March 23, 2012
It's nearly impossible for me to stick with Restaurant Week menus, especially so many other intriguing options. While waiting for our reservation, I ordered a glass of the amazing Cava sangria crafted by Alicia. There was barely standing room around the bar and host(ess) station as others awaited tables...a testament to the food at Tapeo.
The upstairs dining area was also packed and very noisy but our fantastic, friendly server, Meghan B. and of course the kitchen staff made it all worth it! I enjoyed a number of tapas with my foodie friend...a few of which I 'd had and loved during my first visit!
Unfortunately, they were fresh out of ceviche which was a disappointment for us and Meghan as she was looking forward to having it as an after work snack.
Boquerones were on the Pinchos menu. Anchovies marinated in vinegar and garlic served over olive oil and garlic drenched crostinis. This dish was a bit too tart for my palate.
Gambas al Ajillo This dish commands attention as the sizzling (literally) shrimp are cooked perfectly in olive oil with sliced garlic and whole chili peppers. I loved it! So simply yet full of garlicky flavor!
Vieras al Azafran Broiled scallops in a saffron cream sauce. The dish could have benefited from more seasoning, however, the scallops were cooked nicely.
Codorniz de Castillo This dish played the starring role! A broiled quail seasoned with garlic and herbs, stuffed with bacon and grapes! I love quail and this dish did not disappoint. The skin had a nice crisp, the meat tender, and the stuffing interesting. Very nicely done!
Albondigas Salmon Salmon "croquettes" with red peppers served in a rich cream sauce. They were pretty good.
The repeats (reviewed below) were just as amazing as the first time!
Queso de Cabra, Chipirones Rellenos, Pechuga Andaluza
Another great meal at Tapeo!
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March 3, 2011
Tapeo Restaurant & Tapas Bar has been on my radar and must try list for about 2 years! It's easy for me to get distracted and drawn into other establishments when strolling up Newbury St. after a hair appointment or a quick shopping excursion.
On this particular rainy day around noon, my optometrist appointment was cancelled at the last minute so I decided to venture up the street and lead my hunger pangs into the next attractive restaurant for some soothing.
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| Credit: Rina R. Yelp Photo |
I am SO very glad that Tapeo caught my eye. Because of the rain, most people were hiding out indoors which made this visit all the more perfect. I decided to take a seat at the bar, imbibe moderate portions of sangria, and dive into the Spanish tapas menu to satiety.
The ambiance was dark but not gloomy. The music boisterous and festive. I love the underground leveled restaurants on Newbury where it feels as if you are walking into a speakeasy-feeling establishment of sorts...with the main day lighting coming from very few windows looking onto the street level.
Alicia, the friendly and engaging bartender helped to make this experience even better over cocktail recipe chatting. While chatting it up, I asked about what appeared to be whole, dried/preserved ham shanks & chilies laced around the bar above my head, draped in crimson valence curtains. I was assured they were authentic and with a stuffed quail (which at that point, I suppose was also authentic), I began to pay more attention to my surroundings. The place definitely had the feel of what you would expect when stepping into an intimate dining establishment in Spain with beautiful mosaic, blue, yellow gold, and white tile and red clay shingles smartly placed above the top shelf of the bar.
I'd like to start by placing Tapeo on my list of BEST SANGRIA! The traditional Red Sangria was very nice with a heavy body, which I loved! BUT the White Sangria (Cava Sangria) really blew me away! THIS is THE best White Sangria in the city...made with Freixenet Spanish sparkling wine (which happens to be one of my favorites to purchase for home), mango and pineapple juice and French brandy! It was bright, fresh, and bold.
You have to try it! I liken it to an extraordinary mimosa!
A bread basket was served with a beautiful garlicky hummus spread topped with chick pea.
My tapas tasting:
Queso de Cabra Montanes: Baked, tart goat cheese with a nicely seasoned tomato basil sauce...a nice start.
Pato Braseado: Roasted duck leg (thigh and drumstick) served over a tangy berry sauce which easily could have over-powered the dish, but which was a perfect complement to the richness of perfectly cooked duck.
Chiparones Rellenos: Minced shrimp and crab stuffed squid in its own ink! I absolutely loved this dish! The crab+shrimp filling was seasoned to perfection and the squid very tender. Careful eating this dish as you could possible end up appearing as if you are in desperate need of a pocket protector should you flip your fork in an unfortunate manner!
Pechuga Andaluza: A bucheron-stuffed chicken breast in a saffron, ginger, and white wine sauce. The sauce was AMAZING! Bright saffron and white wine sauce with fresh bits of ginger, fresh herb, and red peppers. The chicken was moist and the bucheron, a perfect tangy, creamy complement to the dish!
I am excited to visit Tapeo Restaurant and Tapas Bar in the near future to delve into more of these alluring small plates and the Main dishes!
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| Credit: Tapeo Website Image. |
Check out Tapeo at: http://www.tapeo.com/default.aspx
Tapeo Restaurant and Tapas Bar accepts reservations through www.opentable.com
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