Published on January 11th, 2013 | by Jacob Ung
Tapas in Vancouver
Crispy Chickpeas | hot and sweet paprika, mint
Crispy Pork Belly | white beans, romesco sauce
Hummus | housemade flat bread
Iberian Ham Croquettes
Lamb & Chorizo Paella Balls
Sauteed Duck Livers | lentils, quail eggs, chorizo
Housemade Morcilla | fried egg
Kalimoxto | red wine & coca cola
Churros | with rich and thick hot chocolate
Crispy Goat Cheese | monte enebro, orange blossom honey, frisee & walnuts
I simply love tapas; the small portion sizes allow one to select a variety of dishes. Late last year, I heard that a Spanish tapas bar called España had just opened on Denman Street in the West End, and I finally had the opportunity to visit this past Wednesday. My friends and I arrived around seven o’clock and were lucky to be able to grab a seat at the window counter; the place was extremely busy!
I perused their menu and noted that it was a combination of the traditional Spanish tapas I found in Barcelona and some that were locally inspired. We chose a wide variety of small dishes, some recommended by our excellent waitress. As the plates started arriving I was immediately impressed by the presentation. The use of shape, colours and patterns were definitely an indication of conscious thought and planning, unlike traditional tapas, which are quickly placed onto a plate and served.
The use of different flavours and textures were good but I felt could have been better executed in some dishes. Some were great, but others perhaps had too many non-complementing elements plated together, it is as if they tried too hard? Maybe as with many new restaurants, there is still a bit of fine-tuning currently in the works.
Would I go back? Would I recommend this restaurant? If you are looking for traditional tapas to reminisce of the time you spent in Spain then probably not, but if you are craving tapas and feel adventurous, it is worth a try. I think that with a bit of time, I would return and give their tapas another chance to wow me.
Restaurant: Espana
Location: Vancouver, BC
Website: espanarestaurant.ca
España
Description
If you are craving tapas in Vancouver with a creative local flair, this restaurant is for you. Love the service!
2.5
GOOD
About the Author
Jacob Ung Being Chinese born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Jacob considers himself quite the cultural mutt. His father was a foodie, with his two joys in life being food and golf, in that order. Though his father loved Chinese cuisine, he enjoyed exploring food of different cultures. Through his father's influence, he and his brothers learned to love food, and he hopes to influence his sons as well.
