Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
It’s not opening until early next year, but all eyes are already on the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. And though it might be tough to believe, it’ll be the first property by the luxury hospitality group to open in Spain.
Positioned in the heart of the city and spanning seven historic structures, the location couldn’t be any more convenient. “The beauty of Madrid that is that it’s relatively small, so you can walk everywhere in ten minutes,” explains General Manager Christoph Schmidinger. “Head out the main doors, and go to your right for the more modern part of the city, where you’ll find shopping. Or head to your left for the historical part, where the Prado is.”
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
In addition to 200 lavishly appointed rooms and suites – with some featuring private balconies – there will be a four-level spa. While they’re a given at all Four Seasons properties, it’s not customary for Spaniards to frequent them – unless advised by a physician or health practitioner. “We’re trying to create something that doesn’t yet exist here,” says Schmidinger. “We believe there is a market for madrileños, and want to help them experience what we call ‘well feeling.’ More than ‘wellness,’ it’s about the mind, soul, and overall experience.”
Grupo Dani García
But arguably, the biggest draw of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid will be the rooftop restaurant helmed by celebrated Spanish chef Dani García. (The name its still under wraps.) “We knew García would be an enormous pull for us, and approached him before his namesake restaurant got its third Michelin Star,” says Schmidinger. “But we are not shooting for stars here. We are are shooting for an accessible restaurant that embodies accessible luxury, and appeals to locals as well as tourists.”
Below, García gives an exclusive sneak peak into what he’s envisioning for his new restaurant, and what’s poised to become Madrid’s hottest new culinary destination.
How’s everything coming together?
García: It’s been really great, fun, and challenging because it’s an iconic building in our country. Because this is the first time for the Four Seasons to be in Spain, it’s even more important for me, my team, and this city. It’s an incredible pleasure to be a part of this.
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
I know the opening is a while away, but what can you tell us about the restaurant?
García: It will be like a brasserie with elegant touches, with only one objective: be happy. We’re trying have our guests have a fun and energetic experience, while enjoying Andalusian cuisine.
For the uninitiated, how would you describe Andalusian cuisine?
García: In our cuisine, there is one crazy and obsessive objective: flavor. This is most important for us, more than a beautiful dish. Of course, we’re always trying to create something beautiful, but it must be tasty first. Our food is very healthy and pure, with a focus on fresh ingredients dependent on the seasons.
And how’s the menu shaping up?
García: We’re lucky because we’ve had a lot of time to develop the concept and think things through. For me, it’s important to create a menu you want to order everything off of, so you you’ll want to come back over and over again. There’s also a balance of casual and fine dining, which Madrid needs. There’s a lot of restaurants here, of course, but they’re either social (always busy, but not necessarily with the best food) or foodie-focused and expensive. At my restaurant you’ll be able to find the best fish, Jamón ibérico, and steak, along with more humble, traditional dishes.
Anything else you can tell us?
García: You can’t imagine a hotel without burgers, club sandwiches, or Caesar salads. Everyone loves them, and I love them, too. I don’t know why, but when I get to any hotel room, I want a club sandwich and a Caesar salad. Always. When you’re traveling all the time, all over the world, sometimes you just want to eat something simple. We’re also going to do a Caesar salad, but add some pistachios. We love classic dishes, but will update them just a little bit.
The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2019/11/30/celebrated-chef-dani-garca-gives-an-exclusive-look-at-his-restaurant-at-the-upcoming-four-seasons-hotel-madrid/ 2019-11-30 13:00:04Z
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