If the spirit of a dwelling lingers long after the tenant has moved out, then Bocado Tapas Wine Bar has picked the right address. Housed in the former location of Paper Source, an innovative crafting store, creativity is infused in the property, and it translates into Bocado’s dishes. Innovation abounds with the restaurant’s focus on its namesake, tapas, which are small savory dishes that are meant to be shared by everyone in the party.
Although Bocado is open for lunch and dinner, for the girls at Dana it is really a dinner destination. To really enjoy the Spanish atmosphere, leisurely time is needed.
The menu is extensive, with over 40 different tapas, and we really needed the wait staff to help navigate our options. Our waitress very kindly explained the Bocado experience for 2, 4, 6 or more people, allowing a party to enjoy meats and cheeses, tapas plates, a large plate entrée or paella, and dessert. Although tempted by the entrées, we chose instead to order a la carte, allowing us to sample more of the small dishes.
The tapas menu is divided into cold dishes and calientes – hot ones. Being the cheese lovers that we are, we had to start with the Queso de Cabra, fried goat cheese with honey & almonds, for $8.00. This dish alone is worth going back for. We ordered an eclectic array of dishes, each one better than the last. The Pollo Asado Con Naranjay Aceitunas for $7.50 was so tender that the meat literally fell of the bone. With the Gambas Al Ajillo, sautéed shrimp with garlic, parsley and olive oil at $8.50, I really liked how the simple the recipe was (although breath mints were needed afterward!). My favorite plate had to be the Hamburguesas De Kobe. Not your ordinary burger. This dish is twin mini Kobe beef burgers, with basil Dijon mayo, lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion, all for $11. And of course no hamburger would be complete without Spain’s version of French fries – Patatas Asadas, crispy roasted potatoes with saffron, tomato aioli and black truffle oil, for $6.50.
With Bocado, urban has come suburban, offering atmosphere and ambience in a casual environment. It has something for everyone, whether you are an adult wanting small bites and a glass of wine, dinner with the family, or a celebratory evening. Although we were not celebrating anything other than the weekend, Bocado made us feel very welcomed, which is not always the case when you are group of young girls dining without an adult.
Although not inexpensive, Bocado is worth the dollars you will spend. Take a trip to Spain and experience a Spanish way of life.
Image: Photo is from Bocado’s website.
