A two star Michelin experience in Arzua? This is certainly a worthy detour and reward while on the camino trail.

I'd give you one perfect reason to go back here. Arzúa cheese slathered over Stuffed Pimientos. I know I'd hanker for this for a long time to come. Just the perfect appetizers before your caldo (soup).

Two soups were served, both equally good. The macaroni soup and the Caldo de Gallego or Galician broth made up of spinach, beans, potatoes and cabbage. Naturally, we tried BOTH!

For our main dish, we chose pollo (chicken), Galician cordero (lamb) and lengua (ox tongue). All local products sourced for this 2* Michelin resto which we all enjoyed with the local Galician wine claimed to be Julius Caesar's favorite!

This is truly one meal that makes for happy memories. Topping off the gastronomic experience were our 2 desserts: Tarta de Quezo and Tarta de Santiago (almond cake). Served with tea and coffee in lovely coffee and tea sets, of course.

New place, new tastes, new friends. And yes, we so love the rustic ambience of Casa Brandariz. Thank you, Maria for bringing us here!

From Arzua, hail a cab to bring you to Calle Dombodan, s/n, 15810 Arzua, A Coruña.

I found it! Been dreaming of my pulpo de gallego since Day 1. On this warm, sunny day, you can't go wrong with that plus a cold glass of tinto de verano.

Can't be fresher than this. Los Sobrinos del Padre off Praza de Inmaculada is just a 7 minute walk from my hotel and from the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. Google Map should guide you and bring you to its modest doorstep.

You can sit inside or outside. The sobrinos (nephews) ably man the bar. Either way, I bet you'd be smelling like an Octopus. But who cares?

I mopped my plate clean and wish there were more days to keep going back to this place. Oh my pulpo! Yum. And it's good with cerveza too 😀

The first time I ate in Las Bravas, I enjoyed the Patatas Bravas and the Orejas de Cerdo or pig's ears. Reminded me of our local BOPIS. But not exactly the same.

That time, I eyed the Pimientos de Padron which we failed to order. So 5 days here in Madrid, my cravings for those salted green chilis grew serious. Perfect as the temps hit 23C in Madrid and with my order of cold cerveza.

Naturally, I also ordered the Patatas Bravas smothered with the "secret" and patented Las Bravas sauce. Only problem is I'm all alone and overordered!

Well, let me just say this order needs company. Finding none, I'm here to enjoy the cerveza and the chat with this Filipino waitress from Pangasinan. Buen Provecho!

The McDonald's branch in Cuatro Caminos was where I spent much time while helping my sobrina set up house here in Madrid in 2012. I was drawn to it because of the free wifi and only did away with my daily rituals when we finally got internet connection.

I have my favorite corner here. On a stool, by the window, looking out to the roundabout and minding the church spire of the Paroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles. Very convenient since the Church sits right beside our Madrid homebase.

I'm back, but McDo thoughts didn't cross my mind. Until I chanced upon this advert where McDo introduced The Grand Extrem BIBO Burger designed by 2 Michelin Star Chef Dani Garci. Good for a limited availability only, it was time to revisit the burger joint.

For 6.95€, you get your gourmet burger, fries, and coffee. Can't complain. Cheapest Michelin meal, if I may call it that. Besides, who'd think of McDo offering a gourmet burger?

Two burger pieces, yes! I didn't finish the Bibo and actually ended up bringing home the half. Too much for me -- which means it can be shared. Even cheaper, ei?

Of course there are other choices esp for those who are not crazy about beef burgers. And these may be available long after the Bibo's gone. Buen provecho!

It's a chain, famous with locals here. And a good (AND CHEAP) first experience for tapa crawlers. Very Spanish: a plateful of tapas come free with your order of rioja, sidra or cerveza. A bit "messy" but good enough to eat standing. Yes, standing!

Rioja in a glass. Jamon con pan, a couple of chicken wings which they call "alitas de pollo", some pimientos, patatas, carrots & green beans thrown in. At 3.50€ for the whole deal, who's complaining?

Like many tapa bars in town, don't be shy littering the floor with your used napkins. In fact, a good bar boasts of littered floors where unpopular bars have none. And don't mind sticky floors either! 😄

An El Tigre branch can be found just off the corner of Gran Via and Calle Hortaleza. Madrid. Here's a map (don't mind the marker, please) -- check out Gran Via and Calle Hortaleza.

I didn't mean to have my late desayuno (breakfast) here. But having walked nearly 5 kilometers from my Madrid crib to here, I'm ready for one. Obviously, my pre-Camino rehearsals are driven by images of gustatory pitstops.

The Gourmet Experience at the food hall in El Corte Ingles in Calle Serrano boasts of a tres estrellas Michelin Chef whose creatively plated pintxos attract long queues at the top hall of the famous mall chain in Spain. Unfortunately I came too early and Street XO was still closed the time I visited.

The 2 charming ladies behind the "ice cream cart" tempted me with their famous gelato offerings but I said I'm dying to have my cafe cortado. No worries they chorused, they serve my fav black liquid along with a choice of apple or regular croissant.

And so I "waited" there in one of the cute-sy tables whIle watching & waiting till nearby Street XO opens at 2:45 pm. As early as 1:30 pm, people trickled in and a long line was soon in place! Excitement. Much.