Trip to Madrid

Laura and Nalini relive a recent day trip to Madrid where a visit to the prestigious Loewe store was among the highlights. The luxury fashion brand was founded in the city in 1846, and as well as this history, the ladies discuss the store experience and the company’s highly desirable product range.

While talking over other culinary and shopping delights of the capital, the pair sample sparking rosé cava from Spanish producer Freixenet and also enjoy the naughty-but-nice national treat of churros (still warm from the churrería). The episode concludes with Laura’s ‘Spanish phrase of the day’, and this may raise a few eyebrows.  

Transcript

Episode Overview
In this Episode 2 of the Made in Spain podcast, co-hosts Nalini Sharma and Laura Senior continue their journey into Spanish culture by popping open a bottle of Freixenet Cava, discussing the iconic Spanish luxury brand Loewe, and sharing highlights from their day trip to Madrid. From visiting the Loewe flagship store to savoring the bustling atmosphere of the Mercado de San Miguel, they delve into everything that makes Spain a vibrant destination. They also indulge in churros con chocolate and wrap up with an entertaining Spanish phrase you won’t want to miss!

Hosts & Introductions
Laura Senior (Host)
Half Spanish, half English, and raised in the Costa Blanca.
A leadership advisor with a passion for travel, food, and high-quality products.
Nalini Sharma (Host)
Originally from Canada, lived in Mallorca, and now settled in the Costa Blanca.
A former TV personality who loves uncovering Spain’s hidden gems—food, culture, and fashion.
If you missed our backgrounds, listen to Episode 1 (previous episode) to learn more about how we both ended up in Spain and why we launched the Made in Spain podcast.

Freixenet Cava: A Brief Introduction
The episode kicks off with a celebratory toast featuring Freixenet Cava, a famous Spanish sparkling wine from Catalonia. Often likened to champagne (but made using white grapes specific to certain Spanish regions), Freixenet brings a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with everything from seafood to churros.

Quick Facts About Cava
Cava is produced using the traditional method (similar to champagne).
Freixenet’s iconic black bottle is emblematic of the brand.
The unique yeast cultures (“mother yeast”) give Cava its special flavor profile.
Spotlight on Loewe: History & Artisanship
Loewe is a storied Spanish luxury brand specializing in leather goods since the mid-1800s. Despite its German-sounding name (from founder Enrique Loewe, originally Hendrik Loewe), Loewe is rooted in Madrid and gained fame supplying the Spanish royal family. Now part of the LVMH group, Loewe maintains its commitment to:

Craftsmanship and hand-stitched leather.
Timeless, understated (“quiet luxury”) designs.
Signature pieces like the Puzzle Bag and basket bags.
If you’re interested in Spanish fashion, exploring Loewe’s heritage offers a glimpse into Spanish artisanship and high-quality leather work that has endured for generations.

The Loewe Store Experience in Madrid
On their trip to Madrid, Nalini and Laura visited the flagship Loewe boutique. Highlights include:

Minimalist, artistic store design with unique decorative elements (e.g., repurposed wooden tools from Spanish olive oil production).
Warm, welcoming staff eager to answer questions about Loewe’s history, products, and seasonal collaborations (including special Japan-inspired pieces).
A wide range of items from perfumes (at a more accessible price point) to iconic leather bags (with higher but justified price tags due to their craftsmanship).
Pro Tip: If you’re curious about Spanish luxury brands, don’t hesitate to walk into designer boutiques in Madrid. Customer service tends to be excellent, and browsing is part of the experience.

Slice of Life: Day Trip to Madrid
After a quick bullet train ride from the Costa Blanca to Madrid, our hosts explored the city’s culinary scene and retail treasures. Here are the day’s highlights.

Mercado de San Miguel
A bustling indoor market brimming with a variety of tapas, fresh produce, and international bites (like bao, gyoza, and more).
Ideal for sampling small dishes—from oysters to olives—and immersing yourself in Madrid’s lively atmosphere.
Expect crowds and limited seating; it’s part of the fun to stand and mingle.
Calamari Sandwiches & More
Bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari in a crusty bread roll) is a Madrid classic.
Served often with alioli (garlic mayo), it’s a must-try if you love fresh seafood.
For seafood skeptics, give it a chance; high-quality calamari is tender and delicious!
If you prefer a sit-down meal or fewer crowds, venture just outside the main market for equally excellent local fare.

Churros con Chocolate: A Tasty Tradition
No trip to Madrid is complete without a plate of churros con chocolate. Crispy, fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate make for a decadent treat—popular for breakfast or late-night snacks.

Churros are often dusted with sugar or cinnamon.
The hot chocolate is thick, rich, and perfect for dipping.
You’ll find churros in dedicated churrerías across Madrid and beyond.
Spanish Phrase of the Day
“No tengo el chichi para farolillos.”
Literal Translation: “I don’t have my ‘lady parts’ for lanterns.”

Meaning: “I’m not in the mood” or “Don’t bother me with silliness right now.” It’s a colorful, somewhat cheeky way to express exasperation or impatience. Use with caution; it’s more informal and can be considered a bit risqué in polite company!

Looking Ahead
In the next episode of Made in Spain, the hosts pivot from Madrid’s sophistication to the lively coastal city of Benidorm—often referred to as the “Vegas of the Costa Blanca.” Stay tuned for a deep dive into the local culture, vibrant nightlife, and hidden culinary gems that make Benidorm a unique destination on Spain’s eastern coast.

Full Transcript
Laura Senior (Host) [00:08]
All right. Well, welcome to our second episode of Made in Spain. We’ve just popped the cork on this bottle of Cava—it’s beautiful.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [00:18]
I am curious to know how to pronounce this properly. I’m going to tell you, Nalini, how I think I would pronounce it, and it would be “Freixenet.”

Nalini Sharma (Host) [00:29]
Okay, Freixenet—because it’s from Catalonia. It’s from Catalonia, and that’s one of the wonderful things… Oh, thank you! We are super delighted to be here with you for the second episode as your co-hosts. My name is Laura Senior-Garcia, and with me is Nalini Sharma. If you didn’t hear our introduction, you may want to go back to Episode 1 and just listen to a little bit of our background.

So today we are starting off with this wonderful glass of rosé Cava from the brand Freixenet—that’s the pronunciation we were debating. I think Nalini is capturing the beautiful sound of the bubbles there, trying not to pour too much over. Nalini, do you want to tell us a little bit about what our episode is about?

Laura Senior (Host) [01:19]
Today, for sure—first, let’s cheers! Clink Episode two—good!

Nalini Sharma (Host) [01:28]
In the eyes, okay, no bad luck. And, by the way, that would be like, I believe, “chin-chin.” Yes! Or “salud,” yes… you know, what we say when we cheer.

Laura Senior (Host) [01:38]
So, we took a wonderful trip to Madrid. Like we said in the first episode, we’re going to be covering Spanish fashion brands. I had no idea until you told me that Loewe is an iconic, very traditional Spanish brand that’s been around since the 1840s-ish. There’s some debate, but it has a long, interesting history. Until recently, I didn’t even know how to pronounce it!

Nalini Sharma (Host) [02:17]
Getting into the subject—let’s dive deeper. Today, we’re highlighting Loewe. There’s a huge debate on how to pronounce it. It’s funny—there are YouTube videos on it, and on the Loewe website, there’s a paragraph explaining how they suggest you pronounce it. Maybe we can give some background on where the name comes from and why the pronunciation is confusing. As a Spanish person, it’s not a Spanish surname or word—it’s very non-Spanish sounding.

Laura Senior (Host) [03:05]
Exactly! When you told me it was Spanish, I thought, “That’s so strange. It doesn’t sound Spanish.” I did some research—Loewe was born in the 1840s-ish, although the company states that as the official timeline. Two artisans came together to form the company; they didn’t have that last name initially. Then Hendrik Loewe (who became Enrique Loewe) got involved in Madrid, and that’s how the brand name came about.

There’s a discrepancy on the exact timeline—whether he bought shares or took over. There’s a bit of a mystery.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [04:05]
The brand tries to portray it in a friendly way. Probably to the brand’s advantage. The interesting thing is, yes, it’s a German surname. Hendrik Loewe was a specialized leather worker and businessman in the late 1800s. It’s all about craftsmanship—working with leather to create a refined product.

(Shows a Loewe bag)

You can see how Loewe is spelled: L-O-E-W-E. We’ll do a little unboxing in a moment. Let’s talk history a bit more.

Laura Senior (Host) [05:15]
First iteration was E. Loewe, a Madrid-based company that remained in the city. Their flagship is still in Madrid. It went from E. Loewe to Loewe, and we’re not sure how it shifted. We actually asked in the store if there was a Loewe history book. The sales associate looked at us like, “Huh?”

Nalini Sharma (Host) [05:50]
Right, like “No, we don’t have a Loewe book.” Other big brands often have a coffee-table book with their history. I sense a bit of secrecy. You really have to dig around. Probably a lot of people still don’t know it’s Spanish—they see the name and think it’s French or German.

Laura Senior (Host) [06:47]
Indeed. Fast-forward 50 or 60 years, Loewe launched a ready-to-wear line in the ‘50s or ‘60s. Before that, it was all about leather goods. One former CEO said they never thought of themselves as a “luxury” brand, but a “quality” brand. They’re about craftsmanship and artisanal techniques that have existed for centuries here.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [07:52]
It’s like the definition of quiet luxury before that was trendy. Loewe pieces don’t scream logos, unlike other brands.

Laura Senior (Host) [08:30]
100%. And their iconic Puzzle Bag is so unique. I expected the sales associate to say it was their best seller, but he mentioned a different model. Still, to me, the Puzzle Bag represents Loewe, along with their wicker basket bags.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [09:36]
True—the basket retails at around €500, while you can buy a simpler one in a supermarket for under €20, although the Loewe version has that distinct leather embossing. It’s more a statement piece. Personally, for a Loewe purchase, I’d invest in their luxurious, soft leather bags that can become vintage pieces.

Laura Senior (Host) [10:15]
Yes, the basket is more fashion-forward but doesn’t showcase the same leather craftsmanship. No knock on Loewe; it’s just an observation. For me, real value lies in the top-tier leather.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [10:24]
Exactly. They’re part of the LVMH group (Louis Vuitton, etc.), but unlike some brands using a lot of canvas, Loewe still focuses on genuine leather, sticking to that heritage of top-quality artisanal goods.

Laura Senior (Host) [11:27]
Let’s talk about our experience at the store. We took the bullet train to Madrid, a 2.5-hour ride from the Costa Blanca. The Loewe staff was super welcoming. We were upfront, saying, “We have a podcast, and we want to learn.” The associate kindly explained the décor—repurposed wooden screws once used for olive oil production—and we chatted about seasonal collaborations, including a Japanese-themed one that sold out mostly on pre-order.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [13:22]
Yes, Loewe has a strong presence in Japan—no surprise their designs resonate there. Even in the store ambience, it felt minimalist, almost Japanese in style. We also discovered the perfumes, which offer a more comfortable price point. (Unboxes perfume) The difference in some exclusive editions was just the ceramic cap, but otherwise the same scent. So we opted for the more standard bottle.

Laura Senior (Host) [14:47]
For anyone visiting Madrid, stepping into designer boutiques might feel intimidating, but Loewe’s customer service was excellent. It’s like touring a museum—worth it even if you’re not buying.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [16:08]
Absolutely. Loewe’s heritage is linked to the Spanish royal household around 1905–1910, so imagine that longevity! Many international shoppers don’t realize they’re buying Spanish luxury.

Laura Senior (Host) [17:46]
Exactly. Loewe’s story also connects to Ubrique—an Andalusian town famous for its leather artisans who often sign NDAs with major luxury brands. We’ll discuss that in a future episode.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [18:15]
Great point. Though Loewe is now under LVMH, it hasn’t strayed from genuine leather craftsmanship. Creative director Jonathan Anderson introduced the famous Puzzle Bag and modernized certain aspects while preserving artisanal tradition.

Laura Senior (Host) [19:56]
I might have to add a Loewe handbag to my wish list now. Cheers to Loewe! So, on to our second Slice of Life. We’re sipping our Freixenet Cava…

Nalini Sharma (Host) [20:37]
Yes, continuing the bubbly theme. Cava is essentially Spanish champagne, though from a different region. It uses white grapes, a traditional method, and a special yeast culture.

Laura Senior (Host) [21:20]
Right—it has a slightly higher acidity than French champagne. I’m more consumer than connoisseur, but I know what I like! Historically, after red grape blight and political issues halted exports, Spain’s wine industry shifted to white grapes and applied the French champagne method, giving rise to Cava. Freixenet’s black bottle was initially controversial but became iconic.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [23:32]
Today’s “Slice of Life” is our Madrid trip. We also have churros con chocolate on the table—perfect for a sweet treat. Churros are fried dough, often served with a cup of thick hot chocolate. Let’s do a taste test!

(Crunching sounds while eating churros)

Laura Senior (Host) [24:43]
So good—maybe a bit messy to eat while podcasting, but oh well!

Nalini Sharma (Host) [24:54]
They’re great. Let’s talk about the day trip. The train station in Madrid (Chamartín) is currently under construction and not very inviting. But once you’re out, there’s so much to enjoy.

Laura Senior (Host) [25:59]
Right, definitely no Orient Express vibes right now—but the bullet train is efficient. Our highlight was the Mercado de San Miguel. Busy, but a feast for the eyes—stalls of oysters, olives, bao buns, everything. We elbowed our way to seats, trying different bites.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [28:53]
I convinced you to try bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich)—fried calamari with alioli in crusty bread. Surprisingly tender! Your son tried it alongside churros and hot chocolate, which is quite a pairing.

Laura Senior (Host) [30:59]
It was delicious. I used to eat chipirones (baby squid) in Mallorca, but rarely the ring form. Glad I took the plunge—so tasty. I love Madrid. It’s walkable, the food is fantastic, and it has so much to see. I actually prefer it to Barcelona, personally.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [34:02]
If you plan ahead, train tickets can be inexpensive, so it’s perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway—museums, palaces, culture, and of course, markets and shopping.

Laura Senior (Host) [34:07]
Maybe we’ll visit the Royal Palace next time. Yesterday, we were too full and lazy from eating.

Nalini Sharma (Host) [34:45]
On that note, let’s do our Spanish Phrase of the Day.

Laura Senior (Host) [34:52]
Oh no, let me brace myself…

Nalini Sharma (Host) [35:05]
“No tengo el chichi para farolillos.”

Laura Senior (Host) [35:10]
Chichi—feminine part? Farolillos—lanterns? So, “I’m not in the mood” basically?

Nalini Sharma (Host) [35:40]
Exactly! It’s a cheeky, informal way to say, “I’m not up for any nonsense right now.” Maybe not office-friendly, but you can say it to friends to show exasperation.

Laura Senior (Host) [36:59]
I’ll be using that at home a lot, my kids will be shocked!

Nalini Sharma (Host) [37:15]
All right, cheers with the Cava again.

Laura Senior (Host) [37:16]
Cheers—and coming up next time, we’ll switch gears from Madrid to the lively coastal scene of Benidorm, often called the “Vegas of the Costa Blanca.” Stay tuned!


Made in Spain
Spanish fashion brand Loewe
Freixenet Cava
Madrid travel tips
Mercado de San Miguel
Churros con chocolate
Bocadillo de calamares
Quiet luxury in Spain
Spanish rail travel
Day trip to Madrid
Spanish artisan leather
Costa Blanca travel