The final days of Gastrofestival Madrid

Visitors and residents alike still have the chance to enjoy Madrid’s Gastrofestival, which wraps up for another year this coming Sunday. The cultural venue Matadero Madrid continues with its True Coffee Experience, hosting the finals of the Barista, Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits and Cup Taster championships on the 15th. The awards ceremony for all four competitions will take place at 6.30pm.

The city’s museums also continue to offer culinary-themed activities. On Saturday and Sunday, the Lázaro Galdiano Museum is holding free tours with a special focus on works tied to gastronomy. And those interested in finding out more about the pieces with a culinary theme on display at the Lázaro Galdiano can sign up for the “Art and Gastronomy” thematic tour for just two euros.

The National Decorative Arts Museum brings us an educational tour this Saturday, where visitors can learn about one of the collection’s finest paintings, Bodegón de cocina con figura (Kitchen Still Life with a Maid). And the Garment Museum also has a special activity lined up for the occasion, with the exhibition “Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada’s designs for Alberto Chicote”.

Romanticism & Gastronomy

Valentine’s Day falls this Saturday and the culinary space at A Punto Librería bookstore has a very special blind dinner planned. Romance is also on the menu at Conde Duque Cultural Centre, with Poemas a la Carta. At 6.30pm audiences can enjoy an individual poem tasting, which uses an original dispenser: a teapot with tentacles.

Saturday night at this venue also sees a live performance by the Amaniel Big Band, taking us on a journey through the history of jazz, with a wine tasting by Bodegas Freixenet as the grand finale. The music kicks off at 8pm.

Restaurants & bars

There are options galore for those wishing to sample the finest food and drink Madrid has to offer. You can enjoy a tapa and a small bottle of Mahou beer for just three euros at any of the bars and restaurants participating in “Degustatapas”. Or why not have a glass of the finest red accompanied by a tapa for six euros as part of “Rioja Wine in our Favourite Bars”, or head to one of the restaurants offering menus for 25 and 40 euros.

What’s more, the Westin Palace Madrid hotel has joined the Gastrofestival with its Opera & Sunday Brunch. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious sweet and savoury buffet in a luxurious setting, under the hotel’s historic glass dome.

Kids workshops

The fun doesn’t stop for the little ones at this culinary event. On Saturday morning, those aged between 6 and 12 years can participate in a workshop organised by Baby Beef Rubaiyat.

There are also free Zumosol tastings for children and adults alike at popular locations across the city. The mobile juice truck will be hitting Plaza Santa Ana on Friday, Puerta del Sol on Saturday, and Plaza de Ópera on Sunday.

A major culinary event

Promoted by Madrid City Council through the municipal company Madrid Destino and its Department of Tourism, and in collaboration with Madrid Fusión, Gastrofestival Madrid has welcomed more than 400 participating public and private companies and institutions this year. Official sponsors have included Mahou, Zumosol, Hard Rock Café, El Tenedor, JCDecaux, Mercados de Madrid and Elle.

For detailed information, visit www.gastrofestivalmadrid.com