A Downtown Delicacy The Madrid Room at the Historic St. Anthony Hotel
‘Tis the season to be jolly, merry, and gay …well, some of us more than others. But who doesn’t love something that is wrapped? Who doesn’t love great food? These questions bring us to December’s Place to Eat. I have to say that this month I had the pleasure of reviewing the St. Anthony with a wonderful person, ignite Editor Richard Farias. Boy, can he eat!
On the corner of Travis and Navarro, sits the historic St.s Anthony Hotel. Inside this grand lady, is their restaurant, The Madrid Room. Richard and I were invited to dine on their fresh and healthy lunch buffet. The feature of the buffet is the Chef’s signature wraps. There are over 10 to choose from, but you can also build your own using a bevy of fresh, delectable ingredients. Choices include vegetarian, low carb and gluten free. Five different types of tortillas to wrap, several lettuce options, an array of meats to stuff inside and countless fresh veggies, fruits, and dressings. You wouldn’t think that building a wrap could be so fun, but it is!
When you arrive, you are given homemade chips and ketchup, and let me tell you, these chips are as tasty as they come. The waiter comes by and asks you what kind of wrap you would like and then invites you to get drinks and MORE food from the standing buffet. Fresh soup and bread are available, as well. The day we went they served a butternut squash soup that we simply couldn’t get enough of! You also get a chance to build your own salad. You have a choice of lettuce, fixings and dressing. Next to the salad fixings, there are rice and beans and finally a carving station. Whew, I’m tired and full just thinking about it. And I’m not even done. You also may choose from four different aguas frescas to drink. Tea is also included. Chef Michael said that as the temperature drops, he will trade out the aguas frescas for something warmer.
By the time you get a few bites of your salad or sips of soup, your wrap arrives at your table with your choice of agave fruit or lime tostadas. Richard and I chose one of each. The tostadas are homemade chips with a hint of lime on them. Some are a bit more limey than others, but the freshly made salsa balances it all out. As for the agave fruit, it’s a unique assortment of fruits that had been sitting in agave nectar - awesome flavor!
When it came time to indulge in the fresh, chef-made wraps, we were already feeling very well-fed! Richard had the spinach wrap with chicken, and I had the BLT. Both of us had to take a to go box. You even get to select a dessert, yogurt fruit parfait, iced coffee or agave chilled fruit. The beauty of all of this: the price is only $10.95! That’s it, folks, and it includes EVERYTHING! If you work or live in the downtown area, PLEASE go and enjoy a meal at The Madrid Room. You will not be disappointed. It’s truly a treat, and the service is fantastic.
I have to give a special thank you to Chef Michael Mata. It has been a while since I have met a chef that was so passionate about his work. Michael is a local boy who attended St. Philip’s Culinary Studies program and grew up to become the executive chef at the St. Anthony Hotel. Props to the Alamo Colleges!
Eat well, be well!
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