The Mercato de San Miguel has long served as central Madrid’s one-stop “farmer’s” market.  I first visited here years ago when locals dropped in for fresh ingredients for a full meal.  Here one can find fresh and smelly fish, harry legs of Iberian ham, countless bottles of wine, fresh and squeaky-clean vegetables and all the extras as well.

a toastArriving at the Mercato de San Miguel this year I found an enhanced market with the new additions of many vendors selling tapas to eat right away.  Last night we decided to have a movable feast of tapas and drinks at the market.  About forty of us descended on the market at 7:00 pm and munched and drank our way through dinner in a four hour moveable feast.  What a great way to experience Madrid and get right into the heartbeat of the local culture.

tasting market food

Vivian found what she dubbed “the most amazing sweets ever.”  A warm center of caramel surrounded by puff pastry and loaded with chocolate and cream topping.

Market food

Kayla and friends found more desserts that were pretty amazing as well.

San miguel Market My friend Chris and I enjoyed a plate of french fries at the hotel bar before we went to the market.  Once there, he did not realize I was paying for their tapas hunting!  Finally, with money in hand, Chris found somethings a little better than that plate of fries.

olives

 

For 2,3,or 4 euros you can get a tasty selection of OLIVES.  I enjoyed olives stuffed with calamari, cheese and ham.  They also had one variety that tasted smokey and herbal.  The flavor was so intense I could not get enough of them!

Jamon

 

The Jamon Iberico is great.  There are several varieties ranging in price from 5 to 16 euros per kilo.  The best variety is Jamon Bellota which is thinly sliced from the leg of a black Iberian pig fed only a diet of acorns and allowed to roam freely.  You have to purchase at least 500 grams (about 9 euros) which will feed 4 people. 

cheese wheels

 

The cheesemonger’s kiosk was a popular place.  For about 6 euros I asked the vendor to assembly six selections of her favorite cheeses.  I don’t know what I got, but all of them were tasty!  I chose one variety on my own and boy did I make a mistake.  It was a mixture of sheep and goat cheese and when I pointed to it, the vendor wrinkled her nose in disgust.  I don’t know why I decided to get it anyway!

IMG_5549

 

 So, if you happen to find yourself in Madrid make a point to enjoy and experience the Mercato de San Miguel.  It’s on Calle Major between Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace, just around the corner from Plaza Major.