Page 41 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

Astor Gastro Place

Astor, tucked in a cul-de-sac a block off of Cava
Baja, can be hard to find but is worth the effort.
This small family-owned restaurant with only
eight tables is very good, so reservations are a
must. During our lunch, the owner with a well-be-
haved toddler in tow was very present in the din-
ing room.
The menu is limited and eclectic, with delicious
variations on traditional Spanish classics and in-
ternational favorites. We started with a vividly fla-
vorful albondigas soup, followed by cod fish
croquettes with spicy orange sauce. Right away
we knew the would be an exceptional dining expe-
rience.
Ron loved his amazing Argentinian beef rib eye
with rustic potatoes and cherry tomatoes, topped
with a lovely complex chimichurri sauce. Mary’s
pappardelle in an intense broth of prawns and
monkfish was most satisfying. The complimentary
palate-cleansing passionfruit lemon cocktail was
tart and refreshing.
Astor is not inexpensive, but still affordable by
US standards for a fine dining experience. The bill
totaled $90, which included a bottle of wine from
their extensive list.

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