Great selection by neighborhoods
by Ricardo Padrón, Guest Contributor
This is a wonderful interactive map contributed by my friend, Prof. Ricardo Padrón, of the different places he has enjoyed while on a year-long sabbatical in Madrid. Please click on the sites on the map for more details about the place.
Tucked behind the Reina Sofía Museum, the Doctor Fourquet Street has become a thriving gallery district. On a recent stroll one afternoon, we were able to visit many interesting spaces, lounge at a cafe, ending at the Reina Sofía during their free visiting hours. The map below shows you the different galleries located in this area.
Click on the underlined titles for a link to the galleries’ websites.
THEREDOOM-With a nice cafe, perfect for cocktails, this gallery is currently showing: Andy Warhol/Todo empezó así. I was not familiar with these early Warhol’s and I particularly liked his drawing of a boy’s face.
Helga de Alvear-Timing is of the essence on this very original installation, currently on view: Karin Sander, Kitchen Pieces. This new take on the tradition still life, brings vegetable and fruit to life and it’s slow rotting death.
NoguerasBlanchard-Loved the quote on the gallery wall entrance.
La Libreria, located in the corner of Doctor Fourquet and Argumosa streets. is a great little stop for coffee, juice or a sandwich, while browsing their used books.
Reina Sofía Museum– The terrace of the Reina Sofía’s Jean Nouvel Wing, is a great place to catch great views of the Atocha Train Station on one end, and the Lavapies neighborhood on the other. Take advantage of the free admission from 7-9pm to catch one of its many exhibits.
Often overshadowed by the neighboring great museums: The Prado, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofia, the exhibition space by the Fundación Mapfre at Paseo Recoletos never disappoints. This space is the perfect size for enjoying the well curated exhibits it presents. I have seen wonderful retrospectives in the past years: Giacometti, Kirchner, Henri Cartier-Bresson amongst many others. I strongly encourage you to visit, it is quick, but worthwhile.
Today, I went to see the work of photographer, Hiroshi Sugimoto and was mesmerized by his Seascape photograph series. Hiroshi Sugimoto, Black Box will run through the 25th of September, 2016. For more details on the show, press here.
For hours, location and more info on the Fundación Mapfre press here.
The Barrio de las Letras is my neighborhood. Although it is located next to many tourist destinations, it functions and feels very much like a neighborhood. I do not need to leave the neighborhood for my grocery shopping and errands. But the heart of this neighborhood is the people. You will find all the places I have mentioned on this map, as well as other restaurants and locations that I will feature on another post. Also, the highlighted words (in pink) contain links to the website of the place.
CALLE ECHEGARAY
Licores Cabello The best place to shop for wine and liquors you must stop by Calle Echegaray to Licores Cabello where you will be well guided by Maria,her husband Jesus, or her father, David.
Maria and her father David
The Cacharrería and the Barber
For more information on Amparo’s pottery shop read about the little shops I love.
CALLE DEL LEÓN
Of course, if you nee anything ranging from lightbulbs, soap and kitchen gadgets you must stop at Multitienda León. Pablo has everything, and will help you with a wonderful laugh.
Pablo
Across from him on the Calle León you will find the widest selection of Gins and Tonics, as well as beer from all over the world at a shop called Mas que Cervezas
CALLE ATOCHA/PASAJE DORÉ
View of the back of the Mercado
My friends love to accompany me to the Mercado de Anton Martín for my grocery shopping. This three level building is where the locals shop, as opposed to the Mercado San Miguel which has become a crowded tourist destination. This market is located between Atocha and Santa Isabel Streets. You may enter through the narrow alley, Pasaje Doré.
Classic Movie Theater
The market is located next to the fabulous Cine Doré, where you can catch a wonderful classic film, and drink a beer at the lobby bar.
The market building occupies two floors of the building while the third floor houses the famed flamenco academy, Amor de Dios. Here at the vendors you find in the lower floor. There is also a great Japanese food counter right across the fishmonger.
On the second floor there are more places to eat and drink. There is also a health food shop and the wonderful flower shop, Flowrs.
Leti at her shop Flowrs
Very close to the market, I get my clothes tailored at Taller de Costura Buenavista by this lovely mother and son team. They also collaborate with local artists/architects,www.orugami.com, on very cool art installations.
Calle Amor de Dios/Moratín
At Centro de Estética, Paloma and her daughter can take care of your nails, waxing, facials and tanning needs.
For a good drink or a bite to eat you can head to the corner of Amor de Dios and Moratín to Los Chanquetes
Just registered the entire family for this popular race hosted by Madrid’s most eclectic neighborhood, Lavapies. This hilly 10k only costs 10€ and includes a great tshirt. You can register online or in person at the neighborhood association’s office at c/Lavapies, 38 until 9pm Friday. http://www.trofeosanlorenzo.es
life via rosa 