surroundings. Food is traditionally generous including local market delicies that change every weekend. Wine menu is also interesting.
Children are very welcome and will find nice playing spots next to the barn.

It is not open on weekdays and I recommend anticipated booking for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Opens weekdays on request for groups, weddings, business dinners and celebrations.

Cheerful and colorist outside

Outings - El Molar

A good option for weekends is to escape from the city and discover Madrid surroundings. It is as easy as driving up to El Molar, a 30 minutes drive from Madrid. Here the interesting thing is to visit and dine at the caves, commonly used as refuge at civil war time, that have been restored into restaurants. They are not well indicated so you might have to ask locals for directions. I recommend Bodegón Olivares, charming and simple.

Choice for cave size is varied; from an intimate cave for 2 to the biggest cave for 15. It is not an option to be on a diet as you will get affordable massive menus for 30€ with grilled meat (baby pork, lamb and goat) that you prepare yourself in a clay dish heated by gas, and as starters: jamon, cheese and local "charcuterie" (chorizo, picadito and morcilla) plus house wine with sparkling water necessary to prepare the traditional “vino con gaseosa”. Homemade desserts will also be included.

An intimate cave

Dinner inside a cave