This morning, my husband Emilio made his version of Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Fritas al estilo Casa Lucio, which simply translates to fried eggs over homemade french fries, a trademark dish served for lunch or dinner at Restaurante Casa Lucio in Madrid, Spain.  For me, it’s a plain and straightforward dish to savor on a late Sunday morning at home with my family.

Emilio recounts of his late father, a great cook and gourmand, making them on weekend mornings while growing up and listening to his stories about visits to the famed Casa Lucio on trips to Spain.  Then, it shall be no surprise to you , that over fifteen years ago (1998), while planning our honeymoon, he scheduled a stop in Madrid and of course, made reservations to have dinner at the city’s famous landmark from which he had heard of so many times.

Casa Lucio is almost as old as I am.  It opened its doors in 1974 in the same location the long running Restaurante El Segoviano had been established over a century before where its founder and current owner, Lucio Blázquez, worked since he was 12 years old.  I remember we arrived to the restaurant full of excitement and expectation!  Keep in mind, this place is frequented by notable politicians, socialites, members of the royal family and renowned artists, but they allow simple mortals like you and me in as well (ja!).  Casa Lucio is one of the most popular restaurants in Madrid so reservations are recommended.  It is not considered a tourist trap, rather a place where you can sample many components that characterize the traditional Spanish gastronomy.  It is sponsored mostly by natives and local patrons. To our surprise, the place was warm, unimposing and the food simple old style Spanish food like croquetas, fabada and gambas al ajillo. For a more “foodieventurous” and sophisticated palate, they serve angulas (newborn eels which Emilio adores), steak tartare, oysters and ox tail stew. Service was good and you felt right at home… a FULL home, since there was not an empty seat in the house!  I’ve been told Casa Lucio has stood the test of time, for the place is still full every day.

 

 

As you might have figured out by now, we love to travel, to try new things, to learn and experiment in the kitchen. It’s always fun for us to try new recipes with new ingredients and to incorporate variety into our daily diet, but sometimes all you need is a comforting meal that is simple, indulging and easy like these Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Fritas al estilo Casa Lucio.

Enjoy… Olé!

Huevos Estrellados con Patatas al estilo Casa Lucio

Ingredients

Fresh eggs

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Olive oil blend for frying

Salt and Pepper to taste

Procedure

1.  Heal oil (350 F) on a large and deep frying pan.  Large enough so that the potatoes are not crowded when frying.

2. Peel and cut potatoes in strips.  Fry until they start to turn golden brown.

3.  When the potatoes are almost done, add eggs to the potatoes (not more than 4 at a time).  Cook for about one minute and remove potatoes and egg together with a slotted spoon.

4.  If cooking for a large group, then do this in batches.