While we were in Madrid recently, I was reminded of one of my favourite aspects of restaurant dining in Spain, the “Menu del Dia”. I have mentioned this concept previously in an article I wrote last year about restaurants we enjoyed in Nerja. Basically, to repeat what I said there, the Menú del Día generally includes three courses. The concept was initiated by Franco in 1964 and made into law in 1965. It may well have been the only good thing he ever did. Because the main meal takes place mid-day in Spain, he mandated that all restaurants had to offer a three-course meal at a reasonable price on weekdays.
On the last day that we were in Madrid, the Love-goddess identified a restaurant she wanted to visit for lunch, Valdemeso. It turned out to be a great option. It passed the official “restaurant sniff taste”… When I peered in the doorway there did not appear to be a tourist in sight. 🙂 Because we arrived at the beginning of lunch hour, 2:30 PM, the place was packed. We had to wait in line for a table, but the overall experience was well worth it.
“In the Camera’s Eye” presents fast and furious snippets of things that have grabbed my attention… for whatever reason. I will be attempting to capture the essence of what I am sharing in no more than two paragraphs and 10 or fewer photos with captions.”
If I had paid attention to the storefront before we poked our heads in the door, I probably wouldn’t have considered going in. I took this shot when we left. The sign has English and there are pictures of the food… All bad signs normally.
Written up a little differently than most Menu Del Dias but happy to see that it also included a drink and some bread. Only €12… Approximately $18.
Instant translation courtesy of the camera function in Google Translate. We both had the Paella, but I followed that with the pork chop while T.L.G. had the Revuelto (scrambled eggs and assorted goodies like potatoes and bacon). The “Roman Style Group” is actually “Roman Style Grouper”, a nice fish dish.
As soon as we sat down, they dropped a small salad-like Tapa on the table for us to share. From Google.
A small but busy place. I waited until after 3:30 when people had begun to filter out before I started taking pictures of the room. I was being a tourist who was trying to act like he was not a tourist. The photo of the Love-goddess was less than optimal so I “enhanced” it. 🙂
The Paella. I borrowed this photo from Google because I didn’t want to look silly taking a picture of my own serving, which was identical.
But, T.L.G. didn’t feel silly taking a picture of my pork chop and chips. 🙂
The Revuelto. Overall, the food was decent, without being outstanding. I would probably not be recommending Valdemeso as a must-visit place strictly for the food. But the overall experience was great.
The lovely desserts that we had already launched into, custard and rice pudding. I ordered a beer and T.L.G. had bottled water. These both qualified as our included drinks. We did not bother eating the bread.
La Cuenta! I ordered a second beer and had to pay for it. So, our total was €27.50, which translated to $40.08.
Bonus Photos
A place just down the road from our apartment here in Marbella had these Menu del Dia offerings posted today. At €10 we will definitely have to check it out.
