Are you ready to get fully immersed in Madrid while you are waiting for the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship finals to kick off?
Spain’s capital is a booming, flourishing metropolis that has a lot to offer, and to help us guide you through it, Spanish international and Madrid local Mario Pichardie is here to give a helping hand.
Mario, gracias for your time. So, let’s get to the point… what Madrid delicacy should we try while we wait for Sunday's finals?
Mario Pichardie. “The ‘cozidio madrileño’. Try it out now, because when it gets warmer, finishing that dish will be very challenging. It’s a wonderful traditional dish from Madrid, one that makes you feel its absence when you go live abroad.”
Perfect! With that taken care of, this weekend will be action-packed with rugby, so for those who want to watch the games of the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship and Six Nations in a bar or pub, can you recommend one?
MP. “There’s a bar in La Castellana called the Irish Rover. If you are looking for a traditional Irish pub where rugby is the main sport, go there. You will meet several people from other nations, and will have fun while watching a bit of rugby!”
Ok, but on Sunday, for those who want refreshments before driving to Leganés, where can they go near Complutense?
MP. “The best part of Complutense is that it is situated in the middle of the University campus, so you have tons of options. For example, in Moncloa you will find a great atmosphere. While Madrid is still predominantly dominated by football, rugby is growing by the minute, so on Saturday and Sunday the games will be on.”
However, for those attending all four games, how can they get from Complutense to Madrid?
MP. “From the car, you will take between 15 and 30 minutes to get to Leganés from Complutense. However, if you choose public transportation, you will also need a bit more than half an hour to reach the Stadium. Take the metro from Moncloa to Embajadores, then catch the Cercanías to Leganés. It is Sunday, so be sure to check if everything is up and running.”
Now, unto a few more suggestions and recommendations. Can you share some restaurants and bars we should visit?
MP. “I have more than a few suggestions, but let’s start with an Asturian restaurant, called Sidrería La Cuenca, in the Calle de la Cruz Verde. You will have the chance to eat some of Asturias best food, like cachopo. Another joint you should try is Vinitus, located on the Gran Vía. Best tapas at good prices!”
And if we want to enjoy a beverage while we discuss who our top XV team of this year’s Men’s Rugby Europe Championship is?
“Oh, for ‘una buena copa’, which means to have a nice drink, I have to say Viajeros in La Latina. It is a superb place. You won’t be disappointed.”
Thanks! And rugby-wise, what rugby clubs are in Madrid that we should check out?
“In Madrid, you have two clubs, Cisneros and Alcobendas. You will find Cisneros in Complutense, while Alcobendas is in the outskirts of the city. While they don’t have a museum, you should go there and check out the grounds.”
Before we head to the final answer, can you share with us how fans should spend the Saturday before the final's day?
MP. “So, my three top recommendations are: one, you have to visit and tour the Stadium of the best club in the World, Santiago Bernabéu. Then, go for a long walk through our typical streets, which we call ‘calles’ and get immersed in everything the city has. If you want to finish the day in style, I'd recommend visiting the Palacio Real to watch the sun go down.”
And how would you define Madrid in three words?
MP. “So, my three words would be: close, as everything is close to you and you will get quickly from point A to B. Safe and clean, so don’t be afraid to step out and discover the city on your own. You will find affordable prices and places scattered throughout the city. I can vouch for it!”
By Francisco Isaac
