Page 96 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

De Maria-Gran Via

One rule of thumb when selecting a restaurant a chance. The special we learned could only be
is to avoid places with large color food photos had at the bar, a setup we didn’t like. But we had
displayed on an easel at the entrance. If you’ve eyed meats cooking on the wood-fired grill next
ever visited a European plaza lined with tourist to the bar. They looked delicious, so we took at
trap eateries, you’ll recognize this come-on im- table in the charming main room.
mediately. Our meal started with rose bubbly, a small
But like all dining guidelines, there are excep- serving of creamy soup, and warm bread. The
tions and De Maria-Gran Via, an Argentinian steak we shared proved to be one of the best
style Parilla, is one. We were wandering the Gran filets we’ve had in Europe. Before leaving
Via area looking for a nice place for dinner when Madrid, we returned twice, with meat-eater
we strolled onto a pedestrian-only street with friends, to eat outside and upstairs in a dining
lots of restaurants. Across from Taco Bell was an room overlooking the street. Each time the ser-
inviting small restaurant which a sandwich board vice was impeccable. De Maria is a solid choice
touting a steak dinner with wine for 15 euros. for a festive lunch or dinner.
Hungary and tired of walking around, we took

96 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022