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| One of countless "brindis" in our favorite Madrid spot |
What will I most miss about living in Spain? I will miss the sun, the food, the wine, the friendly people, chatting every day in Castello, the buildings, my job, countless things.... but perhaps the thing I will miss most of all is the everyday camaraderie, especially in the special bars that I have gotten to know so well. My very favorite bar/restaurant in the entire city is called La Monteria, in the Principe de Vergara neighborhood. The food is so delicious that it has been awarded a Michelin Star, but this is not why it's my favorite... it is my favorite because every time I go, I go with the intention to stay a long while, and because everybody, clients and bartenders alike, are happy and full of energy.
Every time I walk into this small place which is always packed to the brim, the bartenders say "Holaaaaa!! Here is a spot for you!" Bartenders and servers in Spain are completely different than at home because they all work generally every day rather than changing shifts, and at the places which I tend to inhabit, clients are not just clients but are treated like friends and family. The clients are regulars, loyal to these spots. I have spent five hours on a Sunday-day or a Tuesday or Saturday or whichever night relaxing, eating, drinking, and laughing with friends in La Monteria. The bartenders know exactly what we like and are sure that neither our plates nor our glasses are ever empty. Even more, they are just as included in the shenanigans. On every occasion, we share either a glass of champagne or a dessert drink shot with them and celebrate yet another day of "juerga."
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| A champagne toast at the end of the night last Friday |
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| One of many signature delicious dishes: Ahi Tuna |
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