azahar

'me encanta, uno de mis favoritos'

In a word, delightful. Chef Diego Caminos (formerly with Zelai) has branched out on his own and, along with his oenologist wife Esperanza and his sister Paula, has created La Brunilda, one of the best new tapas bars in town. On the chalkboard menu you will find an enticing selection of traditional tapas with a twist, without the pretention and high prices that have become the norm at many of the new “gastrobars”. A charming and cosy ambiance in a beautifully renovated 18th century house, with great attentive service and amazing food, including tapas-sized salads (why aren’t more people doing this?). Do yourself a favour and go!

azahar lo descubrió en mayo de 2012

listas: restaurants , sevilla , tapas

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

Traditional Andalusian cooking and – I am told – one of the best in the neighbourhood of Nervion. The tapas are a bit more adventurous than what appears on the dining room menu, though there are several “off the menu” items listed every day (but it would help to write them down rather than reel off a verbal list of 8 or more items!). The service is efficient and friendly, with a good wine list.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/el-rincon-de-la-buhaira

azahar lo descubrió en octubre de 2008

listas: 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

Rude and unwelcoming staff

When we arrived at La Botica (at lunchtime) all the tables in the "tapas section" were taken or reserved. In the "restaurant section" all the tables were free and none were reserved. We asked if we could have some tapas in the empty restaurant section. No. Then I saw that people in the tapas section were ordering from the restaurant menu (!!!). Why weren't these people seated in the restaurant section??

I explained I was interested in writing a review on the tapas there and didn't know when I'd be back in the neighbourhood. They wouldn't budge. And not only were the waitress and manager unhelpful, they were actually quite rude. Obviously they thought we were tourists and not worth the bother.

In a city like Sevilla with over 3,000 tapas bars to choose from you would think that customer service would be of the utmost importance. The quality of the service can really make or break one's dining experience. If these two had at least smiled and been friendly about refusing our request I might have considered going back.

So in the end I didn't get to try any of the food, which is too bad because it looks nice on their webpage. But to be honest I didn't actually see anything on the menu that I can't find elsewhere, where I know the service will be both efficient and friendly.

listas: restaurants , sevilla , tapas

'me encanta, uno de mis favoritos'

Not to be confused with Modesto Tapas across the street (not recommended), the original Modesto can be quite touristy if you sit outside on the terrace. But inside at the bar it’s much more ‘local’, as well as cheaper. Favourite dishes include the “fritadura modesto” – a plate piled high with tempura style fried strips of onions, green & red peppers, topped with a handful of plump breaded prawns. Also be sure to try the breaded rosada with alioli.

But there is nothing you could order here that isn’t fabulous. Modesto has an excellent reputation for fish and seafood, and service at the bar is super efficient and friendly. I almost always find myself chatting away to other people eating at the bar, it’s just that kind of place. They also offer seasonal specialities, such as wild mushrooms and asparagus.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/2007/08/modesto

listas: restaurants , seafood , 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 encanta, uno de mis favoritos'

Every very now and then someone says to me “have you ever been to…?” and I have never heard of the place they are raving about. Well, this happened to me yesterday. How could I not have known that El Gallinero de Sandra has existed for almost ten years?? And so of course I had to check it out.

Where to begin? Let’s start with the décor and ambience, which is charming and comfortable, with a whimsically-decorated dining room and a spacious outdoor terrace. The wine list is very well thought out and reasonably priced. And the food is wonderful. The dishes (no tapas served here) are ample so be aware that a plate for two to share may end up being enough for three. I was very impressed with everything my companion and I tried and cannot even say which dish I liked best because they were all exceptional in their own way. All I know is that I want to go back again real soon.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/el-gallinero-de-sandra

listas: restaurants , seafood , sevilla , tapas

Ros Grill is a new self-service restaurant that offers terrific value for money. House wine and beer are just 1€ per glass and a bottle of house red (rioja cosecha) is 5.95€. The menu is short: salads & starters, grilled chicken & meat dishes, and desserts. And the portions are very generous. Compared to a “gourmet mini burger” I had at a new gastrobar recently, the Iberian pork burger at Ros Grill is about three times the size for the same price (3.95€), and franky, just as good, served with some quite decent chips. You order and pay at the bar, then collect your cutlery and condiments (nice selection of sauces) and bring them to your table. Food is brought to your numbered table and then you repeat the process if you want anything else.

The restaurant is pleasantly decorated and the bar staff is friendly and helpful.

azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/ros-grill

azahar lo descubrió en diciembre de 2011

listas: restaurants , sevilla , tapas

'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