VittlesVamp

Spain's "Other White Meat"

No one says they are going to Spain for the chicken.

Seafood? Yes.

Paella? Definitely.

Jamon? Abso-freakin-lutely!

So, I was surprised when a bartender pal of mine in Brooklyn insisted I check out Casa Mingo when I get to Madrid. This old warehouse restaurant is known for two things - cider and roast chicken. No surprise that Missy K and I ordered up both right quick when we arrived. We tossed in a simple salad, a slice of Spanish tortilla, a bowl of buttery green olives, and a plate of Lacon (lightly smoked pork shoulder) - the latter, as to avoid insulting Spain's first and foremost "white meat."

That said, the chicken was stupendously good. I still smile thinking about those delicious chicken juices dribbling down my chin.

It might have been my favorite meal in Madrid.

Strike that.

It was my favorite meal in Madrid.

Chicken may be underrated in Spain, but when they decide to commit to pollo, it is truly perfecto.

The Holy Grail of Jamon

Nothing in Spain seemed quite as vital to the national culture as its glorious, dry-cured ham. Gin and tonics came in at a close second, but Jamon definitely ruled the day - and, the night too for that matter, when restaurants save space for a decked out leg of Jamon iberico with a knife-wielding ham-slicing expert at-the-ready. More often than not, two or three bone-in beauties are polished off in night.

Then of course there is the Museo del Jamon...

...a small Madrid chain of grocery stores dedicated to the history and majesty of Jamon.

Thinking this would be an excellent franchise opportunity for someone in the States. Happy to make an investment. After relishing this gorgeous delicacy on its home turf, thinking Jamon is probably a safer bet than gold right now. And, goodness knows, it's a lot more tasty.

Bar-sea-lona

There really isn't anything more exquisite than fresh seafood. Barcelona was brimming with the stuff -- briny, sweet, and altogether addictive. An Oyster Ceviche at Suculent in the Raval went down all too easy on my first night in town, and I was on my way.

A trip to Barcelona's beach was required. And, a stop at the seaside Marina Bay by Moncho's wasn't a disappointment, with a brilliantly simple plate of Grilled Shrimp and Squid...

Watch eyes roll back into head with pleasure.

I've been told that I was remiss in in missing out on Barcelona's canned seafood goodies as well. Guess that gives me an excuse to return.

The Biggest Little Sandwich in Seville

My first meal in Seville was unquestionably the best. My pal Max had recommended I hit Bodeguita Romero, a casual neighborhood spot for tapas. So, once we checked into our hotel, I grabbed Missy K and the two of us worked our way through Seville's winding alleys to settle into an outdoor table at the front of the tavern for a proper lunch. After a cross-Atlantic flight and a three hour train trip we were famished and thankfully even the media raciones that we ordered were more than ample.

First up, a heaping bowl of perfectly marinated potatoes, followed by a platter of thinly sliced cured Spanish lomo, and a plate of rich, nutty Manchego cheese. We laid waste to it all and then ordered up more. We moaned over a couple of golden brown, crisp salt cod croquettes, and then let a quick saute of farmhouse eggs and wild asparagus bring up the rear.

And then there was the main event...

This sucker may be small, but it packs a wallop. Called a Pringa Montadito, it is a miniature sandwich stuffed with bits of glorious braised pork and a smear of morcilla blood sausage. I know it sounds like a weird combo, but trust me. This is the bite-sized sandwich that bar snacking dreams are made of.

Sadly, we never made it back to Bodeguita Romero for a round two with their tapas menu, but Missy K continued talking about that Pringa Montadito till the end of our trip. I'm sure she's talking about it still...