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TRAVEL THE GLOBE WITH EXPERTS

El Que Faltaba!

10/8/2024

There are many things I love about travel aside from the incredible sights of each country. There's good food, good wine, and making new friends.

About seven years ago a companion and I shared our first apartment in Plaza Santa Ana in Madrid, Spain. For many reasons, that area will forever hold a place in my heart. Not only is it a vibrant area, with different restaurants, bars, and small shops, but the majestic Melia Hotel, which I first discovered in Cuba years before, is the focal point.

Back then I was new to Madrid, and knew very little Spanish. But I found a small bar/ restaurant : El Que Faltaba. I would often sit there for hours and sip on wine while nibbling padron peppers and stealing the Melia's wifi.

All of the waiters were friendly, but one was extra nice to me and we ended up becoming friends and staying in touch over the years through Whatsapp. Every time I went back to Madrid,

I made sure to stop by and have a glass of wine. After the pandemic, the various waiters I met left and new ones came, but the one constant was Hugo. Two weeks ago, while I was there, of course, I went to the restaurant. Lo and behold, my dear friend Hugo is now the owner of the restaurant!

So I write to offer congratulations to him and to share some photos, as well as his menu. If you're ever in Madrid please stop by and have a glass of wine with Hugo.Tell him dreamingantstravel sent you. El Que Faltaba is located @ Pl.de Ángel,8, Madrid, Spain.

Don't you love a story with a happy ending. If you do, please leave a comment. And if you're interested in visiting Madrid, contact me for great packages.

Hasta la proxima!

Italy comes to Portugal.

10/8/2024

One of the great things about travel, for me, is trying the different delicacies of the countries I visit: Berbigões, here in the Algarve; Bunny Chow in South Africa; Bangers & Mash in London; Ropa Vieja in Cuba. Paella in Valencia.

But imagine, when you're on the world renowned beaches of Portugal's Algarve, and you stumble upon the most incredible, authentic Italian restaurant. I'm of Italian Heritage, and like most we believe no one cooks better than our moms; so I am an especially harsh critic of Italian restaurants.
I have found very few that I'll award 5 stars.

However, Fluido, owned by an adorable couple-- Valeria from Rome and Mario from Naples--won my heart, my soul, and my taste buds. The homemade gnocchi with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil will send you to heaven. Even the house wine that accompanied it was on point.

I was there twice in May and just last week, September, 2024, I returned from my home base in NYC, and it was my first stop. This time the special was scrumptious ravioli; but the appetizer of buratta with sun dried tomatoes won my heart.

If you are ever in Praia da Luz, Algarve, Portugal you must visit, Fluido. Tell them dreamingantstravel sent you.