Sticking to a Spanish tradition that markets are the main square of a neighborhood, it took five years and 15 million euros to accomplish the transformation of Madrid's Mercado de San Antón into a 21st century local marketplace. The goal was reached on opening day in May 2011. Also accomplished by the architects, themselves residents of the colorful Chueca neighborhood, was the integration of tradition with modern and ecologically-driven design.
This is the second transformation in a citywide program to revitalize run-down markets into modern structures for locals and tourists alike. It will undoubtedly give the Mercado de San Miguel, located near the Plaza Mayor, strong competition.
What is the Mercado de San Antón?
This marketplace has a large skylight that streams sun into the gleaming and open interior comprising three distinctly different food encounters.The first level of 12 stalls sell meats, cheese, seafood, fruits, flowers, pastries and other items, some precooked. Level two is 11 stalls of prepared foods. Public seating on this level is corrala style, which intentionally replicates a Spanish patio for people watching.
The third level has two restaurants and a long terrace for drinks. Additionally, a standard supermarket is below ground level, plus a parking garage holds 80 cars with hook-ups for electric-powered vehicles. Adding to the user-friendly atmosphere here is free wifi and air conditioning throughout.
What to Eat and do on Level Two
Nibble your way from stall to stall. It's where Spain's renowned tapas menu meets Madrid chic dining on the run. It's also less intimidating here, especially for non-Spanish speakers, to see the dishes, the prices and point. Food stalls are by non-competing products such as sushi, Greek, Italian, foie, juice, pastry, etc.
Prices are excellent. Combine three tapas-size dishes (1.50 euros each) of pasta such as Risotto al Funghi Porcini, Melanzane alla Parmigiana and Pasta Siciliana into one meal. A dish of Estofado de Toro (bull stew) costs four euros. Pollo Asado (roasted chicken) with two vegetables is 4.90 euros. Two oysters cost 1.50 euros, topped off with 2.50 euros for a glass of white wine.
Also located on Level Two and behind a glass wall is a large exhibition space. Exhibitions currently planned include book events, culinary tastings and workshops.
What to Eat on Level Three
One innovation is that raw food can be purchased in the marketplace and then be prepared on site at La Cocina de San Antón. The third-level restaurant staff advise on the best way to cook the meat or fish. Be sure to alert the food clerk that your purchase is going upstairs. Also available is a terrific menu del dia (three courses) for 12 euros. A more formal restaurant is also here as is a fashionable open terrace. It's definitely the place to see and be seen.
How to Get to Mercado de San Antón
Mercado de San Antón is located between Calle Augusto Figueroa and Barbieri. Closest Metro is Chueca, steps from the market, in the vicinity of Gran Via. For information about Madrid tourism information in general, contact the Madrid Tourism office.
Judith Glynn - I've written travel articles for years. See more and my novel about romance and travel at www.facebook.com/judglynn
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