Valencian paella TOP in Socarratt
If recently we dared to choose the best paellas in Valencia, today we wanted to go a step further (or two, or three...) and we have selected the best Valencian paellas in Madrid . Before starting to blaspheme and throw the computer or mobile out the window, just say that we have had the invaluable collaboration of Valencians settled in the capital and the infallible wisdom of the Wikipaella.
We know that paella is one of the most controversial and reviled dishes both nationally and internationally , that is why we have carried out an arduous field investigation to find the hot spots in terms of rice. Because even if we don't have a beach, you don't have to do without paella on Sundays.
SOCARRATT _(San Marcos Street, 2) _
Jordi and Rafa Ventura they left their homeland with a clear goal: revolutionize the rice world in Madrid . A very ambitious goal that they have far exceeded since they opened their first store in the acacia neighborhood approximately five years ago.
Whether in its cozy and warm restaurant in Chueca, its store in Malasaña, with an unmistakable beach style, or its next opening in Chamberí, they have "come to make rice and rice well done" , explains Jordi, one of the two halves that form this Valencian empire in the capital.
Although the apple of his eye will always be the Valencian paella , she also shares the limelight with others rice hits (eleven in total) as is the case of the vegetable paella, senyoret rice, banda rice, black rice and the great forgotten, but tastier: Valencian Oven Style Rice.
_Price: Local (€7.90 / portion), delivery (€8.60 / portion), full paella (€66 for 6 people up to €110 for 10 people) _
** LA GLORIA BAR _(Novitiate Street, 2) _**
“Here there is no brunch, there is lunch” . Thus began the story of Sol Pérez-Fragero and his friend Sergio Candel with the Valencian paella . Seeing that all the restaurants and bars in Malasaña were opting for the foodie trend par excellence, both found themselves at a crossroads. Sol did not know how to make brunch and Sergio, originally from Manises (Valencia), he only knew how to cook rice. So, as has happened to many other entrepreneurs, faced with the crisis, they saw an opportunity.
On Sundays, PAELLA
Although today Maribel Pico has inherited the stoves of Glory Bar , she continues to respect the same philosophy: "Use first-class products acquired in the small shops in this neighborhood and a lot of care" , proudly explains its owner, Sol Pérez-Fragero.
Faithful to the traditional ingredients of the recipe **(bomb rice, chicken, rabbit, garrofó, bajoqueta...) **, perhaps the most curious thing about this endearing bar is that the menu is fundamentally Andalusian , according to the origins of its founder. "I cannot deny that I feel a certain vertigo when a Valencian walks through the door, we have several regular customers from the community, but with a few exceptions, our paella is received with great acceptance and good reviews", she points out.
Price: €11 / portion
** VALENCIA HOUSE _(Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 58) _**
More of three decades endorse the experience and know-how of this house specialized in rice dishes and Mediterranean dishes, located between the areas of Moncloa and Arguelles.
Pascual Asensio, founder and alma mater of this restaurant, "wanted to bring the Levantine tradition closer to the people of Madrid and also to foreigners", they say from Valencia House . Although his son-in-law Juan José Martínez currently runs the business, the legacy he brought with him almost forty years ago is still maintained.
Since its creation, they have had a team of cuisine originating from the Valencian Community to remain faithful to the typical recipes, “although we also innovate. Our most recent creation is sticky rice with oxtail, we always try to surprise with seasonal rice”, they add. However, the Valencian paella is still the star dish of Casa de Valencia and in addition to being able to taste it in the restaurant, offer classes or showcookings . “We do master classes to share the tradition and secrets of this iconic dish and even for events or meetings, we send a person from our team to cook paella on the spot ”.
Price: €15.75 / serving
WHAT IF YOU WANT CATALINA RICE _(Main Street of provinces, 9) _
In 2014, What if you want Catalina rice opened its doors in the Casa de Campo in Madrid, within the space for events The Palace of the Mission. Although initially Rafael Morales was the visible face of this restaurant awarded by Wikipaella as one of the restaurants in Madrid that makes authentic Valencian paella, in 2015 Alfonso Lara, former director of the Madrid Casino and co-owner of the Real Café Bernabéu, and his partner Antonio Galan they took command.
Graphic definition of WOW effect
Nevertheless, " the heritage of the Valencian paella has been maintained. In fact, it is the only one of our rice dishes that should be ordered with at least three hours in advance because otherwise it would be impossible to do it”, they explain from the restaurant. Although in Madrid it is difficult to find wood-fired paellas “because we couldn't get vine shoots, it ends up in the fire and comes out with its socarrat”.
When they tell us that the ingredients need a prior cooking, time, care and lots of love; From the house they add that "the king emeritus don Juan Carlos can attest that he came to try it the last time in November".
Price: €21 / portion and €29 / menu
The heritage of the great Valencian paella