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Friday, October 7, 2011

Chocolatería San Ginés

Above all others, I had one dish that I absolutely, positively, 100% had to consume while in Madrid. Forget the jamon, olives, manchego and patatas, Chocolate con Churros were it. On one particularly late night (or perhaps, I should call it an early morning...) we sought out to find the coveted Chocolatería San Ginés. Established in 1894, San Ginés is Madrid's most well known Chocolatería.
It's like the Cafe du Monde of New Orleans, exchange beignets and coffee for chocolate and churros. While it is only a short walk from the bustle of Puerta del Sol, it sits tucked away in a less than prominent passageway - which is not even labeled on certain maps (ahem, ours) and that's the truth, despite an overwhelming number of sangrias and mojitos consumed. Our general good sense of direction and instincts lead us to Pasadizo san Gines, where neon lights shined as we turned from the dimly list street corner. I was brimming with satisfaction just having located the coveted spot! The thrill of the hunt and the somewhat secretive location only added to its charm.
The interior is decked with green velvet seats and marble tables, matched by green wood paneling and mirrored walls. The smell of melted chocolate mingling with hot oil and fried dough is intoxicating. We placed our orders at the counter and within ten minutes or so, the quintessential Madrid treat was delivered.The Spanish style hot chocolate is thick and bittersweet, dark and strong. Hot, freshly made and deep fried churros are cut to a rigid linear shape, perfect for dunking. An exterior so light and crispy with substantially soft and warm interior, is remarkable when met with rich indulgent chocolate. I'm not sure any plate of tapas put a smile that big on my face. Actually, this might be me in one of my happiest moments ever.Chocolatería San Ginés is a popular destination for Madrileños and tourists a like; the taste, ambiance, location and hours (9am - 6am) give it a unique appeal - a must experience while in Madrid. I'd recommend paying them a visit any time of day, although I tend to favor the hours of 2 or  3am. Pretty much nothing beats chocolate con churros to end a night on the town!

17 comments:

  1. I had amazing churros in Barcelona. The ones I have had in the US just don't compare. I love that you had to find this place!

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  2. Try as I might, I can't get myself to like churros...but I'm so glad that you enjoyed those!

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  3. Holy what??! Ok, I really need to get my a** to Madrid.

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  4. We went to Spain last year and upon a rec from a local went to Chocolateria San Gines - at least three times during our stay in Madrid!

    It's been fun reading your adventures and seeing the sites again - and adding new places to our list for another trip!

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  5. Those look amazing! That mug of dipping chocolate is die for! The streets of Madrid can be tricky, I am so impressed you found this place.

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  6. I am about to buy a plane ticket! Looks incredible!!!

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  7. I lived in Spain for my junior year of college and Churros con chocolate was one of the best discoveries for me too! There is no place in the U.S. that makes them as well. The closest I've come is at Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge. These photos had me drooling!

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  8. ohmygod. Can someone please figure out how to make these and whip some up for the next blogger event?!

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  9. OMG this is taking me right back to my childhood. I absolutely love churros con chocolate!

    I had some from Lolita recently and they were good but great. I want the real thing!

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  10. My God Daisy! This would be my happiest moment EVER too. This looks absolutely delicious - I can't think of a better reason to visit Madrid!

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  11. Whoa, they look amazing!! I had some churros with chocolate at Toro recently and they were tasty but would love to have the real deal :)

    Love you earrings too - so cute!

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  12. I can only imagine how great churros taste in Spain...and that sauce looks incredibly rich!

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  13. Those look out of this world. I suspect having that place open from 9am to 6am would be dangerous for me if I lived in Madrid. I imagine it would be the final spot every drunken night.

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  14. that chocolate looks sooo decadent...yum!

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  15. oh my goodness. those churros and chocolate look amazing!

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  16. Yeeeah chocolate and churros are the bomb! Had that combo in Argentina, the best!

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  17. Okay Chef has this on the menu. You need to haul it over here STAT!!! And bring that chocolatey recipe with you. His needs to be thicker!!

    xo,
    C

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