charu gandhi: February 2012

Friday, February 24, 2012

Meson Sabika-A taste of Spain

It was a long drive; to a restaurant in an upscale neighborhood. The menu did not have appetizer category. Because Spanish food is served in appetizer size portions called Tapas. Many people do not like the sizes but I like them. That way you can try many items from the menu; and still do not waste much if you disliked something. Tapas can be cold or hot.

We ordered from:

Wine menu:
Sangre De Toro-     A bottle (Rich complex Mediterranean aromas with exuberant notes of spices and         blackberries)

Dinner menu:
Tomate Y Queso-       Vine ripened tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese with balsamic vinaigrette
Patatas Bravas-        Spicy potatoes topped with Manchengo cheese
Empanda de Buey-    Beef puff pastry
Champinones-           Stuffed mushroom caps
Vegetariana Paella- Seasonal vegetables

Each item was tasty and was happily washed down with the wine.

When I selected the wine I did not pay attention to the name, only to description. When our very pretty and very efficient waitress brought and opened the bottle at the table she handed me the token it came with. A toy 'toro' (bull). Of course, then it clicked, Spain is renowned for its bull fights. Sangre in Spanish means blood. So the wine was "Blood of Bull".

First couple of sips were not very impressive. But after the poured wine "breathed " a little, taste changed drastically. It became delicious, or was it that I felt too good to notice the difference!! Regardless, three glasses went down very smoothly.

I plan to buy a bottle for ourselves.

Winter arrived

Real winter finally made its debut. Moisture laden snow with its weight elongated tree limbs and made them kiss the ground for its own late arrival.....