28/04/2008

Last week I began an ode to calle Argensola, this week I continue to create the myth... Self-centered as I am, you see, I love this street because it reminds me of... me. A mix of modern aesthetics with traditional values, Argensola embodies all that is great about Madrid. Here are some more spots for you to check out on the road well travelled by... my peeps.

#6
Amate: Outside the caption reads: "Té, delicias y caprichos". A tea shop, where you are also tempted by all sorts of gift ideas, from candles, to perfumes, to cookies... For those who like to pamper themselves, or pampers others... The amate candles are great, as are all the selection of Roibois tea... Tea has all sorts of medicinal and nutritive properties, all I can say is, only fools like me still drink coffee .


#7
La Tasca Suprema: Typical Spanish place where you have to yell: "¡Jefe!" to call attention to the waiter. But the tapas and comida casera are worth the culture shock.


#9
Denis Juguet Peluqueros: Denis is a lovely, brilliant, talented and funny man. His lovely French accent is enough to make you smile. So many times I've heard it whispered "Only Denis knows my hair...." reminds me of a T.S. Elliot poem: "In the room the women come and go, talking of Michelangelo"... except in this case they talk of Denis Juquet... Modern times...
91308 69 35

#12
Farmacia Homeopática: El Boticario de Argensola is one of Madrid's most respected Homeopathic Pharmacies. If you believe that the power of healing is within us all, and distrust pharmaceutical companies, here is the place to get some Echinacea for your cold.

#13
Librería Gaudí: Old school bookshop, specializes in art and history, but surprises you with beautiful editions on topics that may interest you. You will be well taken care of.

#15
Mope: One of those friendly little shops not suited for vegetarians, but where sliced turkey and Spain's favourite jamón serrano are among the many animal and dairy products on display. José, the man with the big cutting knife, is funny and kind.


#24
Niza Pastelería: This old school European pastry shop is worth the visit even if you're on a diet, because the golden tainted ornaments that decorate every wall in baroque fashion is a delight for the eyes. And since you stopped by, you may as well try the palmeras de chocolate.


#26
La Retoucherie de Manuela: Need to raise a hemline? The thing with high street fashion is that it never fits quite right, because most of us are between sizes, and because some of us like to add a few changes to everything we own, La Retoucherie de Manuela has been a success in France and Spain. For those of us who just don’t know what to do with a needle.


#30
Loterías y Apuestas del Estado: And I leave the last stop for the dreamers among us, since Argensola is the current cradle of my dreams... For all those who believe sheer luck is enough to beat the system, here is a typical Spanish place where you can play the State lottery... Hey, somebody's gotta win sometime...