Madrid question
Jan 9, 2009, 9:16 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Madrid question
Hey everyone, I will be visiting MAD soon and am curious. I plan to visit museums and gorge myself on culture by day but I'd also like to know good spots to go to meet guys. For what it's worth, middle eastern guys are my type.
Any of you have any information you could share? I've searched this forum to no avail; who has the inside scoop? Please feel free to PM me if you'd prefer.
Safe travels!
Any of you have any information you could share? I've searched this forum to no avail; who has the inside scoop? Please feel free to PM me if you'd prefer.
Safe travels!
Last edited by Newperson2112; Jan 11, 2009 at 7:38 am Reason: To hide email from spammers
Jan 10, 2009, 3:24 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Oh, one other thing
Does anyone here know of any particularly good tapas bars? Hopefully something authentic and not too touristy(and hopefully won't break the bank)?
Also, do any of you know how easy it is for those with dietary restrictions/allergens to "customize" their paella's? Is it easy to have one made without shrimp/lobster, etc? Are those requests unusual or will I have to go to BK (
) to "have it my way?"
Thanks again!
Also, do any of you know how easy it is for those with dietary restrictions/allergens to "customize" their paella's? Is it easy to have one made without shrimp/lobster, etc? Are those requests unusual or will I have to go to BK (
) to "have it my way?"Thanks again!
Jan 10, 2009, 3:46 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BCN
Programs: Bombay Sapphire; Sephora Plat
Posts: 802
If you're allergic to seafood, don't ask for a seafood paella!!!! meat paellas also exist!!!!
I'm no expert on the MAD scene, but I guess you can find a lot of what you're looking for in Black&White...anyway, check the local gay guides and there's a lot of options...the advantage: most of the bars and clubs are close to each other. Take a look to http://www.gaymadrid.com ,it can be useful!
I'm no expert on the MAD scene, but I guess you can find a lot of what you're looking for in Black&White...anyway, check the local gay guides and there's a lot of options...the advantage: most of the bars and clubs are close to each other. Take a look to http://www.gaymadrid.com ,it can be useful!
Jan 10, 2009, 4:26 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Thanks, dragonfirebcn
I travel with an Epipen just in case but I never, ever want to have to use that thing. It's massive and looks painful. I have no interest in having a Pulp Fiction experience on my vacation.
Thanks for advice on the club too.
Thanks for advice on the club too.
Jan 10, 2009, 4:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Mileage Plus, Skymiles, EleVAte founding member, SPG
Posts: 1,910
I realize that dietary restrictions/allergies are important, but in my mind, seafood is one of the great joys of traveling to Spain. Things we never see in the US like baby calamari, razor clams, and fresh anchovies.
Jan 10, 2009, 4:46 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
I plan on eating all three
I'm not a picky eater but I, literally, can't eat lobster/crab/shrimp. That's why I was wondering about "customizing." I know it's different in each country but I don't want to risk it by eating paella in which the chef has simply picked out the big pieces of shellfish. That wouldn't do me any good.
Trust me, I plan on eating as much like the typical Madrileno(sp?) as possible. Bring on the churros and ensaimadas(which look good on that Bittman/Batali show).
Trust me, I plan on eating as much like the typical Madrileno(sp?) as possible. Bring on the churros and ensaimadas(which look good on that Bittman/Batali show).
Jan 11, 2009, 1:04 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,354
I can tell you this--when I went to Madrid, I found less English spoken there than in any other major European city I've visited. Break out the Spanish language lessons.
Jan 11, 2009, 1:32 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: ABQ
Programs: Delta Platinum, Southwest A-List
Posts: 1,426
You are going to have a great time in MAD. I really really like the people and the bars. You should have no problem finding bars to go to as they are all in the Chuecas neighborhood and you can walk from one to the next. Good luck, feel free to pm should you have any questions. I'm no expert, but I do speak Spanish in case there's something you don't understand. Buen viaje!
Jan 11, 2009, 6:52 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Thanks, hotturnip and Juan
I speak a little Spanish so hopefully it'll all come flooding back to me in time for my trip. I've found the key to travel in countries where there's a language barrier is to schedule more lightly.
That way I'm not in a constant, hectic, rush. If I get lost, I'll just head in to the closest tapas bar for patas bravas and a pisco sour-it's amazing what that does to focus the mind(along with a chance to consult a map).
Thanks for the well-wishes, Juan.
Safe travels!
That way I'm not in a constant, hectic, rush. If I get lost, I'll just head in to the closest tapas bar for patas bravas and a pisco sour-it's amazing what that does to focus the mind(along with a chance to consult a map).
Thanks for the well-wishes, Juan.
Safe travels!
Jan 11, 2009, 7:39 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
Jan 16, 2009, 1:21 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Priceline Titanium
Posts: 1,402
So US Airways (I know, I know, but I could use the bmi miles) is having a really great deal from NYC to MAD, including over Presidents Day. So tempted . . .
Anyone thinking of being in MAD that weekend?
Anyone thinking of being in MAD that weekend?
Jan 16, 2009, 7:03 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,657
Madrid is awsome. My spanish is nil to none - but body language and basic spanish helps. It's all around the Chueca. Though some have reported that a few clubs (i.e Liquid) has closed 
, but the guys are still there.
For a guide, go to the nightours site.
My travelling companion (who is jewish) the last time I was there, gave up on being Kosher.
The bacon was too good
, in more ways than one.
I'm considering a trip back circa March. Slightly warm, but still in Europe.
I had the unfornate luck of being in BRU two weeks ago during the coldest night in 10 years.
Ick.
, but the guys are still there.For a guide, go to the nightours site.
My travelling companion (who is jewish) the last time I was there, gave up on being Kosher.
The bacon was too good
, in more ways than one.I'm considering a trip back circa March. Slightly warm, but still in Europe.
I had the unfornate luck of being in BRU two weeks ago during the coldest night in 10 years.
Ick.
Last edited by meFIRST; Jan 16, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Jan 20, 2009, 2:23 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 284
Don't forget the Strong Center.
It is just a little out of the way, but very walkable and open all night. It is great. I've been to Madrid many many times, and had a g-r-e-a-t time. And I don't know any spanish. I don't even know how to say "no."
It is just a little out of the way, but very walkable and open all night. It is great. I've been to Madrid many many times, and had a g-r-e-a-t time. And I don't know any spanish. I don't even know how to say "no."