Heather Was Here: Jamon, Mcdonalds, Chocolate, And Bunuelos!

Going to Madrid the first time I had no idea what to expect of the food. I knew they did the whole Tapas thing, But I had no idea what, "Tapas" even meant. I will admit I am a little naive and thought that Spanish food would be similar to Mexican cooking. And it's in no way the same. In the grocery stores there, they have a special section for "mexican cusine" filled with re fried beans, tortillas, and tacos.
The first night we went in search of some Spanish treats. After going around Puerta de Sol and looking at numerous restaurants a cafes, we tried the first Tapas bar. We had no clue what to do. I did read in my Spain guide book I brought that Tapas is small portions of different foods. Like a appetizer. You sit at the bar and wait for the tapas to be brought out. Some bars have free tapas treat if you buy a drink. Others you pay maybe a Euro per treat. Well... I did not understand how to even ask to get a tapas. Its like a secret code, and you have to just know. Don't ask. The locals did not want to help you figure out the Tapas way of life. if you don't know how to even start, just leave. So, after going in two different bars and failing miserably with e tapas circus. We ended up at the cafe/ semi fast food. I got bad/overpriced pasta. After the first night I was so discouraged about the food in Madrid. I started thinking that I might be living off bread and water. You can't go wrong with bread and water, no mater what country your in. But after a good nights rest we stared out on a new foot.
McDonald's
By our hotel there was a McDonald's. I know people probably think that your In a foreign country, why go to McDonald's?? Well I love visiting McDonald in other countries. Everyone is so different. So for breakfast we tried it out. While using my Mexican Spanish ,ordered a egg mcmuffin and Cafe con Leche. They also have a amazing sausage mcmuffin. The sausage has a chorizo type flavor. I loved there breakfast!! Very yummy and the egg is made fresh! Not a weird premade egg circle that I normally expect when I got to McDonald.
Another crazy Spanish McDonald's tradition I found was they serve beer there! On tap! Very random I know. I would sit there looking at the people with white cups and a beer logo on it and I was like "OMG is McDonald's serving beer now??" Oh yeah go to Mac D's and get wasted! That's my kinda night!

Panadería off Calle de Ventura Rodríguez By Hotel Mercure plaza de Espana

Just ten feet from Our hotel was the cutest neighborhood bakery. Its only big enough for two customers to fit in at a time. They had the best pastry treats and breads! Little Bunuelos (Bunuelos are doughnut like treats that are round and normally filled with chocolate/vuinella or cafe cream.) and churros. You can also get a huge water bottle for one Euro! Great deal. I would go every morning and load up on water and sweet carb filled treats!

San Miguel Market

This is the hot spot to go for tapas! It's like a food court in the way it has different carts/stands set up with food. It's indoors and very nice. A upscale food court. You wait in line, or take a number and jump to it when your called. They have everything from Olives to Mexican tapas. My favorites were the cheese or Queso stand with cheese from Spain and all over Europe. You pick out your favorite cheese and you get a slice of Delicious bread. YES PLEASE! I also love the sugar cart as I call it filled with Bunuelos, Ice cream, Churros and of course... the Chocolate Drink. you get this hot chocolate wannabe drink and order a churro to dip in and your set. The Chocolate drink is pure melted chocolate. that you drink.. straight. Its super sweet and strong at first but so very good! I also had to get a couple quiches while I was there to. I went back to this market every afternoon. Hey, you find something you like why not stick with it. Finding a table is a game that after a couple hours I mastered. There are only long five tables. And people are like vultures waiting for a seat to be open. You have to stand watch for one seat to open. And most likely you will sit with other people. Which is nice sometimes. Meet new people! This is defiantly a place I dream about at night. That creamy cheese and bread and sugary treats!!! Ok I'm hungry now!