Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero Spain
is the largest producer of olive oil in the world and this
representative of a grower’s cooperative knows his business. Like wines,
you can distinguish different varieties by their colour, flavour and
smell, and tastings here are part of the fun .
Seseña This firm near Sol has been making traditional full-length Spanish capes (capas)
since 1901, hand tailored from the finest wool. Famous clients over the
years include Picasso, Rudolph Valentino, Hillary Clinton and Michael
Jackson. Needless to say, a made-to-measure cape of this quality does
not come cheap.
Seseña
Mesquida Religion
still plays an important role in Spanish life and Madrid is famous for
its shops specializing in devotional objects. Founded more than 40 years
ago, this family business furnishes churches and monasteries as far
afield as Ireland and Argentina and has made items for the Pope’s summer
residence outside Rome. The store is a showcase of rosaries, statues,
cribs, paintings, icons and communion cups. Manuel González Contreras One
of Spain’s most respected guitar workshops was founded in 1882. Clients
have ranged from the classical virtuoso Andres Segovia to pop guitarist
Mark Knopfler. There’s a small museum of instruments dating back to the
19th century, and it’s fascinating to see the craftsmen at work . El Flamenco Vive If
you’ve been won over by Flamenco during your stay, now’s your chance to
look the part. This specialist store has everything – colourful
costumes and accessories (fans, flowers, ornamental combs), guitars,
books, sheet music, videos, records and CDs.
El Flamenco Vive
Casa Jiménez A superb shop dealing mainly in mantones de Manila.
These embroidered, brightly coloured silk shawls originated in China
and found their way to Spain via the Philippines. They gained popularity
in 19th-century Seville when the working girls of the tobacco factories
wore them. Also sells fans and mantillas, the traditional black lace headdress still worn on formal occasions . Terra Mundi Apart from its Galician cooking, this restaurant sells regional produce: chorizo, tetilla (cream cheese), fish soups, pear compote, strawberry liqueur and wines from the Rias Baixas region. Casa Mira This old fashioned store has been producing its famous nougat (turrón) for more than 150 years. Made without artificial colouring or preservatives, it’s the genuine article. Bodega Santa Cecilia This
wine cellar is popular not only for its range (more than 4,000 labels),
but for the quality and affordability. The owners keep prices down by
scouring the countryside for lesser known vineyards. Cuenllas This
delicatessen is the place for top-quality cured meats and cheeses.
Spanish cheeses include Queso Manchego, made from sheep’s milk, and the
blue cheese, Cabrales. For the finest cured hams, buy jamón Ibérico or Pata Negra – a breed of pig fed only on acorns.
Queso Manchego
Top 10 Markets
El Rastro Madrid’s famous flea market takes place every Sunday morning – unmissable . Ferias de Artesanía Craft fairs spring up all over the city the week before Christmas. Try Plaza Mayor or Plaza de las Comendadoras. Mercado de Sellos Stamp and coin collectors meet Sunday mornings under the arches of Plaza Mayor. Mercado de la Cebada This food market’s origins date back to the 16th century. Plaza de la Cebada Mon–Fri & Sat am
Mercado de las Maravillas Fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cured ham and cheese. Calle Bravo Murillo 22 Metro Alvarado Mon–Fri & Sat am
Mercado de Chamartín Fish and gourmet products. Mercado de San Miguel Cakes, fruit, vegetables, fish and meats, just outside Plaza Mayor. Mercado de la Paz The main attraction of this small market is the cheese stalls. Mercado de San Antón Flowers, food and wine. Mercado del Libro Old, new and second hand books.
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