International Lodging Corporation

Customized travel services in Spain & Portugal since 1983

Thank You to our Travel Agents

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This year we mark our 36th year in the travel industry at International Lodging Corporation (ILC). This is no small feat, and it could have never been accomplished without the support of all of you, our fantastic travel agent community.

Our commitment to travel agents started from day one, and we wanted you to know how much we appreciate your continued support over the many years…so THANK YOU to all of you!

Any time one of your clients has a Spain & Portugal request, we will be here to help make the process easier for you, so the focus can be on creating an amazing travel experience for your client. It’s as easy as calling (800) SPAIN-44.

Thanks again and we look forward to our continued collaboration.

Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved.

For more information please contact us – click here.

On the Menu…El Cocinillas, Madrid (Spain)

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El Cocinillas is a charming and inviting neighborhood restaurant that is tucked away on a winding cobblestone street in Madrid’s hip and trendy Malasaña neighborhood. As you walk by the large picture windows you will be drawn in by the casual and chic decor, with white painted brick walls, wood furnishings and crisp white linen tablecloths.

Chef Julián Lara traded in his career in interior design, which no doubt contributed to the restaurant’s welcoming and cozy interior, to dedicate himself to his true passion for food. The menu he created at El Cocinillas draws from a number of Mediterranean influences beyond his native Spain, including Italian, French and Moorish cuisine. Some of the dishes offered include eggplant with mozzarella gratin and tomato sauce that is light and delicious, delicately cooked cuttlefish over an avocado timbal, homemade meatballs with a Sicilian caponata sauce, chicken tagine served over couscous with confit lemon and olives, cannelloni filled with braised oxtail and pecorino cheese, mussels in curry sauce, and cod served over a confit of red peppers and tomatoes. And be sure to leave room for dessert, as you wouldn’t want to pass on the creamy rice pudding, tasty tiramisu, or decadent dark chocolate cake, all of which are prepared with the same refined touch as the savory dishes.

Diners will find it hard to choose between the many delicious dishes offered at El Cocinillas. While many of them seem simple and traditional, the secret is that the kitchen is turning out dishes that are delicately prepared using the freshest ingredients, and at a price point that represents true value for money. Appetizers range from €9.50 – €13, entrees range from €13.50 – €21, and desserts are €5, which means that for around €30 you can enjoy a true dining experience at this little gem of a restaurant located in the heart of one of Madrid’s hippest neighborhoods.

  • San Joaquín, 3
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Phone: +34 (91) 523 29 60
  • Website:  El Cocinillas

Photo credit: El Cocinillas

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On the Menu…Bairro do Avillez, Lisbon (Portugal)

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Bairro do Avillez is yet another jewel in the ever growing culinary empire of renowned chef José Avillez. It located not far from a number of his other restaurants in the popular Chiado area. Bairro do Avillez, which means “Avillez’s neighborhood”, occupies 1,000 m2 in a building that was once a convent and spans an entire city block. With a broad collection of dining options and food concepts all located under one roof, the restaurant feels like it could be its own neighborhood – and it’s one that you won’t want to miss.

Taberna serves hearty food and a variety of traditional Portuguese “petiscos” (snacks) that have been updated and reimagined, including beef croquettes (some say the best in Lisbon),  tuna steak sandwich with vinegary vegetables, cod with cornbread and chorizo crumbs, and octopus with garlic and kimchi.

Páteo is a lovely dining area located in the building’s courtyard with a first floor balcony. Here diners can enjoy a menu that features fish and seafood that is expertly prepared using modern cooking techniques.

Mercearia is a gourmet deli and store where you can buy products to eat in the patio or take home. The store stocks a variety of quality Portuguese products, including cheese, sausage, artisinal canned goods, olive oil and wine, along with cookbooks, kitchen tools and aprons.

Chef Avillez also created Beco-Cabaret Gourmet inside of Bairro do Avillez for diners looking for something more – dinner and a show. Located down a hidden hallway and only open at night, seating at Beco is limited to just 20 tables and it has the feel of a 1920’s speakeasy. Dinner consists of a Tasting Menu that includes the chef’s most famous and favorite dishes, and lasts about 2 – 2.5 hours. After the dinner/show, Beco becomes a bar. Tickets for Beco must be purchased in advance, so do plan ahead if you want to enjoy this unique dining experience.

Taberna , Páteo and Mercearia are open daily but their hours do vary, so check the website below for more info on each one, including opening hours and menus.

  • Rua Nova da Trindade, 18
  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Phone: +351 215 830 290
  • Website: bairrodoavillez

Beco-Cabaret Gourmet opens at 8:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Photo credit: Grupo José Avillez

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.