French Castle? Nope, Castillo de Viñuelas and Nuevo futuro

it could be A french Castle in Loire, but it's Madrid 

Yesterday took place the first edition of Nuevo Futuro Family day in the impressive Castillo de Viñuelas. The day was so good that I hope it can become an annual event. The Ong Nuevo Futuro has been known for hosting children and teenagers in special homes for 50 years. For a long time, their Christmas market has been the place to be.

Madrid and The Secret Chinese Seamstress

I was reluctant, but today, I decided to tell you one of my dearest secret addresses: my Chinese Seamstress, A Lan.

U Hostels - Cheap, Chic and Cheerful

I love these discoveries! A new formula to sleep in Madrid, Cheap, Chic and Cheerful: U Hostels. A great place to stay when visiting the city located in Chamberí (Alonso Martinez area) and ready to meet all kind of needs.

Taberna La Alhambra a Best Buy for September

This has been my September best buy discovery, very adequate for crisis times: Taberna la Alhambra. Located in central Madrid, 9 Victoria Street, near Puerta del Sol it offers an unbeatable choice of typical Spanish dishes for as little as 10€ all included!!! 

Restaurant Yue Lai - Chinese HOTPOT

A best Buy!
Again an incredible discovery: Chinese restaurant Yue Lai at Hermosilla 101. I have never been to China but this must be a very similar experience. No spring rolls, no rice “tres delicias”, the specialty here is the HOTPOT;

Restaurant Ribeira II

A best buy 

A starter, a main dish, a desert, wine and coffee for 9 euro!! Yes, that was the price I paid yesterday at Marisquería Cervecería Ribeira II in Calle Marqués de Viana, 3-7.

The nice thing about Madrid is that you easily find surprising places like Ribeira II where food is homely made and homely priced. You always need to ask for the “Menu del día” - daily menu -; a choice of 4 starters and 4 main dishes (including fish and meat). Obviously you can also get fine seafood and other delicacies, always cheap enough but not 9 euro.

Don’t expect fancy decoration (forget Ten con Ten and Luzi Bombón), but do expect neighborhood company, it is cheaper and better than eating at home!

It is just in front of "Mercado de Tetuán"

Mercado de Tetuán 

Marqués de Viana 4