Many of the streets included in that metaphorical selective mandorla that is Central Madrid form a complicated labyrinth, as mysterious and fascinating, at times, as that secret place in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter where the late writer Carlos Ruiz Zafón located that inaccessible Borgesian Babel, the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.
Precisely, on Barcelona Street in Madrid, a small, short street that crosses Cádiz Street—the city where "La Pepa," the first Spanish Constitution, was born—parallel to another street where there are still down-and-out violin masters who play the violin like angels, Espoz y Mina Street. Forming a forty-five-degree angle with Cruz Street, there are still old taverns where traditional dishes become the daily staple.
Although it's not the oldest, nor does it have the historical and literary cachet of nearby taverns, such as the famous "La Fontana de Oro," which unforgettable writers like Benito Pérez Galdós visited and even included in their novels, "La Descubierta" is one of those nostalgic oases in Madrid, inviting you to let yourself be carried away by the impulse to enter and the not inconsiderable feeling, upon leaving, of wanting to return and repeat.
This becomes, not a desire, but perhaps a necessity, since, on weekdays, it guarantees a varied and consistent menu, well prepared and presented, and not too expensive compared to other similar establishments in the area, adjacent to the popular Literary Quarter. Added to this is courteous service and a reasonable wait time.
Even though these are simple traditional dishes, the presentation is also a thoughtful and pleasing detail, as it delicately entices those incorrigible sweet tooths, which, of course, are always the eyes, not in vain, also considered the "mirror of the soul."
A light dish, such as Russian salad, can be a thoughtful starter, followed by a calorie-packed sirloin steak in blue cheese sauce and a side of fries, all washed down with a consistent and aromatic red wine, whose Ribera del Duero designation of origin guarantees quality for the palate.
In short: a place in Madrid where eating can also become a pleasant adventure for the palate.
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