Let's go for a "vermut" is a common and popular past time throughout Spain. As the name suggests (vermut is vermouth in English), the idea is a social gathering for a drink. It can happen before or after a meal, although most commonly it's used by friends to meet up after work or on the weekend and just spend some time talking and hanging out.
In fact, you don't even have to order vermouth (if, like some of us, you just don't like the taste very much). Have a glass of wine, or a beer, or even a coffee. The idea is really about being with friends and having a good time, not about what you are drinking.
Here is a list of some of the best places to catch up with friends in the Mediterranean city of Valencia:
Bar Vermudez: They make vermouth their specialty. With a wide variety of vermouths in a number of flavors, this is a great bar for non-vermouth lovers to find their own "vermut".
En La Parra: This traditional tapas bar offers a local vermouth "made in Valencia", and is right in the heart of one of Valencia's best evening/nightlife areas.
La Vida es Bella Vermuteria: Located on a pedestrian street in the quieter area of Benimaclet, a great choice for those looking for a more relaxed evening. For those looking to extend their meeting to include dinner, they offer a menu of the day.
La Bernarda: Right in the heart of the city, in the Tapineria Market you will find this classic Valencia locale, where the owner makes a different rice dish every day and the serve a locally produced vermouth and some of the best sandwiches in the city.
Toll free (US): 1-888-480-0013
Spanish office phone: (+34) 616-103-536
Last weekend marked the beginning of one of Madrid's most intriguing seasonal events: the Tren de la Fresa, the Strawberry Train. Every year for over 30 years the strawberry train takes weekend passengers to Aranjuez Palace on a classic train which has been modified and updated for modern comforts.
Let's go for a "vermut" is a common and popular past time throughout Spain. As the name suggests (vermut is vermouth in English), the idea is a social gathering for a drink. It can happen before or after a meal, although most commonly it's used by friends to meet up after work or on the weekend and just spend some time talking and hanging out.
This Sunday April 24 in the picturesque pueblo blanco of Frigiliana, the INGENIO factory is opening its doors for a unique chance to visit and learn more about the importance of miel de caña in the only factory in Europe. The III annual 'Jornada Gastronomico' (culinary celebration) features free tastings, craftsmen working and the chance to cut the sugar cane, as well as a local market selling related products. The factory itself, built on what was once a nobel's palace, is generally not open to the public, so the idea of enjoying a day learning about the product and the history and role of the company and its product in the development of the region. Take the opportunity to discover more about one of Spain's most beautiful towns while enjoying the fruits of its factory. 
On Saturday April 23, Barcelona's premier opera house will play host to Spain's premier opera singer, Placido Domingo in celebration of the 50th anniversary his first performance there. The 75 year old living legend's first perfomance in Spain came in January 1966, and since then he has gone on to become one of the world's greatest and best-known opera singers.
