It’d been a while since the Birthday Brunch Bunch met up to celebrate, and with MD/PB moving to CA, we all met up just after the New Year to celebrate, say hi, and catch up. ANM chose Cafe Espanol and we headed over that Monday.
Every lunch special came with a salad. Bright and fun, but nothing particularly special… tasty, though! I’ve been craving greens so this worked well, though it was a little over dressed.
For my main course, I chose paella. I really like paella – it’d been a long time since I had – and was looking forward to it. While it was tasty enough – the saffron flavor was present, and the rice was plump and juicy – this isn’t the paella of which I dream. It was way too wet and juicy – everything was cooked properly and had a nice flavor to it, but the qualities I look for in good paella just weren’t there. This was more of just a nice seafood rice dish than proper paella.
Yvo says: I thought the place was cute, and everyone enjoyed their food. I would go back to try other dishes, but no more paella – this was just not what I expect when I order paella. Perhaps it’s a regional thing? I’m not sure. In any case, there was plenty on the menu that I would like to eat, so I wouldn’t be against going back.
Purabi Naha says
These look so yummy! My mouth is watering already! Following you on FB. Nice post!
Feisty Foodie says
Thanks for the kind words, but unfortunately, the food only looks good, it wasn’t very tasty.
hungry says
I can’t do paella without the crunchy rice on the bottom. I fight for that!
Feisty Foodie says
I know! This is pretty much the reason I went to Soccarrat less than a week later.
Little Paco the Chocolate Maker says
I think it is a regional thing. I think the owners are from Galician heritage and paella is from the Mediterranean area. The crunchy stuff is what we call “socarrat”. Try La Nacional, Socarrat or Nolita for paella that is more close to the “real” one.
Feisty Foodie says
Thanks for the confirmation that it is indeed a regional thing! As my comment above notes, I did visit Socarrat less than a week later, and I’ve been to La Nacional multiple times as I really enjoy their paella. 🙂
Little Paco the Chocolate Maker says
I missed your comment. Apologies. Then you just need to try Nolita:) It is same type of atmosphere as Socarrat but I think they take reservations.
Love the blog by the way.
Feisty Foodie says
I will do that. Thanks for the suggestions! And no need to apologize, can’t expect people to read all comments everywhere 😉 And thanks for the kind words! 🙂
(BTW- Socarrat also takes reservations!)
T.C. says
No socorrat to the rice? Yea, probably wouldn;t go out of my way to try it then.
Feisty Foodie says
This is definitely not the type of paella you and I prefer and are used to!