The neighborhood menu (with good product and no artifice) to cook at home as in LaLopez, the market stall that triumphs in Madrid

In the heart of Madrid's bustling Antón Martín market lies a culinary gem known as LaLopez, a small yet impactful food stall that has captured the attention of locals and gastronomes alike. Founded in December 2020 by Sergio Mayo R and Maialen Parra de Arancibia, this modest establishment combines traditional cooking techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced daily. The duo’s vision was clear from the start: to create a neighborhood-style bar within the confines of a marketplace, emphasizing zero waste and minimal overhead costs. Sergio Mayo R, a native of Madrid’s San Blas district, discovered his passion for cooking during military service. He honed his skills under renowned chefs such as Abraham García and Paco Roncero. His experience also includes working on the reality show Supervivientes in Honduras and even preparing meals for the famous DJ David Guetta. On the other hand, Maialen Parra de Arancibia, originally from Donosti, had previously focused her career on marketing and entrepreneurship before entering the hospitality sector. She played a crucial role in encouraging Sergio to take the leap into opening their own venture. The concept behind LaLopez revolves around simplicity and quality. Every dish is crafted using fresh products available in the market, ensuring there is no waste. This approach allows them to offer a rotating weekly menu based on what is seasonally available. Their wine selection is particularly noteworthy, featuring over 200 references ranging from well-known vineyards to lesser-known producers. Customers often request wines from Galicia, Castilla-La Mancha, Jerez, and sparkling varieties from small producers. Their philosophy extends beyond just providing good food; they aim to make high-quality dining accessible without unnecessary frills. This ethos is reflected in their offerings, which include both everyday meals and special dishes designed to impress. One of their standout creations is an ensalada de tomate confitado en miso y burrata, a salad made with confited tomatoes in miso sauce and burrata cheese. The preparation involves slow-cooking the tomatoes in a mixture of soy, miso, sugar, lime leaves, ginger, and vinegar until tender. These are then baked and served alongside a dressing made from black olive puree. Another notable dish is the cogollo salteado, sardina ahumada y vinagreta de sésamo y anacardos, which features sautéed lettuce, smoked sardines, and a sesame and cashew vinaigrette. The preparation starts with curing the sardines in a blend of sugar, salt, and smoked paprika. The vinaigrette is made by blending sugar, cashews, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, mayonnaise, and olive oil, creating a rich and flavorful dressing. The success of LaLopez can be attributed to its unique position within the market. By offering high-quality food at reasonable prices, they have managed to attract a diverse clientele. Their focus on sustainability and local sourcing aligns with current trends in the culinary world, making them a popular choice among environmentally conscious diners. As their reputation grows, more people are discovering the charm of this small but mighty food stall nestled in one of Madrid's oldest markets.