30 Jul, 2010
We were celebrating three major private milestones, one each for the Teen, Mrs. MM and Marketman. So we booked three days at Amanjena, a little bit of “heaven on earth” just outside the city of Marrakech. I should say upfront that we were once bonafide Amanjunkies, and in the 1990’s, we stayed…
29 Jul, 2010
I have run out of superlatives to describe the plate upon plate of tapas that we all enjoyed over the course of our week in Madrid. There is something so convivial about the concept of pinchos/tapas, drinks and friends that seems so much more civilized than just having a beer at a bar….
28 Jul, 2010
“Pardon me your Highness Majesty, but I believe you are aggressively fondling my kiwis…” Heeheehee. I was just imagining what I might say in case I ran into Queen Sofia at this small but exquisite fruit store on Calle Ayala, Madrid. She’s been known to drop in to personally select some…
27 Jul, 2010
We ventured to the Salamanca residential district one morning, and had the taxi drop us off at Calle Ayala. The primary objective was to visit the Mercado de la Paz, a wonderful yet substantial neighborhood market that was clearly frequented by locals. Upscale, but real. A modest pasilyo or passageway from…
27 Jul, 2010
Following the third anniversary dinner at Mamou, a winner for the wheeled market basket was chosen (with optional personal guided market tour by Marketman) and I emailed her on July 23, Friday at two email addresses she provided. I have not yet received a reply. So if you were at Mamou last…
26 Jul, 2010
One of the most common tapas or quick bites you will come across in Spain is some form of potato omelette or potato cake. They are usually cut up into little cubes and eaten with a toothpick, or sliced in wedges if you serve them as part of a larger luncheon dish. …
26 Jul, 2010
Well-made gazpacho is a revelation. Utterly palatable, so simple to make, and it’s done a day in advance so it’s perfect for company. However, badly executed gazpacho is like taking the remnants of your veggie chiller and blitzing them together hoping they will turn into something better, which NEVER happens. As…
25 Jul, 2010
Our favorite silly sign from our recent trip to Madrid. Thank goodness this wasn’t our hotel. Two stars? Read carefully. Hahaha. :)