Category Archives: Spanish

LUPULO: George Mendes’ new Portuguese spot

lupulo review

Dear Food Diary,
Starting a new look for restaurants reviews this week. Integrating Instagram (my new obsession) and honestly a quicker way for me catch up on all my posts without losing on the foodporn aspect of it all for you guys.

First review in this style is Lupulo in Midtown West. Been a big fan of George Mendes. For his new spot, think coastal, fun vibes. Great food and beers.

EL COLMADO at Gotham West Market: Tapas y Vino

El colmado - gotham west market - jamon iberico de bellota

Dear Food Diary:
El Colmado at Gotham West Market has been on my list from the minute they posted a photo of percebes. Before their Instagram post, I had only seen these intriguing sea creatures on t.v.

Last Saturday, I was all excited, only to be told they weren’t in stock. With that, I proceeded to eat and drink my disappointment away with tapas y vino. And boy, was I glad we stayed.

Txikito: my favorite tapas in the city

txikito-13

Dear Food Diary:
When I first started going to Txikito, it was a tiny spot, hidden all the way on the west side. Tables were hard to come by. One summer night, I endured the sauna like tight dinning room (no a.c) just to please my tapas craving. Luckily, they’ve expanded since, taking over the next door space. Making it in this city might be tough, but turning out amazing traditional Basque Country dishes night after night is the key to their success.

BAR BASQUE: Tapas at a chic and futuristic spot (CLOSED)

bar basque 3
Dear Food Diary:
A couple weeks ago, I was invited to Bar Basque’s Summer Menu Preview. This hip new tapas joint resided on the 2nd floor of the Eventi Hotel.

bar basque 6
Predominately red right off the elevator, it felt like getting into a spaceship, a rather chic one. It was pouring outdoors, but indoors, the open dining room was covered and well lit by the natural light. So remarkably spacious… ahhhh, such a change from all the cramped eateries in this city.

Socarrat Paella Bar/Bar de Vinos: Vamos a España!!!

Dear Food Diary:
A slightly sweet and well balanced white sangria was the start of a great dinner date. Socarrat Paella Bar was crowded on a chilly Monday night, a good sign of what was to come. Waiting at their Socarrat Bar de Vinos next door, our conversation was interlaced with noteworthy tapas.