Gastronomic Madrid: 4 Oaks Tavern
4 Oaks Tavern is one of Madrid's traditional establishments and, as writer Juan Eslava Galán would say, one of those places you have to visit and enjoy at least once in your life, especially considering its privileged location: just a few meters from Arenal Street, which at this time of spring is generously seductive with its almond blossoms. It is also a place that powerfully attracts the attention of all those who wish to invest their time and curiosity in discovering some of the most relevant places in cultural and mysterious Madrid.
Many pass by its doors on their way to Barefoot Square, where the extraordinary monastery of the Royal Barefoots stands, a historic and artistic site. It also houses one of the most mysterious relics, venerated for centuries by thousands of pilgrims traveling to Compostela along the winding roads of northern Spain, and especially through the Burgos Merindad of Losa: the blood of Saint Pantaleon.
For more details, 4 Oaks Tavern is located just a few meters from the intersection of a street, which, although small and narrow, Tetuan Street, still houses the old pastry shop, converted into the home of the popular character that a friar immortalized for Prince Alfonso XIII.
This serves as the culmination of the special flavor of the appetizer a few meters further on, at another of Madrid's traditional establishments, Casa Labra: Ratoncito Pérez.
Furthermore, above the 4 Robles Tavern, visitors and those curious about the area also have other attractive cultural landmarks, such as the imposing façade of the modernist mansion that houses the Madrid School of Quantity Surveyors and the famous El Corte Inglés store, where every Christmas children enjoy the magnificent Cortilandia show.
Given its origins date back to the Pardellas Rivera family, originally from Pontevedra, one of the great culinary attractions offered by this place, whose decor already creates an exciting cultural clash between eras, is based on seafood, albeit richly accompanied by the finest selection of local produce, guaranteeing, at the very least, a gastronomic variety and quality that is well worth experiencing.
Particularly recommended are the white prawns from Huelva, accompanied by either draft beer or a lustrous white wine. These, as on this occasion, can be the ideal starter to accompany a generous casserole of one of Madrid's most typical dishes. The fame of this dish has long been known, and many people, from all over the world and nationality, come to the Spanish capital eager to taste it: Madrid-style tripe.
It also has several rooms, handcrafted in the style of the 1960s. One of these rooms is located on the ground floor, in fact, the most popular, especially during aperitif time. Another, located upstairs, officially serves as the dining room.
In short, one of Madrid's traditional spots, with more tradition than any lover of fine dining, is not to be missed. This detail, combined with its spectacular location, just a few meters from the authentic heart of Madrid of the Austrias, the popular Puerta del Sol, makes it an ideal spot from which to experience one of the most sensational experiences of a visit to Madrid.
NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property and are therefore subject to my copyright.
