¡Hola readers! I am writing this post from my third day in the beautiful capital city of Spain, and what a lovely place it is to kick off 10 days in Europe with my new fiancé! The first thing that struck be about Madrid is just how regal it is here. There are a staggering number of opulent townhouses and sprawling Mediterranean-style apartment buildings in all colors of the rainbow, each with windows outlined by beautifully painted wooden shutters opening onto small private terraces.
Unlike in New York, the sidewalks in many parts of the city are wide, almost four times the width of those we New Yorkers are used to navigating in the midst of bustling crowds of tourists. Madrid was definitely designed to allow its residents the enjoyment of strolling- one can just imagine well-dressed 18th and 19th century Spaniards sauntering leisurely down the sidewalks of their regal city as horse-drawn carriages drive down the streets beside them. In addition, the sheer number of incredible museums, old palaces, and stately government buildings is simply mind-boggling and a testament to the vast wealth of the old Spanish empire.
Another thing I’ve noticed about Madrid is the extent of culinary genius that exists within the city. Half expecting to eat tapas for every meal, I have been blown away by the exceptional cuisine in Madrid. I am told that the Madrid culinary world had a major part in the origination of the Molecular Gastronomy movement that is popping up so frequently in New York’s fine dining culture. My favorite restaurant of the trip was definitely Michelin star Zalacain, where old school waiters in dinner jackets treated us to a fine feast within its gracious old walls. Standout dishes were the crisp gazpacho and honey braised pigeon with grapes. Although I look forward to Barcelona in a few days, I wholeheartedly plan on making a return visit to Madrid in the future! Until my next post, adios!
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
