Don't overlook Principe de Viana. One of my favorite Basque places. It is run by the Oyarbide family who opened Zalacain years ago. But also closed on Sunday. That's a bad day for dining in Madrid. Your best bet on a Sunday would be to head for a hotel restaurant. There are some good ones around, believe it or not.

Hi. Don't know if this will get to you on time.

As a long time Madrid resident (40+ years) and a chef/restaurant owner, I would steer you to Repanocha in Cardenal Cisneros. Phone 914456799. Don't know the street number. Only six tables so reserve. I have always had wonderful food there in a great friendly atmosphere with really professional service. Not bad on prices either.

You have some excellent opinions on here (some I agree with and some not). There is a classic restaurant that I always take my visitors to that most people forget about. It is Principe de Viana and is a flagship restaurant for great Basque food. It belongs to the same family that opened Zalacain that was for years considered topnotch dining in Madrid and internationally.

As for tapas, man you just have to choose an area and jump in. Some places you will like and some you can't get out of fast enough. But it's like a lot of things in life: who knows what's gonna turn you on!

There are so so so many places in Madrid for tapas that one wonders where to start recommending places! If you have time and want to put forth a little effort, just find an area and go in where you think it looks good. Around the Plaza Mayor is definitely tapa-land. Touristy and pricey though. Around the Plaza Santa Ana is another good area. I especially like La Trucha but that is my opinion. The Cava Baja is another good bet. Be prepared to be delighted and disappointed if you like experimenting. You have to be pushy, immune to smoke usually (La Trucha surprisingly is smoke-free!), and ready to put up with crowds. But it is definitely an experience. And it should be fun with all those kids. I know my nieces and nephews (and my 90+ mom) had the time of their lives. I don't want to alienate your hubby but drop him off at a nearby Jose Luis (upscale, good on another level) and strike out with the kids. And as you say money is no object be aware that doing tapas is usually more expensive than a top-notch sit-down meal.

If you are interested in food and love Spain and Spanish cuisine, you should have a look at www.iedeg.com Quite a project. There's an english link so don't be put off when the page comes up in Spanish!

Hi. Got here late so any of my suggestions will just sit on the board. I was a chef/restaurant owner for many many years in Madrid so my recommendations are very personal. I think it is a pity you didn't go for Sant Celoni but that is because I am a loud fan of Santi. But your choice of Arce and Iñaki are certainly a good one. I personally would have recommended a tiny little place called La Repanocha where I have never had anything less than excellent food and friendly efficient service. And the bill doesn't leave your eyeballs on the table!

I certainly don't know anything about sorting lentils. By size? Color? Common interest in films? Anyway, my vegetarian lentil stew starts with soaking the dried lentils overnight, covered in water with a spoonful of baking soda. The next day, drain and rinse. In a large pot, pour in a healthy shot of olive oil and start heating diced onions, then add tomatoes (fresh and peeled or canned whole tomatoes). Then perhaps some sliced or diced carrots and let soften a little. Now add the lentils and enough water to cover them. Add salt, pepper, hot peppers if you like and cook over medium heat. When the lentils appear to be close to as done as you want them you can further add leaves of fresh spinach and diced potatoes or rice. When the potatoes or rice are cooked, you're ready to eat. The whole cooking process will take about 90 minutes.

I just googled "Taberna de Haro" and it is indeed the place I've heard of. All the reviews were wonderful, by the way. Please say "hello" to Deborah and Julio for me. Thanks.

OK. I live in a little village outside Madrid and when I get into the big city there are two places I make a bee-line for. One is the wonderful little restaurant called La Repanocha in the Calle Cardenal Cisneros. (Better make a reservation: 6 tables!) and then for coffee and a nice chat with the owner, Kathy, I always make a point to pass by the Cafe Panini in the Calle Campomanes, 11. And sometimes have a good lunch there, too.
Oh yeah, I am American and have been living in Spain since 1964.

Hey, i sure agree about the churros. but you gotta have em with Spanish-style hot chocolate (your spoon stands up straight in it!). The best I ever had anywhere were at the Valor Chocolate Cafe in a little street that is parallel to the big shopping street going down from the Plaza de Callao (can't remember the name) but you can't miss it. And you shouldn't.