[EN] «A squid sandwich like yesteryear»: the new Tubo venue that recovers one of the most mythical sandwiches in Zaragoza

The squid sandwich seeks to regain its own place in the heart of Zaragoza, and Mac Calamar will be the new venue in charge of bringing this classic back to the streets of El Tubo. The establishment, which specialises in this popular sandwich, will open its doors in September at number 23 Calle Méndez Núñez, next to Alehoop Hotdog. Behind this new proposal is the same owner of the hot dog place, who thus expands her gastronomic commitment in El Tubo with a business dedicated to seafood.

The idea was born, precisely, from recovering a tradition that, according to Inma Chopo, its promoter, is part of the «DNA» of Zaragoza. «There are people who miss it; in my own family there are people who say: ‘A squid sandwich like in the past'», he says in an interview with ARAGÓN DIGITAL. Thus, Mac Calamar was born with the intention of returning to the streets of the center a simple and recognizable product, but adapted to a new concept. 

a small place with a very specific proposal

The new opening will share a location with Alehoop Hotdog, although both businesses will maintain their own identity. There will not be a joint gastronomic space, but two independent establishments that, according to its owner, seek to complement each other: «Sea and land,» he summarizes.

At Mac Squid the offer will be deliberately simple. The property will focus on squid sandwiches. Other accompaniments, such as fries, could be added later, but squid will be the protagonist.

The proposal also wants to avoid excessively complex elaborations. The owner assures that she is working on the design of the sauces and evaluating ingredients, although the intention is to finally bet on classic flavors. «The squid is of high quality and the bread is excellent, so I prefer to start with a good product and go for a simple taste,» he explains.

BLUE, YELLOW, AND AN EASY-TO-REMEMBER NAME

The place will also have a very marked visual identity. Blue will be the main colour, accompanied by yellow, with a simple aesthetic that aims to evoke the sea and the sun. «As it is a product of the sea, I wanted to generate that magic between the waves of the sea and the rays of the sun,» says its manager.

The name, Mac Calamar, also has a story behind it. The owner explains that part of her inspiration comes from characters and names of Anglo-Saxon influence, such as Murdock, from The A-Team, although she decided to adapt the concept to her own way of understanding it.

In fact, the name he initially considered was another: «Octopussy», the character of James Bond. However, after consulting with his entourage, he decided to bet on Mac Calamar. A more direct name, easy to remember and that makes it clear from the first moment what the star product will be.

OPENING SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 3RD

Mac Calamar is scheduled to open on September 3, although the date is still pending final confirmation. The inauguration will be held on a day yet to be specified, as the owner wants to bring her people together to premiere the new project.

The establishment will be open from Thursday to Sunday, from 11.30 to 15.00 and from 18.30 to 22.30. On Fridays and Saturdays it will extend the activity until 3:00 a.m., while on Sundays it will remain closed in the afternoon.

With this new opening, El Tubo adds one more proposal to its wide gastronomic offer, this time with a product that seeks to connect with the memory of the people of Zaragoza. Mac Calamar’s intention is simple: that a squid sandwich will once again become one of those meals capable of reminding us of family, childhood and other times.