By Lauren Jade Hill
Not long after opening its doors for the very first time, the five-star hotel Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is welcoming the esteemed Torres Brothers in, revealing the hotel’s brand new restaurant Dos Cielos Madrid. Located in the artistic and historical heart of Madrid, the hotel lies within a 19th-century former palace. And now, the arrival of Dos Cielos Madrid is bringing the hotel even more prestige.
Overseen by the two respected TV chefs Javier and Sergio, the new restaurant will take on the Michelin starred brothers’ philosophy of showcasing local and seasonal produce, presented in a way that enhances the ingredients’ natural quality and taste. Guests can expect to dine on sumptuous plates of crunchy suckling pig with glass potato chips and apple, and Rubia Gallega top sirloin cap that has been marinated for 90 days, or diners can sample a series of the chefs’ creations by opting for the tasting menu.
The new restaurant follows on from the brothers’ Michelin starred eatery Dos Cielos Barcelona, and just like at its sister restaurant, the menu at Dos Cielos Madrid will take inspiration from the brothers’ grandmother. Here, Javier and Sergio are paying homage to the grandmother who first taught them to cook by featuring the dessert ‘homemade XXL cannellon au gratin’.
While this menu is reason enough to pay a visit to the hotel’s new dining venue, the wine-list is no less enticing; the cellar of Dos Cielos Madrid is said to contain as many as 166 different wines, encompassing a number of sparkling wines, a collection of French labels, and many wines with the Jerez designation of origin. In fact, bottles have been sourced from wineries across Spain, from the Iberian Peninsula to Ribero del Duero in the country’s northern plateau.
Reflecting its historic setting, the hotel takes inspiration from the artworks of Diego Velázquez, introducing elements of his work into the décor of each suite and public space; here, modern design aesthetics have been fused with tradition to enhance the 19th-century structure. The Historical Garden is one of the focal points of the hotel, and it’s opposite this garden that the new restaurant can be found, with dining rooms sprawled over two floors; the second story is set aside for private dining.
The new restaurant joins the all-day dining space specializing Mediterranean cuisine, Coroa Gallery Lounge & Gardens, and Montmartre Restaurant, which places the focus on both French and Spanish cuisine. To organize a stay at Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, and book a table in the new Torres Brothers’ restaurant, go over to the hotel’s website.