Saturday, August 23, 2008

Taberna del Alabadero

Julian and I went here for an early anniversary without the kids. It is billed as one of the most romantic restaurants in DC. It is very plush looking; with banquettes and deep red walls. We went at happy hour time because Tapas are half price and that ended up being a good deal. At first we were the only ones there practically but by 5:30 the place had filled up. You could tell that at this time of day it is definately an after work stop for the movers and shakers and for casual meetings.

The sangria is delicious; fruity without being to sweet. Some places it is like fruit punch laced with red wine but here it is a perfect light accompianment to the tapas dishes. After a few we decided to change to a house red by the glass which was so enjoyable that when we looked at the check we realized we should have paid for a bottle. Lucky we had an hour on the metro to recoup. However we stayed quite awhile.

The list is long when you go for tapas. Our favorites were the Bacalo Frito con Ali- Oli y Miel. This is like glamourous fish fingers. A Spanish friend had told us that Ali-Oli is her fathers favorite thing and we can see why. Garlic mayonnaise never fails to disappoint. Just like Aioli in France. YUM


We also enjoyed the Pulpito a la Plancha con Arroz Negro. The octopus is grilled to perfection. It is not at all chewy like it can be sometimes and the wood charred flavor was perfect. The delicous rice as too small a portion for both of us because we liked it so much.




The Patatas Bravas weren't as good as some we have had. The dipping sauce was good put the potatoes needed to be crispier.






We were surprised by the Acietunas Alinadas y Boquenons en Vinagre. Little fishes were pretty good. I thought they would be too salty but that was not the case.





The Spanish cheeses were artistically presented but I think we had tried them all before at Whole Foods. I would have liked to have a list of the chesses but we just guessed what they were from out previous knowledge and by that time we were full and our waither was too preoccupied to be able to give us any information. I think he was just glad to see us go. It had gotten that busy.
We thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant and I would definately recommend it as a happy hour stop.

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