My Trip to Madrid, Spain (Day 2): Cinco Jotas

After El Rastro and more walking, we were ready for lunch again. The weather was still really nice and we wanted to sit outside again. Again, a group of 7 was a bit troublesome when it came to tables. With the waiters being aloof and "European", we took things into our own hands. We all huddled around a table top for 4 people. We made the space ourselves and patted ourselves on the back. Why? Well, basically Spaniards love to linger over lunch and relax. So waiting and hovering over a table doesn't work here. They don't care and won't even bat an eye.

With our accomplishes behind us, we sat down, enjoyed some cold drinks, and ordered away. We chose to share some calamar a la plancha (grilled whole squid), tortilla, gnocchi with anguilas (baby eels), and verduras a la plancha (grilled vegetables). The grilled squid was tender and plump. A light dressing added the acidity that brought it together. The tortilla was filled with tender slices of potato. The egg was just lightly cooked until golden on the outside but still runny on the inside. That was a happy surprise. I've never had a tortilla that had a runny middle. It was excellent. The gnocchi with baby eels were just fine. The pasta itself wasn't too exciting but the baby eels were delicious. My first foray into baby eels and it's been good. Apparently they are a delicacy in Spain. And the plate of grilled vegetables wasn't anything exciting except for the fact it was a plate of vegetables! We really needed something like this. Vegetarian and light.

Read more »