🍷 Logroño: A Pilgrimage for Tapas Lovers 🇪🇸

📍 Where? Northwest Spain, 3.5-hour train ride from Madrid. ⏳ Recommended Stay: 2 days Why Logroño? As the capital of La Rioja wine region, Logroño may lack grand cathedrals or wide boulevards—but it has Calle Laurel, a street so legendary it draws foodies from across the globe! 🍢 The Tapas Temple: Dozens of tiny tapas bars stand shoulder-to-shoulder, their menus a mystery to outsiders. The rule? Follow the crowd! Squeeze into the busiest spot and let the feast begin. 🥘 What’s Tapas? Spain’s iconic "small plates"—think skewered meats, seafood, even chocolate—paired with bread and always wine. Locals hop from bar to bar, one tapa (and drink) at a time. Must-Try Bites on Calle Laurel: 🍫 Chocolate Shop (Pic #6): 3 artisanal truffles: Olive oil, rose petal, and Rioja wine-infused. Savor them like fine wine—let them melt slowly! 🍄 "Mushroom & Prawn" Tapa (Cover pic): A juicy mushroom cradling a shrimp, skewered and grilled. One bite = forest + ocean flavors exploding! 🍻 The Vibe: Crammed with laughing locals, clinking glasses, and new friendships forged over shared tables. 🌟 Insider Pick: Venta Moncalvillo (1-Michelin star, just outside town): 10 organic gardens (Pic #7) supply the kitchen. 7-course dinner with perfect wine pairings: Beer + appetizers White wine + asparagus Dry white + pork belly & peas Light red + Atlantic cod Bold red + local lamb Dessert x2 + a surprise digestivo! 🎭 365-Day Travel Epiphany: Calle Laurel is nicknamed "Elephant’s Path" 🐘—after 4 tapas and 4 beers, my legs felt heavy as an elephant’s, but my nose led me to more delights! #BackpackTenYears #Wanderlust #SpainTravel #CalleLaurel #Logroño 🍷✨