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Ricardo Mancho and Patricia Carrasco, architects and founders of the studio tra.ma, began their journey somewhat by chance, initially collaborating on designs for lamps and pots. Over time, they have expanded into a full architectural practice, now undertaking large-scale architectural projects. They live in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, a well-connected, welcoming, and historic neighborhood that captivates visitors and residents alike.
Perfect breakfast in town?
Motteau is a small, adorable spot where a wide variety of pastries are delicately handcrafted. We always go for the pistachio cake, but feel free to choose anything else; whatever you pick will be fantastic!
Local market or supermarket?
Mercado Antón Martin and its surroundings is the place for fresh products. You can find everything you want, from affordable options to gourmet varieties. But the Mercado is also a nice place for having a vermú or a vino: now you have the perfect Saturday morning plan.
Sit in or grab and go for lunch?
Ask Fernando from Matilda for a tortilla de patata or any other thing from their hearth-made menu. They will prepare the perfect picnic for you to enjoy at Retiro Park, less than a 15-minute walk away, surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage site. On your way, enjoy the Caixa Forum—a stunning renovation of an old electric plant—along with the vertical garden, Recoletos Boulevard, the beautiful gates of the Royal Botanic Garden, the façade of the Museo del Prado, and the beauty scenery of Retiro Park.
Favourite shop?
El Barrio will wow you with its unique shops and their passionate owners, making it hard to pick just one favorite. We love El Florista for being one of the neighborhood’s heartbeats. Its window displays feature artistic interventions that always inspire us. The front of the shop is like a garden itself, with an array of plants adorning the streets, and it’s a hub for conversations among neighbors.
Art, Arcade or Apparel?
We, as architects, love Llop, a design shop that showcases contemporary items crafted with the kind of materials that were commonly used in the past, such as fabrics, ceramics, leather, wickerwork, and more. With a constantly changing collection, you’ll find furniture, lamps, art, objects, and even clothing with unique designs handcrafted by Alex, the owner and a talented designer.
A quiet spot to chill?
Go to the Royal Botanical Garden and walk around its parterres. There is a cafeteria and several benches that make for the perfect reading spots. Don’t miss the “estufa” or greenhouse, to see giganteus cacti, Monstera Deliciosas, and Philodendrons.
Fun things to do?
We can’t stop repeating The Cooking Clubhouse experiences, where you can learn to cook traditional Spanish dishes while enjoying the company of lovely people and good wine. It’s perfect for groups—cook your own dish guided by their chefs, then savor it in the dining room. This place holds a special significance for us, as we contributed to its design and have a close relationship with the owners.
Best spot for people watching?
A very nice spot for people watching (in our case, watercolor painting them) is the Plaza de Murillo. It is a stone paved plaza between the Murillo’s Facade of the Museo del Prado and the North Gate of the Botanical Garden, both exceptional works of Juan de Villanueva, one of the most important architects of the city. You could sit next to its fountain, under the shadow of one of the enormous trees that some of them are probably more than a century old.
A good night out in the city?
Jam is where we spend most of our social time. The place has its own vibe, with warm yellow and red lighting that melts into the white reflecting zellige tiles, weathered mirror walls, and metallic elements of the bar counter. Choose a drink from their intriguing selection of wines and cocktails, and pair it with one of their Middle-eastern inspired dishes that will blow your mind.
Follow @tra.ma on Instagram to see even more places Ricardo and Patricia love in Barrio de las Letras.
