27
March 28th - April 10th 2019
3 CHEF: Cesar Martin
La la Lakasa
T A marvel TO BEHOLD Few people bother to visit Madrid’s Sistine Chapel, a work of art undertaken by Spain’s very own Michelangelo, Francisco Goya, in the 18th century. Down by the much improved Manzanares river area of the city, the dome and interior of San Antonio de La Florida chapel was painted in just 120 days and depicts a murdered man being brought back to life. It is coincidentally also where the painter is buried (minus his head!). Entrance is free and if you time it right (let’s say, lunch time) you might get it all to yourself.
ake a French maiden and a local Madrileno grafter and you get this wonderful new spot, Lakasa. While a little out of the way, it emerges as a stylish and original addition to the fast burgeoning Madrid restaurant scene. Cesar Martin has been a jobbing chef in the capital for years, now finally out on his own, with his girlfriend Marina, from Brittany, out front. It has a cool look with its vertical green wall partitions and an equally hip reggae-jazz fusion soundtrack on the speakers. Its main USP is that every one of its two dozen or so dishes come in a half portion, meaning for food freaks like me, you can have double the number! The mackerel in curry sau-
LUXURY: Diners enjoy a noght at Lakasa (above) and (right) some of Martin’s remarkable dishes
ce and the artichokes with pork belly were two good picks. I also got to finally try Lampreys, in a cress sauce. Now they are something else. To look at, too... There are also loads of wines by the glass, and thanks to Marina, a superb cider from Calvados. Restaurante Lakasa www.lakasa.es Plaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordás, 1 28003 Madrid, Spain Phone: +34 915 33 87 15
ARE YOU A UK NAT ONAL LIVING IN SPAIN? As the UK prepares to leave the EU, there may be changes that affect you. From residency rights, to work and pensions and local healthcare, you can find the latest information in the UK Government’s Living in Spain Guide. Sign up for email alerts and get the latest information at gov.uk/living-in-spain