Leon Cathedral
Much is being said about New York City's ability to invent neighborhoods: what if RAMBO (abbreviation for Right Around the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), what if DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass: under the Manhattan Bridge overpass).
But what about Leon? (yes, you read that right, Leon) . We already said once that we are pioneers in many aspects and we were not going to be less in this one.
It was the year 2009 and Traveler sent me to do a report on the city where I was born. I needed something new, different and alternative that would set the trend and beat of the city. It was then that I was first told about the Romantic Quarter. "Where?" I asked.
"Look. Be careful not to lose yourself. You have to cross the Calle Ancha, beyond the domains of the black pudding and sausage of the Barrio Húmedo.
On the 'other side', in the tiny ** bar La Jouja ** _(plaza Torres De Omaña, 1) _, you will find a pioneer who makes her way making author tapas . Talk to her, and don't even think about asking for anything other than wine or beer, it's the only thing that works since she advocates the proximity product ”.
I found all of this so amusing that I obviously noted it in my text. However, I have never stopped thinking about the matter of how what had always been the environment of the Parque del Cid had become overnight in the ROMANTIC QUARTER.
And, finally, today everything makes sense in the purest New York style! It was the abbreviation for Kisses, Cuddles I Other ROmantic Matters Manifest Lying on the Lawn under an Olive Tree , which was basically what was going to be done to this park during adolescence.
Jokes aside, almost a decade later, moderns cross almost daily 'to the other side' (and not just to be tattooed by Fernando at **MO-GUR** in Plaza Torres de Omaña, number 3).
We can talk about a true gentrification of the neighborhood now that the obligatory triumvirate has been completed: there was 'the' Japanese Koi at number one on Calle Cervantes ('the' for being the only one until very recently); I arrive The backyard with its southern theme, its terrace with geraniums and its recycled wood; and just landed the Cervantes Vermouth 10 (it will not cost you to find it) to reaffirm the hipster spirit of the place.
The Japanese who welcomes you in the Romantic
A vintage and industrial aesthetic that we also find in Between streets _(Calle López Castrillón, 7) _, where the delicious squid from the formerly called Saint Roman have given way to more complex recipes in the form of chicken or couscous skewers in an always lively atmosphere.
Less elaborate, but more copious, are the **casseroles of Las Tapas** _(Calle Juan Lorenzo Segura, 4) _: the 'house' includes a fried egg, fried potatoes and mincemeat or black pudding. I recommend you make yourself strong in a place where you can support yourself and then go ask, since if you are more than four it will seem more like a medieval festival than what they just served you for free with your drink.
Its different environments will make you understand that Leonese "romanticism"
For its part, The Clandestine _(Cervantes, 1) _ offers nachos with minced meat in a clear attempt to get closer to other world cuisines. These preparations are also present in its interesting menu, in which there is room for gastronomic twinning with zero mile products.
Proof of them are the nachos with botillo, kimchi and smoked cheese . If you are going to make a reservation and they tell you that there is only room left on the terrace, do not be scared, since outdoor heaters have proliferated, those who are not from León can also participate in the healthy local custom of being on the street.
León and his romance with the Romantic neighborhood
To finish, I wouldn't be entirely honest if I didn't talk about some classics that 'were' before they were so 'romantic' and, best of all, that still 'are still': the impeccable lacón of the Tavern of Flanders at number 4 Calle Cid (and the bow ties of their attentive owners), the comforting garlic soups of Madrid cabin _(Calle Cervantes, 8) _ or the simple potatoes of the modest and out of hand The Riverbank _(Calle Fernando G. Regueral, 8) _, with such a legion of faithful followers that you will have to make your way to the bar in the purest style The Walking Dead.