June 25, 2018
Reggie brought us to La Primera Restaurante along Gran Via in Central Madrid. We didn’t know what to expect. We just followed her.
The minute we climbed up the stairs, I liked this restaurant already.
The atmosphere was relaxing, the decor was simple yet exuded elegance. It gave me a vibe that corporate executives and businessmen frequented this place.
La Primera is a fine dining restaurant. And guest what? The owner has a preference for Filipino employees so most of the waiters and even the chef are Filipinos. I couldn’t believe it. I walked into a Spanish fine dining restaurant in Madrid expecting Spanish dishes, and guess who’s cooking? Our kababayans.
Churchill China Factory was founded in 1795 in Staffordshire, England.
Reggie had been here at least twice before and she knew exactly what to order for all of us.
Iberian ham with foie salad and pomegranate vinaigrette
Calamares
Paulo Sarmiento was born in Valenzuela, Bulacan. He was 10 years old when he moved to Madrid, which was 13 years ago. He speaks fluent Tagalog and Spanish. His parents and siblings are all in Madrid.
Steak tartare with French fries
Linguini con Langostinos
Instead of cheese I asked if they have truffle. I just took my chance but never expected that they would have. After about 3 minutes, Paul came back with one whole truffle. I didn’t expect it. He started grating the trufa on my plate. Sinukluban ako ng hiya. And I was worried baka mapagalitan nung chef si Paul.
The Pork Shank with grilled tomatoes was so large it could feed at least 4 people.
The Filipino chef sent us a complimentary slice of Tarte de Queso de Canadio
And a serving delicioso leche flan (El Flan de Alex).
We ate a lot. Every dish was special and delicious. Kudos to the Filipino team of La Primera. In appreciation of their excellent service, and as a small gesture in grating a whole truffle on my linguine, I gave an extra tip.
Reggie moved to Spain after graduating from college. Despite having spent more than half of her life in Spain with her Spanish husband and two girls, she makes it a point to come home to the Philippines regularly, at least once every two years. She is looking forward to retiring in Binangonan, Rizal.
Classmates since grade school.
Tuvimos un tiempo maravilloso Reggie. Gracias por esta cena especial.
La próxima vez será nuestro placer.
Cheers to all the Filipinos working at La Primera. Your boss speaks highly of Filipinos because of the service and dedication you’ve shown to him.
You make us all proud.
OMB with Chef Dickson and Chef Ricardo.
I shall return.
La Primera Restaurante
Calle Gran Vía, 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 910 52 06 20
