Pizza Jardín

If you're in the mood for pizza, check out Pizza Jardín (c/Goya, 5, and other locations). They, of course, have classic combinations, like sausage and onion, or mushroom pizza, but if you are in the mood for something a little more daring, you'd be in the right place. They have everything from the classic Margherita to the Cuatro Estaciones ("four seasons" -- tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, York ham, shrimp and tuna -- a regular item on pizza menus here), the Calzone (which includes olives and asparragus), the Piamontesa (goat cheese, onion confit and apple), the Jamaica (which includes roquefort and banana), the Texas (chicken & BBQ), and the Hawaiian Tropic (which has not only pineapple, but mandarin, too). Last night, I opted for La Cosa Nostra (tasty cheese pizza topped with stuffed mushrooms -- filled with ham & garlic), and my friend had the Texas. All in all, they have more than 25 different pizza options, as well as salads, pastas, entradas (apps), and fondues. Their desserts are quite tasty, too -- try the chocolate fondue with fresh fruit. =)

I got to cook!!!!

I had dinner at a friend's house last night, and I have to say, I was so glad to be back in the kitchen again. This study-abroad-without-kitchen-priveledges thing is killing me. My friend made a caprese salad, and I roasted some veggies (shittakes, zucchini, onion, green pepper, and garlic) and served them over fresh pasta. Delicious. And it was great to chop things again. =)

Wagaboo, take 2!

Went to Wagaboo again... Definitely loving their Pizza Mikonos (see earlier post for description). Delicious... =)

mini-bite :: Giuseppe Ricci

If you are in the mood for gelato or caffé, head over to Heladería Giuseppe Ricci. They have numerous gelatos (including cream and fruit flavors), coffee drinks, hot chocolate (a la taza y Cola Cao), crepes, muffins, donuts, pastries, and gofres (thick waffles with your choice of toppings). They also have mini desserts, called pecados (sins). Try the pecado tiramisú!

Wagaboo

Excellent dinner last night! We ate a Wagaboo (General Martinez Campos, 26 -- check out the site for their other locations). Talk about "fun eating"! The atmosphere is really chic and fun, with low-hanging lighting and brightly colored everything. The food was really delicious. I had a the pizza Mikonos -- super thin crust with pesto, topped with raw halved cherry tomatoes, raw arugula, chunks of feta ("feta" here is not really the salty feta I know and love, but it was delicious anyway), and a few curls of parm. Ended the meal with a few scoops of light mango sorbete. The food was great, service was quick (to say the least), and you can watch them make your food (the kitchen is enclosed only by glass). They have a number of locations in Madrid... Pick one and check it out!

mini-bite :: Maoz

Had lunch @ Maoz Vegetarian (Calle Mayor, 4, and Calle Hortaleza, 7) on Thursday. Delicious falafel sandwich with my choice of toppings (they have lettuce, couscous, carrots, tomatoes & cucumbers, cauliflower, a slaw-type veggie thing, tapenade-type olive thing, onion relish, tzatziki and some other sauces). You can get it with or without hummus (I recommend it!), and with feta, too. The pita is good, but they also have a salad box. You can get tasty chips (fries -- see pic!) with your pita or salad, and they also have dishes of cracked olives and pickled skinny peppers (kind of like pepperoncini) scattered around the little eating area. Click here to see a menu, but keep in mind prices are shown only in £.