From January 23 To February 5 Madrid's Streets Will Host A Wealth Of Gastronomic And Cultural Activities

The City of Madrid is preparing its finest gourmet menu for the next edition of Gastrofestival. From January 23 to February 5, Gastrofestival 2012 will be offering residents and visitors alike a full programme of culinary experiences and events. It will again coincide with Madrid Fusi�n, the major international gastronomic summit, to be held from January 24 to 26.

Through this initiative, Madrid City Council will be using gastronomy as one of the most effective ways to promote the capital and publicise its other attractions for tourists, especially its extensive calendar of cultural and leisure events. Gastrofestival was created to involve the public in the Madrid Fusi�n professional summit and take advantage of its impact in the world's media.

In 2012 Gastrofestival will be held for the third time and, thanks to the success of previous editions, has already attracted the same number of participating institutions and establishments, nearly 300, while the number of activities will be increased thanks to the new sections which have been introduced: Gastrohealth and Wine Culture.

Gastrohealth and Wine Culture

The Gastrofestival menu offers six tasty options: Sensory Experiences, Gastroculture, Madrid - A Gastronomic Capital, Gastrofashion, Gastrohealth and Wine Culture. For the first time viticulture will be featured in the event and will be one of its main themes. Tasting sessions, routes illustrating the culture of wine and specialised courses on Spanish varietals will be available as part of Wine Culture.

Gastrohealth, another great new section, will offer attractive discounts to those interested in beauty treatments with chocolate, cherries or oil, as well as on spa circuits. A course in healthy cooking will also take place, teaching participants the basic principles for designing healthy menus and about the types of food that help us to feel well.

The Best of Gastronomy

Those who want to enjoy good food and taste new dishes can indulge in the Sensory Experiences, which will include tasting sessions and gastronomic tours of the city. Of special interest are the activities organised by the San Miguel Market and the new San Ant�n Market, which have become compulsory visits for lovers of tapas.

All the foodies out there should also make a point of exploring the seven appetising proposals offered by the city's leading culinary suppliers and establishments as part of Madrid - A Gastronomic Capital. Gourmet shops, homeware stores and cookery schools will be offering attractive discounts. Bars and taverns will repeat their special offer of a tapa and drink for 3 euros and cocktail bars will be introducing special combinations in honour of the festival, while restaurants will prepare special 25-euro and 40-euro menus to introduce diners to their cuisine, their specialties and the new dishes with which they constantly surprise their customers. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the quality and variety of the city's culinary offer.

Madrid's restaurants will also be delighting visitors with "Dinner with the Stars". This is one of the festival's main attractions and has been especially popular in previous editions. For 75 euros diners can sample dishes prepared by the leading international chefs taking part in Madrid Fusi�n at some of the city's finest establishments, including some which have been awarded Michelin stars.

A Taste of Culture

Another interesting option on the festival's menu is Gastroculture, which includes activities related to painting, film, theatre and literature. Twenty or so of the city's art galleries will be holding special exhibitions and there will be talks and workshops at some of Madrid's leading museums (the Cerralbo Museum, the National Museum