The cousins who have opened a gastronomic embassy from Marrakech in Madrid: "We don't want to be a Moroccan restaurant, just bring brushstrokes"

The two cousins who have opened a culinary embassy from Marrakech in Madrid, Inés Bulté Mata and Bruno Oliver Bulté, describe their project as more than just a restaurant, it’s an extension of their long-standing vision to blend hospitality, aesthetics, and cuisine into immersive experiences. Their latest venture, Toque Abracadabra, marks a new chapter in their journey, which began over two decades ago with a chance trip to Morocco. Inés and Bruno, who are also siblings, have built a seamless operation through their shared passion for creating spaces that merge comfort with cultural depth. Inés studied Environmental Sciences, while Bruno pursued Business Administration, yet neither pursued these careers professionally. Instead, they found common ground in crafting environments that reflect both personal values and artistic expression. “I knew I would do something with Inés,” recalls Bruno, reflecting on how their collaboration began. The seeds of their current success were planted during a trip to Marrakech in the early 2000s, when Inés booked a riad almost at random. What she discovered was a hidden gem, a serene oasis within the bustling medina, that captivated them both. From that moment, the dream of Riad Abracadabra took root, leading to its purchase in 2007 and opening in 2009, ahead of the city's growing tourist appeal. Their ventures expanded beyond just the riad. They launched Abracadabra Store, selling leather goods crafted in collaboration with artisans in Morocco and Spain, and later developed Casa Abracadabra, a larger-scale project located outside Marrakech. Acquired in March 2020, just before the global lockdown, they chose to stay committed to their vision, relocating their families to the site and working tirelessly to build the hotel from the ground up. Over three years, they constructed 24 rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and even a school for children, all while managing the day-to-day operations. Today, Casa Abracadabra operates as a fully realized destination, with a well-established team and a structure that allows them to maintain a presence in both Spain and Morocco. Returning to Madrid, they sought to bring their Moroccan-inspired world closer to the capital. Their decision to transform Toque de Sal, their popular restaurant on Calle Ponzano, which opened in 2015, into Toque Abracadabra represents a strategic move to integrate this space into their broader portfolio. “We want it to be our embassy here,” they explain. The goal is to create a place where visitors familiar with their other projects will recognize the same spirit of warmth and authenticity. The transformation of Toque de Sal into Toque Abracadabra was not a straightforward process. It began after a disappointing experience at a Paris fair, where they sold nothing, “zero euros, literally.” Rather than dwell on the setback, they decided to channel their energy into a tangible project. They found a location near their office, despite initial hesitations from Inés (“It was a dump”), and Bruno immediately saw potential. Now, nearly a decade later, the space has become a cozy, enduring fixture in Madrid, known for its warm design and timeless aesthetic. The renovation was again a family effort, with Alvaro, Bruno’s brother and an architect, overseeing the design, and Mercedes Bóhorquez, his wife, handling the interior decoration. The result is a welcoming environment made of high-quality materials, designed to age gracefully rather than follow fleeting trends. In the kitchen, their philosophy is clear: quality ingredients, balance, and recognizable dishes. There are no flashy presentations or overly complex recipes, but instead a solid execution that keeps regulars coming back. Signature items include the gazpacho La Peña, duck rolls prepared daily in large quantities, foie gras, steak tartar, and wild boar salad. The burger, made with hand-selected meat and finely minced in-house, is another staple. Meanwhile, the pasta Abracadabra, originally conceived in Marrakech, has been adapted for the Madrid setting, serving as a subtle link between the two locations. Subtle Moroccan influences appear in the menu, such as slow-cooked tagines, breauts, and mint tea, all presented authentically without pretense. “We don’t want to be a Moroccan restaurant, just to bring in little touches,” they clarify.