The "Aperitivo"

The aperitivo in Spain is an age-old tradition. Shortly before lunch, say, around 1:00 to 2:00 pm, you may get together with friends in a bar to tomar el aperitivo. Strict rules apply. There are certain drinks you can drink: a small glass of beer known as una caña, a small glass of red vermouth and seltzer water, known as un vermú con sifón, perhaps a glass of wine (red usually, or white). In the old days, a small glass of wine for the aperitivo in Madrid was known as a chato because of the low flat glass it was served in. But I haven't been able to find a chato de vino for years now.

Unruly hairy biker dude

With the drink is a bite to eat. In this case, on Saturday I met up with Bulleteer biker bud Javier Ortiz and we went out for a morning ride to Chinchón. Its famous irregular shaped square was, as usual in October, set up as a bull ring, and being Saturday also had a few market stalls up and running.

Javier Ortiz and I took a ride on Saturday morning

Plaza Mayor, Chinchón

 We wandered around and up the street to the Mesón Chinchón for ours: a non-standard hangover cure of Coca-Cola and a nice plate of croquetas.

Ham croquettes

It's put me in a mind for roast baby lamb. Mmmm. Autumn has its good side!