MARKETS, THE NEW GOURMET TEMPLES

What in the past were known as a city’s wholesale supply markets are currently refurbished buildings in which avant-garde design and the architecture of yesteryear are blended with grace and good taste, resulting in gourmet communities worthy of a visit.

These are some of the most prominent:

Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid): Probably the maximum example of this new gastronomical movement, especially when it is considered a “Monument of Cultural Interest”. This market close to Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, constructed in 1835 by Joaquín Henri, is a space of tremendous architectural beauty in which all kinds of culinary offers coincide.

Mercado de San Antón (Madrid): it is located in the charismatic neighborhood of Chueca and is comprised of three well-differentiated levels. The first is focused on the sale of fresh produce, in the style of traditional markets; the second has a pub-wine bar and ten stands of show cooking/take away, among which you find Greek and Japanese specialties; lastly, the third level is where you find the restaurant “La Cocina de San Antón”, where you can savor the products previously purchased in market itself.

Mercado Isabela (Madrid): one of the last to join the gourmet boom. It is located in the heart of the city’s financial district, in Paseo de la Habana, close to the Castellana. The Isabela is a building of pure and emphatic lines formed by four levels and more than 35 stands, where gastronomic experiences are guaranteed. It also has several terraces open to the Madrid sky, in which you can leisurely enjoy exquisite cocktails.

Mercado de La Boquería (Barcelona): located in the busy/crowded Barcelona Ramblas, this market is an explosion for the senses, a gastronomic temple in which you don’t only go to buy and eat, but there is also an opportunity for culinary learning thanks to its space “Aula de la Boquería”. It’s already a classic and compulsory visit in Barcelona.

Mercado Central (Valencia): located across from Valencia’s beautiful Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), the Central is one of those flagship markets which has rightfully earned the descriptive of “La Catedral”, and if there’s something good there, it’s the food. In this space devoted to gastronomy, tradition, innovation and culinary tasting mesh together.

Naves del Barranco (Seville): will be the next to join the list of gourmet temples as it is already undergoing refurbishing that will turn the old Sevillian fish market into a new spot dedicated to fine eating.