El Perro y la Galleta, the new cool place in Madrid!

El Perro y la Galleta, dog lovers specially welcome!!

I had come across this restaurant while it was under renovation, and was intrigued by why it had such an original name: El Perro y La Galleta, which literally means The Dog and The Cookie. Its logo, old-fashioned and elegant, made me think of a perfume shop or an elegant pet shop.

Il Tavolo Verde, Organic Café and Antique Market

Big glass windows, lovely antic furniture, organic food and a pleasant atmosphere close to the Retiro: I am talking about Il Tavolo Verde, (which in italian stands for the gaming table). The perfect place to go to by yourself for a relaxing lunch or tea time with a book. I sometimes feel that in Madrid, there are not enough places to go to on your own when you find yourself in a quiet mood.

Tu Trato - Furniture and Antiques Secondhand Market

Fortunately, even though there is a strong economic crisis, Spanish people are hard workers and full of resources to develop new useful concepts. My last discovery has been Tu Trato.es. It is a big warehouse in central Madrid (Cuatro Caminos) that contains secondhand, vintage and antique furniture and decoration objects. The innovative thing is that all items are under a deposit formula by owners and can be either rented or purchased. Imagine you need a big table for Christmas dinner because this year it’s your turn, no problem! Rent a table and chairs just for the occasion and then return everything to the warehouse.

Decoraccion 2012 - nice walk through las Letras

Last weekend, I enjoyed myself very much walking around Barrio de las Letras and admiring the lovely decoration brought up by the initiative DecorAccion.

Walking through Barrio de las letras is always special, architecture and shops have plenty of history and good taste. And yet imagine if a bunch of many well known decorators and antiquaires work on the outside look of the shops, creating lovely installations and organising brocantes in the streets and even letting you visit their private studios..! You almost get the Stendhal disease… J

Cuca and Pep - a new space for antiques and decoration

Exquisite and charming place discovered very recently thanks to My Little Sant Cugat.
Cuca and Pep Boixader, with their adorable children have just arrived to Madrid, bringing fresh and innovative ideas for interior decoration. Their home at calle Magdalena 17 is also their showroom. In an incredible ancient old Madrid building you will find bright huge spaces with fascinating antique furniture resulting in a striking modern atmosphere. All furniture shown is on sale being, at the same time, part of a live ambiance.

Pop Up Store - Madrid In Love

Is this Paris? Amsterdam? No, it is genuine Chamberi district in Madrid. A Pop Up vintage initiative called Madrid in Love opened during the month of June, from the 1st to the 30th, and from 11:00h to 20:30h. A mix of vintage furniture and objects plus the possibility to eat and drink simple things like salads and sandwiches from Magasand. A good choice for lovely weekend mornings!!!

Concept Stores - La pluma Verde

This is my second Concept Store proposal: la Pluma verde. Very recently inaugurated, their website is still under construction, but you can get info in their Facebook page.

Concept Stores - Federica & Co

Federica & Co
Hermosilla 26

It is a recent trend to find cool places where a bunch of creative young people gather selling all different items not related among them but that somehow work well together. They usually find nice commercial spaces and create a concept that is simple but classy. Probably one of the consequences of the economical crisis that we are suffering makes people gather and think that being united will help their business! And I think it does!!

Vintage Jewelry and Others - Castillo Encantado at el Rastro

Second due appointment at the Rastro: Vintage shop Castillo Encantado. Best choice for fine vintage jewelry, but it also has handbags, hats and even some small furniture and lamps. Pieces are very exclusive and special so prices are not a bargain.

Ancient Prints - Ojeda at El Rastro

Nuevas Galerias at el Rastro

Ojeda on the right 

Every Sunday el Rastro is a due appointment. I will disclose my favourite places in this blog, one by one, and for a start I propose a very nice old prints and engravings shop at Nuevas Galerias; Alonso Ojeda. It’s situated at the ground level of the galleria on the right side shop number 28. It has a huge choice of old maps and old prints, including views of Madrid. Prices are very convenient and you can do some bargain  (part of el Rastro fun).

Funny print with a recipe for 30€