Here we are: another installment of “The Best of Madrid” by Meri. Also known as “Meri goes Mad for Madrid.” We started off with this post last week, and here are the following five!

1. Parque del Oeste (Western Park). This park, much smaller than Retiro, sits at the edge of the city overlooking the Royal Palace. Quiet, relaxing, and charming, this was my “neighborhood park” in my youthful University neighborhood of Arguelles. The standout here is the Temple de Debod, a gift from the Egyptians. 
2. Cafe con leche- No, Madrilenos don’t do this creamy caffeinated beverage particularly differently or better than other Spaniards. The reason I included it in my favorites of Madrid list is because I have such fond memories of popping by a bodega, standing at the counter sipping a cafe con leche in between class and happy hour, and heading out on my way. I might stop to try my Spanish with a stranger, I might crack open a novel for a few minutes, or I might enjoy a chocolate croissant. Before the sky darkens, I am heading on my way somewhere else in the city.
3. Tortilla de Patatas- I could have chosen tapas in general, but to be honest for a vegetarian like me tapas were often down to either delicious olives or this potato and onion omelette type dish. I managed to get a Spanish friend to teach me his family recipe for making tortilla on a sunny afternoon at his house on the outskirts of Madrid. I seldom make it at home due to logistics (um, the flipping part), but I still fondly remember stopping by the tienda verde on the corner for a bocadillo of tortilla de patatas and melted cheese on baguette. Yum. source 
4. Bebidas- Whether it be the delicious Spanish table wine, a sly Calimocho (red wine mixed with cola) at a botellon (i.e. teens drinking in public parks, plazas, etc), or an afternoon Sangria, it has never felt right enjoying some of these beverages back in the states. Some of the strangest things I drank were meters (yes, meters) of beer, a strange milky drink that was piped into fishbowls from the ceiling of a cave bar, and of course the Desperados (beer with tequila in it) we drank every time we had a burrito night. Even on simple nights playing beer pong and drinking liters of Mahou, Spanish beverages are something to celebrate!  source 
5. Spanish Ladies- There is just something, something, about Spanish ladies. With their golden blonde or purply red coifs, their fur coats, fancy fun jewelry, and discerning glances, they are a force to be reckoned with. It took me about 4 1/2 months to stop being terrified by the stare of a Spanish lady for doing something as scandalous as- eating in public! or- not wearing tights or long sleeves when its 95 degrees! I think for a short time I became a lady, just for the wonderful Spanish ladies.

Do you regularly eat any Spanish food or drinks? What is your favorite way to enjoy your morning or afternoon coffee or tea?

Meri