Last night Gourmet Experience Duque held its first “interactive” wine tasting, presented by sommeliers David Castro and Silvia Flores. The setting was simple and elegant, and I liked that it had a nice relaxed feel to it. During the introduction we were served Taittenger champagne with oysters, which was a perfect way to start. Castro and Flores worked very well together – both are very passionate but with different styles that complement each other. Wines were paired with food from the Gourmet Experience tapas bars, and we were also entertained with snippets of contemporary flamenco.

Corimbo from Bodegas Horra with pavía de merluza courtesy of Egaña.
We were also served a fab crispy pork shin with quinoa from Barajas 20 Tapas.

Dido from Bodega Eneas served with pig head sausage from the Gourmet Experience Bar.
And fun flamenco!

Stunning Stilton and Cabrales cheeses with 30-year-old Noe PX from Gonzalez-Byass.
Here you see Flores waxing lyrical – clearly her father’s daughter.

Watch for future food and wine events at Gourmet Experience Duque. I think that once the good weather arrives that big rooftop terrace is going to become one of THE places to hang out. The other very cool thing about the GE Bar is that you can purchase food and wine from the shop and enjoy it there. Corkage is 3€ per bottle and to have your food purchases plated and nicely presented it’s 2.50€ per item. When you combine that with the option of also grabbing a burger or tapa to go with it all you get a very interesting concept – a gourmet food court that is striving to be unique and yet accessible. The staff in the food and wine shop are very knowledgeable and helpful, and there’s also the bonus of having Silvia Flores working in the wine section to offer expert advice.

Gourmet Experience Duque
Plaza del Duque de la Victoria 8
5th floor – El Corte Inglés
10.00 – 10.00 Monday – Thursday
10.00 – midnight Friday – Saturday
10.00 – 18.00 Sunday
€ € € €