ROOSTIQ: A MODERN, FARM-TO-TABLE STEAKHOUSE IN THE HEART OF MADRID
The Cost - $48
The Atmosphere – Situated conveniently in the heart of Madrid, Roostiq is a trendy eatery with a modern interior. The venue gives off a bit of an air of exclusivity, appealing to a clientele that appreciates a power lunch or a high-end dining experience in a setting that doesn't compromise on its eco-conscious sensibilities. The restaurant has an open kitchen in the back as well as an impressive wine cellar that is partially on display. Formal attire is not required but whether dining at lunch or dinner, you will see plenty of people dressed up. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended.
In the ever-buzzing metropolis of Madrid, Roostiq puts its farm-to-table approach front and center. The restaurant features a number of meat entrees prepared from animals raised on its farm just outside of Madrid and many of the dishes feature preparations with limited additional ingredients, highlighting the quality of its proteins and organic produce. The menu reads like a steakhouse menu but Roostiq’s modern, environmentally conscious approach to the sourcing of its ingredients along with its preparations differentiates it from the traditional steakhouse that you are familiar with.
The Order – Half Portion of Leeks (Puerros), Artichoke, Picaña, and a Torta de Queso.
The Fantastic – The standout of the meal was the Picaña. An excellent cut of meat popularized in Brazil that was sourced directly from Roostiq's own farm, the steak offered beautiful depth. The meat boasted a robust, intense flavor profile that left quite an impression on the palate. It was cooked 'poco hecha' as per my preference, resulting in a tender cut that was rare on the inside and expertly seared on the outside. Cutting into it, a river of juices flowed from the meat, reflecting the high quality of the farm-fresh produce and the kitchen's deftness. It’s a must-order.
Following closely on the heels of the picaña was the Torta de Queso, a reimagined version of the classic cheesecake. This dish has been called Roostiq's signature dessert and deservedly so. Unlike traditional cheesecake, this interpretation is made entirely without a crust. Instead, the cheese is baked until the top, bottom, and sides form a firm crust that encapsulates the creamy, oozing cheese within. The result is a rich, indulgent dessert experience that sets it apart from other cheesecakes. To further enhance the experience, the torta de queso is served with amaretto liquor and nata, a cream, on the side, allowing for a personalized dose of sweetness and hazelnut flavor where desired.
The Great: Though the meal ended with two heavier dishes it began with two lighter ones: the Leeks or 'Puerros' and the Artichoke, both of which were commendable in their own right. The puerros, prepared with generous amounts of oil and salt, were a delight. The leeks were incredibly fresh and each bite released a burst of inherent flavor. They had a silky, slippery texture as if they had been stewed in olive oil and though I could have eaten more of them, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the generous half portion.
The Artichoke was another dish that I thoroughly enjoyed. The solitary artichoke heart was presented beautifully in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and was cooked to perfection – soft, yet retaining just enough bite for a pleasing texture. You do have to work a bit to separate the meat from the petals and they were quite slippery because of the EVOO, but the payday was worth it. It is also great that the restaurant allows per-unit orders of the dish, which normally comes three to an order.
The Verdict - At a cost of about $48 per person, Roostiq is not an inexpensive place to eat but offers great value for the price when you factor in the atmosphere, quality of the ingredients, thoughtfulness in the preparation, and exceptional taste of the dishes. It’s an excellent option for the environmentally conscious diner who appreciates the restaurant's commitment to organic farming but whether you place a high value on the restaurants sourcing practices or not, the picaña and the torta de queso are dishes that compete with the best that Madrid has to offer. A visit to Roostiq would be a worthwhile activity the next time you find yourself in Spain’s capital.