L'HARDY

Somewhere in Time Revisited!

Yes, indeed, as far back as 1839 when L'hardy was created. In the brochure it says " ... L'hardy represents the splendor of High Spanish cuisine and an emblem of quality guaranteed by more than 175 years of leadership in the life of Madrid". On one wall someone wrote 'you have not been to Madrid if you have not been to L'hardy' ... there you have it.

We thought we would acclimatize with the traditional and tradition in abundance was presented ... the old school setting, the long forgotten menu, the waiter in tux, the silver service, the 'thick' ambiance, the low decibel conversation all reminded us of the 50s when we were kids being taken to that once-in-a-blue-moon western meal, when we need to practice using a fork and a knife the day before. While it was fun to relive that, being in jeans and polo the disconnect was deafening.      

* anchovies in tomato salsa
* roast red peppers piquillo or seafood & sardine sauce
* consomme L'hardy
* baked turbot in a lemon saffron sauce
* baby squids in black ink with rice
* house dessert ie L'ardy rendition of Baked Alaska
* a bottle of Pesquera ... very drinkable E38

The bill for two came to E165 plus a 10% tip to Pedro our waiter. This made him so happy he offered us a post-dinner tour of the house including of course the private rooms. We were told Le Salon Japonais still features decoration from 200 years ago, and the other salons have served royalties, dignitaries, poets, tycoons from around the world for 175 years. Imagine that? By the way, well known 'conspiracies' in Spanish history were planned here as well. What better way to start a revolution with a Pierna Cerdo Braseada & a Paella Marisco, one might ask?  

Do you realize that Spain, after Japan, is the next leading consumer of seafood and fish in the world?

L'HARDY @ www.lhardy.com
Carrera de San Jeronimo 8
28014 Madrid
(91) 522 22 07