Madrid Food Tour

Lauren Aloise is a young American woman who first fell in love with Granada, later Seville and, finally, Madrid. She started Madrid Food Tour because she wanted to share her enthusiasm for Spanish food and ingredients with food lovers from all around the world. Lauren loves introducing people to new food and drink and explaining the background of traditional Spanish dishes. She believes that one of the main things Spaniards are resoundingly proud of is their food and the top quality ingredients found in the Spanish kitchen. Her aim is to pass along their pride and enthusiasm to each of her guests in Madrid.

Lauren and I met up in Sevilla last month and enjoyed an afternoon tapeo together, during which we swapped stories about our experiences in Spain and also talked about our work in the food and tourism industry. This week we decided to swap a set of questions and share them on our blogs.

You can find my answers here.

Here are Lauren’s answers…

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Mercado de la Feria


It’s been years since I visited the Feria Market – the oldest market in Sevilla – and so the other day I stopped by late on a very hot Saturday morning. The market comprises two buildings, separated by a small alleyway, next door to the 13th century Omnium Sanctorum Church on Feria Street. There are the usual displays of fresh fish, meat and produce, as well as a well-stocked florist and some small shops that run along the outside of the market. But for me the biggest attraction is the fabulous market bar that serves up super-fresh fish and seafood tapas. La Cantina is found right next to the church; in fact its terrace incorporates a length of the old church wall. The service is fast & friendly and it’s a great place to stop off for a quick bite. Open during market hours, 7am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Saturday.

La Cantina

Mercado de la Encarnación

Took a walk over to the Encarnación Market this morning. This was the first market I knew when I first moved to Seville, so I guess it has a bit of sentimental attachment to it. In fact, it’s rather small and poky and not exactly what you would call attractive. But the vendors are very friendly and I can always find everything I need there.

Soon the market is going to be moved to a hideous monstrosity across the street (see below) that the city has been building for years. I shudder to think what it cost, and I can’t walk by the thing without wincing and averting my eyes, but I suspect the market itself will be quite pleasant and an improvement for the vendors.
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