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Spain Dinner

Bailliage of Spain
Madrid, July 8, 2021

Summer dinner at El Barril de la Moraleja
" The dress code was 'put on the colour' "

With the festive spirit that characterizes us in Spain, we decided to spend a special night on Thursday, July 8th at our first event in Madrid since 2019.

Convened by Bailli José Valdearcos Cabrera the dinner was held at El Barril de la Moraleja, one of the 25 restaurants of the Oter Group in Madrid and located in one of the most select neighbourhoods of the capital. The dress code was “put on the colour” as we wanted a night full of colour, friendship and joyful atmosphere among all the attendees, and of course, good food and drink.

The reception was held between the trees at the restaurant’s entrance. Accompanied by a welcome drink of Vinos Jeromín Cava Puerta del Sol, we were able to enjoy amuse-bouches that are the hallmark of El Barril restaurants.

Top tip: never miss the acorn-fed jamón ibérico de bellota - Guijuelo Designation of Origin (DO). The homemade croquettes are always a delight, which on this occasion were prepared with Iberian ham and red prawns. Thirdly, bites of cod brandade as a sandwich between potato chips, once again adding value to seafood, a speciality of the restaurant.

Once seated at the table, May Rodríguez, from the Vinos Jeromín winery, spoke briefly about the wines that were to be enjoyed during dinner - a winning selection from the largest winery in the Madrid wine DO:
- Puerta del Sol 2020 (white)
- Félix Martínez Cepas Viejas 2016 (red)
- Dulce María (dessert wine)

Argentier Gerardo Oter, founder of the Oter Group, had created a menu with classic-style dishes made with the best products, all trademarks of the establishment.

First up, perfect for the hot day, topped with tuna was a creamy, refreshing Russian salad. The grilled monkfish medallion that followed was as delicate as it was intense in flavour thanks to a red shrimp sauce. An outstanding traditional beef stew with tender beans was the main course. Delicious French toast with ice cream concluded the delights.

After dinner, when we could all chat quietly and catch up, a cocktail was served to make the after-dinner time more enjoyable, if possible!

We are very grateful Madrid members and their guests for their presence making this a special evening. Most importantly we want to thank members from other parts of Spain for joining us to share the joy of the first event after such a long lockdown.

Vive la Chaîne!

César González
Vice-Conseiller Gastronomique

Photography by César González

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