azahar

It was a day of firsts. Today Simún Vintage opened in Santa Catalina (it’s original location in El Juncal is no more) and my foodie friends Ana, Jorge and I were the first customers! It was also the first time I’ve visited a restaurant in the first week of opening (let alone the first hour) and found things running smoothly, both in the kitchen and out on the floor.

Simún Vintage is a charming spot just off a main road near the “real” centre of town, Plaza Encarnación. It has a short and stylish selection of tapas and raciones written on chalkboard menus. I will definitely be back for the “ropa vieja” and grilled presa on wok-fried rice noodles, and especially the grilled squid with ink and ajo blanco. A nice selection of wines by the glass, though a bit pricey. But definitely looking forward to future visits.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/simun-vintage

azahar lo descubrió en enero de 2012

listas: gastrobar , restaurants , sevilla , tapas

A few years ago on a trip to Málaga I fell in love with the first ever bulltail burger that I tried at the La Moraga location on calle Fresca, in the old centre of town. So I was thrilled to discover last summer (2011) that another La Moraga (brainchild of Michelin-star chef Dani Garcia) had opened just a stone’s throw from where I always stay when I’m in Málaga, on the Malagueta beach. I was also pleased to see that my favourite white wine Botani is on prominent display and offered by the glass for a very reasonable 2.50€.

On the whole my visits to La Moraga de Antonio Martín have been quite pleasant. The food is very good and the location is stunning, all über-chic with fabulous sea views. But frankly at those prices I think the service should be more consistently professional and friendly. It continues to be hit and miss, which can no longer be put down to “early days” training issues. Or is it considered too “un-hip” to smile?

That being said, I do recommend La Moraga and I will definitely go back next time I’m in town.

azahar-sevilla.com/vivalastapas/category/malaga/la-moraga-de-ant...

azahar lo descubrió en enero de 2012

listas: gastrobar , malaga , restaurants , seafood , tapas

Since opening almost a year ago, it turns out the Puratasca gang no longer has any connection with Labulla, though the bar continues with pretty much the same blackboard menu, offering an appealing selection of cold and hot dishes and lots of good wines by the glass. The service is still “friendly” but now feels a bit artificial, and they really oughtta lose that “theatre rope” at the entrance, which is very unwelcoming. And charging 1€ per person for one basket of bread that is brought to the table without being ordered is, well, against restaurant legislation rulings in Sevilla.

I was almost ready to remove Labulla from my listing here except I’ve heard good reports lately from others who have enjoyed the food and ambiance, so it will stay for now. The food is still quite good, but I don’t think the portion sizes justify the prices, which have increased over the past few months (the prices, not the portion sizes). And what used to be a cheeky eclectic atmosphere that was lively and fun now feels like more style than substance. Still, it’s a decent place to go for something a bit different on a Sunday evening when everywhere else is closed.

azahar lo descubrió en marzo de 2011

listas: gastrobar , sevilla , tapas

'me gusta'

In a word: spectacular. That’s the first impression when you cross the threshhold into the new Restaurante Cuna 2, the latest addition to the Baco Group. Housed in a four-story mansion that was designed by the great Ánibal Gonzalez and has been beautifully restored, it feels like you are eating inside a work of art. A cool mix of old world beauty and ultra modern designer furniture creates a uniquely stylish ambience. There are three bars on the main floor and several dining rooms on the first and second floors, which can also be booked for private events. But the jewel is the fabulous rooftop bar with magnificent its views, which is open from 4pm on.

The dining rooms are still not open to the public, but the downstairs bars and rooftop terrace are now open seven days a week.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/baco-cuna-2

azahar lo descubrió en noviembre de 2011

listas: bar de copas , gastrobar , restaurants , sevilla , tapas

'me gusta'

Gastrosol is a unique space in Sevilla atop the Metropol Parasol (aka Las Setas), with 55 metres of bar and 1100 metres of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city. What is also unique is the concept – a bit like a gourmet food hall with six different bars forming the hub of the space with shared seating, both inside and out. You order your food at the bars, paying as you go, which means you can “mix and match” if, for example, you’d prefer to have the tapas from one place and wine from another. There are also two large salon areas that will mostly be used for private events or, if the bar seating area gets too crowded, as an overflow section.

There are three tapas bars: Puerto Delicia Tapas, 6 Sentidos (run by Abantal & the Flores brothers) and a third that will change every six months, so there will always be something new on offer. At Alicantina Mar you can get seafood and fried fish and the abacería will soon be open for charcuterie. There is also a café/bar which, along with Puerto Delicia and the marisquería, are run by Restaurante Puerto Delicia.

Residents of Sevilla can access GastroSol free of charge, non-residents have to pay the 1.20€ fee to take the lift to the top of the Metropol Parasol (which is then deducted from your bill at Gastrosol). Once up it’s a fabulous spot to stop for a drink and a snack and enjoy some of the best views in Sevilla.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/gastrosol

azahar lo descubrió en diciembre de 2011

listas: bar de copas , food shop , gastrobar , seafood , tapas , wine bar

'me gusta'

Three partners, three chefs and a menu imported from Besana Tapas combine with delectable design from award-winning Donaire Arquitectos to offer style and sustenance at newly-opened Pa Catar. The tapas are as visually pleasing as they are delicious, and there’s a super wine list with lots of by-the-glass options – para catar. A stone’s throw from Metropol Parasol, Pa Catar is sure to become one of my neighbourhood favourites. I love the corner spot at the bar in front of the floor to ceiling window, perfect for people watching.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/pa-catar

azahar lo descubrió en noviembre de 2011

listas: gastrobar , sevilla , tapas , wine bar , wine shop

'me encanta, uno de mis favoritos'

Las Tres Jotas (Juan, Jeanine & Jesús) have done it again. As at the original La Azotea in c/Jesús del Gran Poder, their newly opened second location offers superb food and excellent service in a cosy and convivial atmosphere. Same great menu and fabulous wine list (with several varieties available by the glass) along with daily specials. I have too many favourite tapas to list so I’ll let the photos below speak for themselves.

Tapas are available at the bar, full and half raciones at the tables. In December there will be a change in the opening hours when La Azotea Zaragoza starts serving breakfast – will keep you posted.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/la-azotea-zaragoza

azahar lo descubrió en diciembre de 2011

listas: breakfast , gastrobar , restaurants , seafood , sevilla , tapas , wine bar

The new Sur Bar & Tapas is finally open! I’ve been waiting for this since I heard they were planning a second location in the Metropol Parasol because I love the original place in Porvenir, but this one is a stone’s throw from my house and so much more convenient.

Tapas here are inventive and excellent quality, with a decent wine list and probably the coldest Cruzcampo you’ll find anywhere. Haven’t tried the raciones yet, but they sound very tempting indeed. The decor is modern and stylish with curving plate glass windows making up the exterior walls, which look out onto an attractive terrace. It’s early days yet but there are plans afoot for special menus to compliment their already wonderful selection of creative Andalusian dishes. Reservations accepted.

azahar lo descubrió en junio de 2011

listas: gastrobar , sevilla , tapas

Andalusian Japanese Peruvian Fusion

'me gusta'

The latest culinary coup by the Puratasca team is already a hit in pijo Porvenir. An intriguing fusion of Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian), Asian and Spanish cuisines, with a few favourites brought over from the tasca, gives a nice range of flavours that is complemented by an interesting selection of lesser known wines. There is no fixed menu – the blackboard changes depending on what is fresh at the market – and the dishes are served as a one-size “large tapa” rather than the usual tapas/raciones option. The decor reflects Cayetano’s fascination with the 70′s, but this time we are in “the office” surrounded by manual typewriters, metal filing cabinets and other clerical chachkas. My only complaint is that the service could be friendlier, or even friendly, but perhaps that will improve with time.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eldespacho

azahar lo descubrió en marzo de 2011

listas: gastrobar , international food , sevilla , tapas

Run by Sevillanos Cristo García y Juan Luis Fernández, Binomio focuses on fine cuisine that is market fresh and elaborately put together. I’ve only tried the tapas, which were exquisite. There are separate menus for the dining area, including tasting and group menus. Decor is chic and tasteful and there is an excellent wine menu. Just around the corner you can stop by the Cool Bar for a post-prandial cocktail.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/binomio

listas: gastrobar , restaurants , sevilla , wine bar