The second person I have invited to write about My Madrid’ is Vicente Fernández. Vicen is a veterinary surgeon, father of two and is also my broher-in-law and good friend. He lives near the Casa de Campo, where his practice also is and is keen on the outdoors (climbing and skiing); he is also passionate about his food and wine – like any good Spaniard!

Favourite bar/café – Café de Oriente in Plaza de Oriente, a perfect venue to have a drink with friends in one of the most beautiful places in Madrid- opposite the Royal Palace.
Favourite dish(es) – Lechazo asado (roasted baby lamb), and any of the fish you usually see in the restaurants.
Favourite tapas – Tortilla de patata, pulpo a la gallega (Octopus) and oreja a la plancha (grilled pig’s ear).
Favourite restaurant – Currito in Recinto Ferial: Casa de Campo (my late father-in-law’s favourite restaurant, too).
Favourite shop – El Corte Inglés where you can find anything you need and don´t need!
Best time of year – All of them! Winter with blue blue sky and soft cold wind; Spring with rising mornings, Summer with long and pleassant nights, and Autumn with fresh skies and different colours surrounding you.
Favourite Barrio – Madrid de los Austrias. It represents the pure and real Madrid.
Favourite building – All the buildings surrounding The Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor, and the buildings of Old Madrid.
Favourite day trip – Segovia and Avila. You can find culture, art, people and the best cuisine in the world here.
A perfect ‘night out’ in Madrid would … be a Thursday night in the summer, to avoid huge crowds, and walking around any of the street cafés in Central Madrid.
Favourite walk -weekend morning in el Retiro or Casa de Campo, Madrid de los Austrias and the Paseo del Prado.