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La Casa del Abuelo
With just a few bites, we knew why La Casa politicians, bullfighters, renowned actors, and
del Abuelo was famous. prominent writers (most likely Hemingway) of
Open in 1906, this classic tapas bar first sold the period descended upon the place to sample
sandwiches, pastries and a sweet red wine, El the shrimp. Photos that line the high walls
Abuelo. But a bread shortage during the civil memorialize many of their rich and famous cus-
war forced the owners to go in another direc- tomers.
tion. In the 1940s, they introduce grilled Like countless visitors before us, we bellied up
shrimp and a glass of wine for less than a nickel. to small tables as waiters delivered sizzling terra-
Later, they added garlic to the shrimp, creating cotta casseroles of shrimp swimming in olive oil
gambas de ajillo, which proved a big hit. In one and garlic, sweet and succulent. They matched
day they sold 675 pounds of shrimp to hungry the chilled wine perfectly. We would have or-
customers. dered seconds, but it was early in our tour.
The word rapidly spread and before long,
74 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2024
