My Spanish friends just love croquettes — croquetas in Spanish. To me they taste like soggy tater tots. But at Madrid’s Restaurante Palacio de Cibeles, when restaurateur Javier and tour guide Javier share with me their love for these morsels (and a little historic/cultural context), they suddenly become much tastier. As Javier reminds us: Life is good — especially with good food and good friends.
This is Day 10 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.
Comments
Just had some awesome blue crab croquettes last weekend at ‘Tapas on Main’ in Bethlehem, PA. The chef didn’t come out to explain them, they were great as is.
Great ‘unshaven’ look Rick! Thanks for the insight on the deep fried tapas items. I guess that as you travel ‘deeper’ you can appreciate the special things that are closer to the lives of working class people. I believe it is also true that ‘the farmers live well’ since their food is fresh, rooted in family and is ‘close to the land.’
Croquetas are pretty good, but my favorite racione is tortilla, that perfect mix of egg, potato and carmelized onion, paired with a cold, bubbly cava, is simply the best way to start a meal or crawl.