Viva Madrid!

Viva Madrid! Restaurant Review:

Here in Claremont Village --- where you might least expect it --- is one of Southern California's most authentic Spanish eateries. The tiny, rustic restaurant is a feast for the eyes, with antique bullfighting posters and a bull's head adorning the walls. A giant wooden bar, a massive crystal chandelier, candle wall sconces and an open kitchen round out the charming room, which can get very crowded (no reservations are accepted). More than 40 traditional tapas are offered, including genuine Spanish chorizo, patata bravas (fried potatoes), varied tortillas (wedges of omelet with different ingredients) and rabo de toro (oxtail stew with onions, beans and white wine). We advise trying one of the above then moving on to paella. Vegetarians can go for the paella Valenciana, loaded with garden vegetables and saffron rice. Pair it with a good sangría, Spanish beer or wine, and finish with crema Catalan, flan or leche frita.