Page 70 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

The Mercados

Mercado de San Miguel

Almost every Spanish city is home to a large
public market or Mercado where farmers, fish-
ermen, and artisan food makers sell super
fresh edibles. Once, these were the commu-
nity’s primary shopping destination, but in re-
cent years, supermarkets have changed the
way locals shop, seriously affecting these tra-
ditional mercados. Fortunately, all still have a
devoted clientele searching for high quality,
fresh foodstuffs, as well as a tapa or two. For
tourists like us, they are a must-see source of
tasty entertainment - visual and culinary de-
lights.
Our Devour tours included the most visited
market in Madrid, Mercado de San Miguel, just
outside the Plaza Mayor. It’s gotten a bad rap
recently as a over-crowded, over-priced
tourist trap. But it’s also an experience you
don’t want to miss, including tastes and sips
from the beautifully displayed wares. Here, we
enjoyed our first Spanish Vermouth, a locals’
favorite apéritif paired with a freshly shucked
oyster or fried seafood. Time your visit before
or after peak hours (12 to 3 p.m. and 7:30 to
10:30 p.m.) if you hope to score a seat at a ta-
ble and linger awhile.

70 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022