Patatas Bravas | cheriecity.co.uk

An Amazing Tapas Lunch at BiBo Shoreditch

November 28, 2022 by cheriecity

Tapas is always a good idea, especially when it’s as good as this! BiBo Dani García opened last summer at the new Mondrian Shoreditch (now Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch) on Curtain Road and it’s already become known for its authentic Spanish dishes and cool atmosphere.

BiBo is a vibrant, casual-luxe concept from three Michelin-starred Andalusian chef Dani García, with outposts in Madrid, Ibiza, Marbella, Tarifa and Doha. It pays homage to time-honoured Andalusian recipes and cooking techniques with a few touches of aromatic Japanese flavours.

Walking down the stairs of the bright, contemporary hotel, you immediately feel the warmth of BiBo with its gorgeous terracotta walls, dimmed lighting and breezy Med vibes. The Spanish influences run through the stylish interiors with sculptures of shoals of fish, rustic decorative wall plates and plush brown leather banquettes.

The spacious open-plan restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, as well as a central island bar and high tables for a quick bite. There’s also a leafy, deep red-hued courtyard and private dining room, where you can imagine having the most fabulous flamenco party or romantic wedding reception.

BiBo can get lively on the weekend with DJ sets and flowing sangria (it is Shoreditch, after all), but our Monday lunchtime visit was chilled out and thoroughly relaxing. I was particularly drawn to the express lunch set menu, as every dish was something I definitely would have chosen – when does that ever happen?

We were seated at a comfy booth and ordered drinks while waiting for the plates to arrive without any effort or decisions required. It was then that I noticed the attention to details like embroidered linen napkins, ice cold frosty glasses, stunning tableware and a buzzing soundtrack at just the right level. BiBo is already an established brand and its confidence shows.

Everything is made to share and our table quickly filled up with five fantastic dishes. Croquetas de jamón ibérico were gooey, dense and generously filled with the finest coating of crispy breadcrumbs, topped with a slice of top quality Jabugo jamón ibérico (from the Huelva region of Andalusia).

Gambas fritas with spicy mayo were plump and juicy, served piping hot with fresh coriander in the lightest, crunchy filo pastry, almost like delicate wontons.

Patatas bravas are a staple of any good tapas lunch, but their success depends on the quality and abundance of the sauce and the crispiness of the potatoes. Dani García’s were the most interesting I’ve tried, as they were fried with an extra-crunchy coating, almost like breadcrumbs, and topped with a luscious, piquant tomato sauce, velvety aioli and finely chopped chives.

Oxtail brioche with salsa bull and pulled oxtail stew was an absolute treat. The steamed brioche buns were ever so fluffy and moreish, packed with rich, tender slow-cooked meat and a generous dollop of smooth, glossy salsa bull emulsion.

It’s hard to believe that our star dish would be a big plate of greens, but there was something truly magical about the Broccolini and kale salad with black sesame mayo and peanuts. It was just so tangy, refreshing and umami-rich with a smokiness from the charred broccolini, crunchy textures from the nuts and a slight chilli kick.

Lunch ended on a high with the most decadent Caramelised rice pudding for dessert. The sauce was so luxurious and creamy, scented with vanilla and orange blossom, and the bomba rice had a refined, pearl-like texture. It was finished with a golden brûlée crust that cracked rather satisfyingly.

BiBo has to be one of the best new hotel restaurants in London and the express lunch menu is certainly generous and well-composed. If you’re already a fan of the city’s well-established tapas bars like Barrafina, Brindisa and José Pizarro, you won’t be disappointed here. I’m already really tempted to return for the lobster paella, more tapas and a slice of Basque cheesecake.

The BiBo Shoreditch express lunch menu is priced at £25 per person and is available between 12pm and 2.30pm everyday. For more information and booking, visit: www.grupodanigarcia.com

@cheriecity
Insane tapas at BiBo by Dani Garcia at Mondrian Shoreditch #CollageVideo #tapas #london #food #yummy
? Feels This Good – Jon Mero & LÒNIS

London, Restaurants

Dinner at Tapas Revolution Shoreditch

November 5, 2015 by cheriecity

Tapas is such a joy when it’s done well, especially when grazed on leisurely in the sunny climes of Spain. London has some fantastic tapas restaurants, but there is certainly a lack of neighbourhood drop-in tapas bars that are such an integral part of Spanish culture.

That’s where Omar Allibhoy comes in, bringing a taste of the Madrid tapas bar scene to London with the excellent Tapas Revolution Shoreditch. This boutique group of casual, modern tapas bars had humble beginnings in Westfield and Bluewater shopping malls, but the latest outpost is its first standalone tapas bar, occupying a prime spot in between Shoreditch High Street and the top of Brick Lane.

Chef Omar Allibhoy excelled in the world of innovative fine dining at elBulli under Ferran Adrià and at Maze with Jason Atherton before joining El Pirata in Mayfair as executive chef and then opening Tapas Revolution.

I visited on a mid-week evening and immediately liked the warm design and lively yet chilled out atmosphere at Tapas Revolution. You can park up at the spacious bar or grab a table overlooking the open kitchen and counter.

The friendly, welcoming staff explained the menu to us and made some good recommendations. We chatted about Spanish gastronomy with our waiter and he told us that everything is made completely from scratch in the kitchen.

The meal got off to a great start as we were presented with the most visually-pleasing Gambas a la plancha (£7.95). One of my favourite indulgences when in Spain is fresh seafood, so this dish brought back memories of happy days in the sun. The majestic king prawns had a lovely smoky taste and were doused in a punchy garlic, herb and olive oil sauce.

I can never resist Croquetas de jamón (£5.50) and these ones were very authentic and moreish. The golden, hand-rolled croquetas were filled with oozing, silky bechamel but only a few tiny flecks of jamón, so that flavour was rather muted.

Patatas bravas (£3.75) are a must-order staple of any tapas meal, in my opinion, and these ones were exemplary. I’m not a fan of the spicy ketchup breed of patatas bravas, but here, the fried potatoes had a naturally sweet flavour and were drizzled in a bold, piquant tomato sauce and a yummy, intensely garlicky aioli.

Tortilla de patata (£5.25) was served as a lightly golden cake, rather than a large slice. It was filled with layers of soft potato and caramelised onion and had a typically runny centre that made it even more of a comfort dish. It could’ve been seasoned with a little more salt, but the aioli made up for it.

Carne a la parrilla (£6.75) was a tasty dish of succulent, medium-grilled flank of beef with slim slices of crispy potatoes on a bed of juicy roasted red peppers. The acidic red peppers brought out the rich flavours of the beef and the herby potatoes were a perfect accompaniment.

Albóndigas en salsa (£5.50) was a beautifully-cooked, homely dish with the kind of recipe that you can imagine a Spanish grandma would pass down through generations. The tender, melt-in-the-mouth beef meatballs were coated in a sweet, slow-roasted tomato sauce studded with soft carrots and peas, topped with fresh chives. Be sure to order these meatballs for the table and mop up the heavenly sauce with some bread.

Tapas is a crafty kind of cuisine – the concept of small plates can make you feel virtuous but in fact, the dishes tend to be rather rich to make a lasting impression. Napoleon complex, perhaps? Of course, I always find a tiny spot of room for dessert and there can be none greater than Torrija. This traditional dessert, usually eaten at Easter in Spain, is similar to French Toast. A thick slice of brioche is soaked in milk and fried, then topped with orange blossom-scented Crema Catalana and a generous dusting of cinnamon.

It’s the most delightful sharing dessert to end the meal, but would also work well as an indulgent afternoon treat. I’m definitely tempted to try and make it at home, or better still, go on a hunt for the perfect Torrija in Spain!

Tapas Revolution Shoreditch is a great spot to enjoy authentic Spanish bites over a few glasses of Sangria with friends. With a nightly happy hour and menu rapido including a drink for just £7.95, there’s no reason not to!

For more information, visit: www.tapasrevolution.com

Chérie City was a guest of Tapas Revolution

Photos by Chérie City and Tapas Revolution

Barcelona, Bars, Restaurants

Amazing Tapas at Ocaña in Barcelona

September 16, 2014 by cheriecity

Ocaña is a stylish spot on Barcelona’s popular Plaça Reial that stands out from the copious bars and restaurants for its opulent design and cool branding.

The multi-purpose venue is a tribute to daring performance artist Jose Perez Ocaña who lived on the palm tree-lined square and was known for his flamboyant appearance and flower-filled balcony. The interiors evoke the faded glamour of an old theatre with worn red velvet seating, chandeliers and red roses on each table.

On the hot summer’s day that we visited, most people were simply enjoying beers and a few tapas on the terrace, however Ocaña also comprises a gastronomic restaurant, apotheke cocktail bar and a late-night club space. We managed to walk in and grab a table at the front of the restaurant overlooking the terrace.

The menu focuses on ‘urban tapas’ and larger plates, with the dishes printed on creative screen-printed newspapers. Our Iced Teas (€3.50) were brought swiftly and we ordered a small selection of tapas to graze on.

Acorn-fed Ham Croquettes (€5) were crispy and golden, filled with a creamy cheese and garlic sauce punctuated with flaky, flavoursome ham.

Potato and Onion Omelette with Spicy Chorizo (€5.50) was generously sized (big enough for two to share) and packed full of layered potato, onion and chorizo, which was surprisingly very mild. Like most tortilla in Barcelona, it was served cold and topped with smoked paprika, fresh chives and a sprinkling of sea salt.

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Olives (€6.50) featured two plump skewers of succulent chicken thigh, well-marinated in preserved lemon, olives and spices. They were accompanied by tasty home-made fries, making it quite a substantial tapa dish.

Patatas Bravas (€4.80) were delicious and comforting with freshly-fried potatoes smothered in aioli and olive oil. Once again, they weren’t spicy, but still moreish and full of flavour.

The dessert menu is quite simple, so we moved on for a long walk around El Born, taking in the lively atmosphere on the streets for Catalonia Day.

Ocaña is great for a chilled out evening meal or starting a night out in the busy centre of Barcelona. Given the concept and the design, I’d expected it to feel a bit more quirky and found the atmosphere a little subdued (perhaps because it was a bank holiday).

However, service is fine and generally quick, so if you don’t fancy queuing for Les Quinze Nits on the other side of the square, Ocaña is worth a visit.

For more information and booking, visit: www.ocana.cat

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

Boqueria Tapas, Brixton – London

October 26, 2012 by cheriecity

Boqueria tapas bar is a real hidden gem on a quiet residential street in Brixton. However, its reputation precedes it and just as we visited a few nights ago, it was named Time Out Eating & Drinking Awards 2012 Best New Cheap Eat.

Named after the famous food market in Barcelona, Boqueria is a contemporary, stylish yet homely neighbourhood restaurant with a separate bar and dining room. The menu is a tempting mix of traditional tapas and more innovative dishes, prices are very reasonable and the staff are warm and friendly – what could be better!

As always, the tapas arrive at the table when they are ready and the first to arrive were the Pan con ali-oli (£2.20) and Patatas Bravas (£3.90) – smoked paprika salsa brava and ali oli.

Tortilla Española (£4.90) was very authentic with thin slices of potato and caramelised onion – a tiny bit runny inside, served at room temperature. It was perfectly accompanied with a slick of deliciously rich, spicy tomato sauce.

The Chorizo a la Sidra (£4.50) came served in a terracotta dish and was infused with subtle flavours of cider and served in plump chunks. The generously sized, high quality chorizo was dense and soft, with a little bit of the melted fat still intact. It’s a tasty, comforting dish and is perfect for sharing.

Another favourite were the mixed Croquetas (£4.75). The long-shaped croquetas were filled with small pieces of Iberian ham and a rich, gooey cheese filling, coated in fine, golden breadcrumbs. The round cheese croquetas had a more intense, mature taste and were equally delicious and flavoursome.

Presa Iberica con Puré de Boniato (£7.20) included thick slices of tender, juicy Iberian pork with salted Padrón peppers and matchstick fries, instead of the sweet potato purée on the menu. The pork was simply cooked on the charcoal grill and the peppers were a great accompaniment.

Cochinillo Asado (£8.50) – suckling pig with parsnip, sweet potato crisps, apple sauce and lemon sorbet – was the most exciting and innovative dish. The tender, shredded pork was covered with a thick layer of crispy crackling and was served on top of thin, crunchy parsnip and sweet potato crisps. The meat wasn’t overly seasoned, so the acidic freshness of the green apple puree and lemon sorbet added an interesting flavour.

Desserts at Boqueria are exceptionally well-priced and very authentic. The Crema Catalana (£3.50) had a satisfyingly thick, crunchy layer of burnt sugar covering a creamy, slightly warm custard. It’s big enough to share, however, you won’t want to miss out on the heavenly Tarta di Santiago (£3.50). The generous slice of cake was dense, sweet and sticky with a crumbly crust and dusted with icing sugar.

It went beautifully with my glass of Pedro Ximénez, Triana Hidalgo (£6.20) red sherry, which was sweet, syrupy and full-bodied, with notes of raisin and prune.

Boqueria is an absolute delight to visit, as you can eat extremely well for a modest price in a friendly, laid-back setting. Even though it has only been open since February this year, it already seems to have a good following. The Boqueria Cafe next door is also worth a visit for churros and melted chocolate, bocadillos, tortilla and pinchos.

Boqueria feels like a great London secret, however, this award-winning restaurant won’t remain under the radar for long.

For more information and reservations, visit: www.boqueriatapas.com

Chérie City was a guest of Boqueria

Photos by Chérie City and Boqueria

Barcelona, Bars, Cafes, Restaurants

Notes From Barcelona: Bar Kasparo

June 5, 2010 by cheriecity

After a long delayed flight, a coach trip from Girona and trudging around trying to find the hotel, there was only one place I wanted to be in Barcelona… Bar Kasparo.

An institution of Upper Raval, Bar Kasparo is tucked away under the arches in a leafy, relaxing square, just a short walk away from the bustle of La Rambla and the MACBA. Throughout the day, people flock to its buzzy outdoor terrace for an early Catalan breakfast, a cold beer and tapas at lunchtime, or dinner and drinks in the evening.

I’ve been to Bar Kasparo a few times for drinks and one time had some delicious pasta there in the evening. This time we hadn’t eaten since having some scrambled eggs on buttered toast at the airport, so we ordered a late lunch of four tapas dishes and drinks.

We went for Patatas Bravas wedges, a fried ricotta cheese ball with tomato salsa, a beef filo pastry empanada and a slice of tortilla. Everything arrived pretty quickly – the portion sizes were generous and everything was well presented with paprika and chives garnish.

The wedges came with a spicy tomato sauce and sour cream and were soft and not too greasy. The beef filo pastry was mince cooked in a light curry sauce and wrapped in bubbly crispy pastry.

The ricotta cheese ball had very light breadcrumbs and although the cheese can be a bit bland, it went well with the warm tomato salsa. The tortilla arrived less than five minutes after the other dishes, so it’s not photographed here, but it was thick, slow cooked and full of soft potato.

Our bill came to around 21 Euros including service. It’s not the cheapest place for lunch, as just across the street you can get a quick foccacia or panini at Buenas Migas for less, but at Bar Kasparo you know that you can get good food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bar Kasparo, Plaza Vincenç Martorell, 4, Barcelona

Barcelona, Restaurants

Notes From Barcelona: La Dolca Herminia

June 3, 2010 by cheriecity

On our second night in Barcelona, we wanted to try another restaurant from the Fork & Pillow group and the one with the most delicious sounding menu in the area we wanted to be in was La Dolça Herminia.

After a long day of walking and a well-deserved nap, we ended up arriving pretty late, even by Catalan standards, at around 11pm. Not that this mattered, as we were shown to a table and didn’t feel like we were imposing.

We were offered the three course set menu with bread and water or a ¼ of wine each for just 19 Euros. There were four choices for each course and true to form, we both started with the Patatas Brava.

The starter arrived on a large platter with piping hot cubed potatoes, a spicy tomato sauce with thin slices of chorizo and a drizzle of mayo on top. Everything tasted fresh, liked it had been immediately served and the portion size was so large that the main course seemed a bit daunting.

The courses were pinging out of the kitchen like lightning bolts, perhaps because it was getting close to the end of the evening. The waitresses kept us amused, as there were some real characters there!

Breaking the pattern of copycat ordering, I chose the duck leg confit with orange sauce and cinnamon potatoes. Having always eaten duck breast, I was surprised at how tender, succulent and colourful the leg meat is – comparatively tastier than chicken legs. The meat was so soft, it just slipped away from the bone so easily and there was a good amount of meat to tuck into.

The orange sauce was tangy, sweet and just thick enough and the potatoes were slowly cooked and well seasoned, although ordering two courses of potatoes wasn’t the smartest move.

Steven went for the grilled chicken with a pesto sauce and grilled vegetables. It must have been good, because he polished off the lot and has a new found liking for our veggie nemesis…the courgette!

I’m not sure where the house wine was from, but it was quite full-bodied and sharper than the Rioja at Market. It was pleasant and drinkable but it probably wouldn’t have been my first choice of wine.

Trying the find the lightest dessert on the menu, we both ordered the Crema Catalana, which was covered with a flower pattern made with a caramel sauce. It had a hint of orange and vanilla and came under a crisp layer of burnt sugar.

Service was unbelievably speedy, although I’m sure if we arrived earlier, we would’ve had more time to digest between courses.

The restaurant is tucked away on a side street in a quiet area just behind Urquinaona metro between the Barri Gotic and El Born. It’s not the kind of place you’d just stumble upon, and doesn’t have the atmosphere or slick touches of Market, but it’s worth visiting for the high standard of food and a great value set menu.

All photos: Cherie City