BARcelona Tapas

John will tell anyone that there are three favorite kinds of restaurants that I could eat at everyday:

1. Sushi

2. Mexican

3. Italian

John will eat all of those but he pretty much could just eat BBQ all of the time. Luckily we were on the same page last weekend and wanted to find a Mexican/Spanish restaurant. We went downtown and found a place called BARcelona Tapas. For those of you who have never been to a tapas restaurant, I highly recommend it! John had never been and was so impressed after we left. A Tapas restaurant is a small morsel of the delicious food that they serve prepared to order. So luckily each of our plates came one after the other so we were able to truly enjoy each bite. Between the two of us we chose 6 dishes to share that filled us right up. We started with Sopa de Alubias (Black Bean Soup)- which we both thought it was the best black bean soup we have ever had. One of the reasons we liked it was that it was topped with a sherry cream. Next was the Calamari Frito with Romesco Sauce. I definitely have on my list to learn how to make a homemade version of this sauce. Normally we wouldn’t get calamari at a Spanish restaurant but it is one of John’s favorites. (We are 2 for 2 in ordering this at all the restaurants we have been to so far). Followed by the Pinco de Pollo Y Chorizo Skewers (Chicken & Chorizo Skewers) with a Cumin Dipping sauce. Gambas Al Alioli (Shrimp) came after which was served in a garlic chili sauce and fresh lemon. This was another one of John’s favorites. Sollomillo Con Cabrales which was Beef Tenderloin with blue cheese, spinach and a Rioja reduction sauce. This was probably our least favorite. Very tasty but nothing out of the ordinary. The last thing we ordered was a Queso de Cabra Al Horno, a baked goat cheese in tomato sauce with garlic bread. Just as John always wants calamari, if there is any version of a cheese “dip/plate” I will be ordering. And I definitely will again when we return to the place. Below are the pictures of our favorite tapa as well as their House Sangria which hit the spot. Normally after we eat out John will request for me to make something similar again. From this he wanted me to add the sherry cream to my black bean soup and find a red wine sangria recipe. Guess that means it will be Mexican night at the Hall house soon.

Menu for this week:

French Onion Soup with Arugula Raddichio Salad

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Baked Squash Chips

Oregano & Lemon Grilled Chicken served over Orzo with Brussel Sprouts & Pancetta