Tapas are small savory Spanish dishes, served either hot or cold, typically served at the bar. Depending on what region of Spain you’re in, these dishes can also be called pintxos. It’s been years since I’ve been in Spain, and when I crave authentic tapas, I head to Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar which has six locations in Fairfield County, CT (Greenwich, Stamford, South Norwalk, Fairfield, New Haven, and West Hartford) and one in Atlanta.
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| Cabecero de Lomo |
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| Foie Gras and Bread Pudding Pintxo |
How we roll…
Get a glass, or bottle of wine. Order a couple tapas and enjoy the night. I recommend getting something off the charcuteria section of the menu, like Cabecero de Lomo, Jamon Serrano (dry-cured Spanish ham) or Aged Mahon, a creamy, sharp cheese made with cow’s milk.
Need a break from wine? I highly recommend the Foie Gras and Bread Pudding Pinxto, which is paired up with a glass of Amontillado, a 20 year old sherry. Some like to dip the foie gras into their sherry before eating it, but I like it plain. The flavors are wonderful and the foie gras melts in your mouth.
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| Black Truffle Croquetas |
If you’re into truffles, try the Black Truffle Croquetas off the tapas riojanaise (or tapas pedro romero) section of the menu. Be sure to let them cool down a bit before consuming. They are served hot. The gnocchi with short ribs and ramps are an excellent choice. Into mushrooms? Try the Herbed Goat Cheese & Mushrooms in a Balsamic & Sherry Reduction. The first time I tried this, I actually let out a loud “Mmm” – it was so good!
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| Gnocchi with short ribs and ramps |
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| Herbed Goat Cheese & Mushrooms |
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| Bacon! |
Other items worth trying: Crispy Calamari with Smoked Tomato Aioli, Warm Potato Tortilla (think of it as a Spanish omelet, or frittata), and their meatballs called Albondigas.
To finish off your meal, try the key lime sorbet with a Chambord/Campari reduction. It’s refreshing and a nice way to end a savory meal.
Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar
222 Summer Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Tel: (203) 348-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/bwbstamford
Twitter: @barcelonawineba
barcelonawinebar.com
