Squid sandwich, flat.
The corner will be familiar to many. That place on Embajadores street, just in front of the San Fernando Market. Core of Lavapies. Of tapas and beers, exit or entrance of the Rastro. A place that for years occupied a cafeteria-bar full of parishioners and famous for its paella tapas at noon, OSS I, the first, number one, because later there were more in Madrid.
Marcello Caschili and Andrea Pirastu, two Italians, residents and lovers of Madrid for 10 years (where they have had more hotel experiences), knew OSS and knew its history and the love it had in the neighborhood. Now they have rescued the premises, renaming it as The Embassy of Ambassadors, to pay homage to that traditional bar it represented.
The Embassy bar as if it had been there for years.
They cleaned it, tidied it up, renovated it and, thanks to the work of the interior designer Javier González of Lab Matic, recovered a familiar aspect in any neighborhood of Madrid: prominent bar surrounded by stools where they hope to win back those regular customers that make a bar and its stories rich. Some low tables inside the premises and, in addition, outside a large terrace in the square (with capacity for 40 people).
In order not to forget the past, nor the soul of the place, OSS letters hang prominently inside the premises, next to the small window through which the kitchen appears, under the mural on which the letter is written, which has not abandoned its roots either.
Sandwiches and portions.
The menu wants to be as traditional as the bar and the neighborhood. Rations, snacks and sandwiches. Often served on those recognizable oval metal trays.
The squid sandwich, for example, it could not be missing, although there is also the possibility of trying those fried squid in portions and with a little aioli. In the same way, they are repeated in portions and between loaves: shredded meat or meatballs. In the latter, that Italian touch that sprinkles the menu is somewhat recognizable, as it could not be otherwise due to the origin of the new owners.
Tribute to the bar that was, those letters reveal the past of the place.
Another of the dishes in which Italianity is recognized is in eggplant parmesan which can also be ordered as a sandwich and with a guest ingredient, chorizo. They have called that sandwich The Embassy, like the place.
Like a good neighborhood bar open all day. And breakfasts are essential. And also very popular, very Madrilenian: churros, batons, mixed croissant, tortilla pincho and a plate of eggs and bacon that will make you laugh at the Benedicts.
But don't worry, we'll be in Lavapiés and in a traditional tavern, but also in the 21st century and avocado is not lacking: on toast with cottage cheese, poached egg and sour sauce.
During the week, for meals they have also recovered a very neighborhood bar concept: the combo plate. The basics: beef fillet, fried egg, chips and salads, or with chicken, squid or tenderloin. Plus a dish of the day that changes.
Don't panic: there's avocado.
WHY GO
For the sandwiches and portions. And the eggplant parmesan.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The terrace!
The breakfast of the champions.
Address: Ambassadors Street, 66 See map
Schedule: From Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday closed.
Half price: €15