La China Mandarina, a Flashy New Bistro in Plaza de Cascorro
La China Mandarina, a bistro situated in Plaza de Cascorro, was previously an antique shop that underwent a loud and prolonged renovation over the course of several months. Upon its completion, I peered in through its glass windows in an attempt to scope it out. I’m always on the prowl for affordable & pseudo-classy locations to write about. La China Mandarina is a large space, dimly lit, with a long communal table in the center. The crowd in the establishment was young and well-dressed. The interior design of the place was a little bit swankier than the older businesses in the zone that remain frozen in time.
Their 11€ menu del dia changes daily, offering a broad spectrum of healthy & gastronomic snacks. The menu that was available on the day that I entered consisted of a thick and spicy lentil soup followed by a plate containing three small portions, a salad with apples and olive-based dressing, a couscous curry with vegetables and a salmon tartar. I traded a wine/beer in favor of a cafe cortado. I was tempted by their delicious desserts on display although in this instance I exerted restraint for once.
I learned that the location offers a brunch for 16€ on weekends which I will absolutely return for. I can imagine the spot, like all businesses in this area, being thumping on Sundays due to Rastro traffic. The location doubles as a coffee shop with wifi during non-meal hours which allowed me to chronicle my foodie experience while it was fresh in my head. With their gastronomic menu del dia changing every day in all likelihood it will be impossible for me to sample all of their offerings. This ambiguity as to what else they can whip up in the future furthers my desire to return.