Little Madrid Reinventing its Future
Francisco Bolaños, owner of Little Madrid Tapas Café, has recently returned from his travels in Europe. Ever since Marco Polo, travel has brought new contacts, new ideas, new exhilaration, and a renewed sense of purpose. While Francisco’s travels might not be of the scope or historical significance of those of Marco Polo, the personal impact on him has been similar. His recent travels through Spain and his travels to the Greek Isles and to major cities like Munich, Paris, and London have quickened in him an abundance of energy which he hopes to bring to Little Madrid Tapas Café in Chicago.
While in Europe, Francisco enjoyed having mutual exchanges with restauranteurs and chefs including many of whom with Michelin Guide ratings. Francisco is now recognized in Europe his own right as a major contributor to authentic and flavorful Spaniard cuisine. He was even invited to open a new location on the beautiful Baleares Island of Palma de Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Greek Island of Poros in the sunny Aegean Sea.
Francisco was able to study new techniques, the preparation of new sauces, and many new recipes from several very talented chefs in Europe. And he was able to share his own with them. His Chicago diners will soon be able to enjoy the results of these new techniques and recipes at Little Madrid. They will elevate the menu at his Tapas Café to higher, more refined, and more gourmet levels. We in Chicago can hardly wait to experience the best of his travels. They will help us to imagine being there ourselves.
Other plans arising from this trip include Francisco’s decision to bring regional beers, wines, and spirits from Spain to complement his new menu. He also realizes his reputation has outgrown his Andersonville location. You can expect to find additional Chicago locations in 2023. These will only enhance his ability to continue as a cultural ambassador for the best of Spain.
In the meantime, we can all continue to enjoy the tastes and aromas and culture of Spain right here in Andersonville.
¡Buen Provecho!