La Latina, one of the gourmet stalls at the Tirso de Molina market
Built in 1932 , the Tirso de Molina market is not located in the traditional square of the same name but in the Puerta del Angel neighborhood , sheltered by the Casa de Campo and just a short walk from the center of Madrid.
dubbed as Bruclin by some neighbors because of its location across the Manzanares river , the arrival of Madrid Río has revitalized the neighbourhood, which in addition to continuing to enjoy the legendary concert hall La Riviera , for a few years it has had artists' studios, a vegetarian bar with "marginal music" and even _ food trucks _ weekends .
Across the river: "Bruclin"
The market, built by the architect Luis Bellido , also responsible for the Matadero de Madrid , is one of the last existing examples of the civil architecture of the Second Republic . In 1936 a shell exploded against its structure and today you can still see remains of shrapnel between its beams while ordering time at the greengrocer.
Among its posts there are several surprises:
The Casquería Juanito is frequented by chef Javier Estevez , who buys the raw material there for his restaurant ** La Tasquería **, while Jose Variants , one of the oldest positions, has everything you need to prepare a Madrid appetizer , with endless varieties of olives, gildas, lupins and smoked sardine loins.
Since this summer, the market also has several bars where you can enjoy a unique gastronomic option in full bruclin's heart and expect several new openings over the next several months.
Tirso de Molina market chicken shop
Paula's Bar: tripe with chopsticks
When Paula Bao Zhu Lin he took over what was then the only bar in the market, he knew he had found his niche. She is now the owner and mistress of her little piece of the market, where she waits for her clients with salt shakers and good humor, known throughout the neighborhood.
of Chinese origin but based in Madrid since 93 , Paula prepares all kinds of creations in her tiny kitchen, both Chinese and Spanish. Yes indeed: always with chopsticks . The caña is accompanied by tapas ranging from vegetables in tempura, Chinese aubergines or fried potatoes . Her menu focuses on Asian options—dimsum, tuna tartare, duck with orange sauce, fish ball soup, or marinated ribs—but she also masterfully prepares a wide selection of Spanish food which varies daily depending on customer requests and what she bought at the market that morning.
Her omelette is famous among the bruclinites and her tripe delights the market companions, but her star dish is undoubtedly caramelized chicken ; crispy and covered in black sesame seeds. The menu of the day, to choose between Chinese or Spanish options, includes two dishes, a drink and coffee at a neighborhood price: nine euros.
Tirso de Molina Market
La Latina: it's time for vermouth
This little stall run by Leticia Bonon and Nacho Varela , from the old and malasañero restaurant buffalo , combines a specialty canning shop with a tasting bar. His intentions? To offer quality craft products . Its counter exhibits a careful selection of Mediterranean products, from pasta with denomination of origin, cream of boletus edulis, natural lemonade, homemade jams, exotic sauces and all kinds of preserves.
In addition, La Latinna arrives to fill an important gap in the neighborhood: the vermouth . They offer up to twelve different types, which rotate from month to month. Among them stand out the one of the house, Bodegas Peral, from Colmenar de Oreja, and Espinaler, a vermouth from Barcelona . They also have a careful selection of wines and craft beers from Madrid.
The Vegan/The Merchant
** La Mercantina and El Vegicano: meeting point for omnivores and vegetarians**
Patricia Garcia and Fernando Mata inaugurate a new concept: two restaurants in a single space. La Mercantina offers market cuisine —forgive the redundancy—, with dishes as varied as tuna poké, Iberian secret curry or cheek bao, while Vegicano specializes in vegan food with Mexican influences, such as its vegetable tinga huaraches, roasted eggplant with mole and delicious lentil burgers.
Two proposals united by a fresh cuisine with personality that creates a bridge between vegans and omnivores, since their menu of the day has options from both restaurants, all washed down with organic wine, craft beer and gluten-free or tap vermouth.
Just like La Latina, on weekends they extend their hours, opening from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. They also organize concerts in their space as part of their initiative “ music in the market ”. “The market is the nucleus, it is the way to unite the neighborhood. That is what makes up an urban space”, says Fernando.