With September's arrival, Bikini Bar Madrid presents a proposal that eases the return to routine: the "Los amigos de Rafa" collaboration between chef Rafa Zafra and Ángel León, who runs the two-Michelin-starred Aponiente restaurant. Together they have created a seafaring bikini sandwich with a Cádiz accent and a Mexican touch that will be available from 1 September through mid-October.
The recipe begins with toasted bread and a mole made with pasilla, chipotle and guajillo chillies, cashew and sesame. The preparation has a mild heat, a touch of sweetness and considerable depth. On top sit crispy chopped tuna fried in garlic and cayenne oil, which contribute the crunch and sea flavour that make the sandwich more interesting.
The filling is completed with a cochambrosa of onion, pepper and oloroso wine, bound with squid ink. This savoury and unctuously textured preparation melts with the rest as it goes on the griddle. The result, designed to be eaten by hand, combines elements of sophisticated afternoon snack, beach bite and gourmet restaurant dish.
To accompany the bite, they have created El Rebujito de Damián, with manzanilla sherry, lime, mint, sugar and Sprite. The drink is fresh, citric and easy to drink, balancing the sandwich's intensity while maintaining a southern air. The bar also serves classics such as Tom Collins and Negroni, plus house cocktails and alcohol-free options.
Bikini Bar, located in the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding hotel, operates around the idea of enjoying excellent products without cutlery or excessive formality. This collaboration between Zafra and León aligns with that approach, offering chef-crafted cuisine in the format of a savoury, sticky and fun sandwich.
