Bocadillos Tapas and Wine Bar
Small Plates---- Great Wines
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
We
love dining in San Francisco as there are so many excellent
restaurants. We were in the mood for a light dinner and wine and
had always wanted to try Bocadillos Tapas and Wine Bar
which features a Spanish inspired Tapas Menu using predominantly
organic and sustainable ingredients. Bocadillos
is owned by Chef Gerald Hirigoyen who is also
known for his popular Basque Restaurant Piperade.
Chef Hirigoyen is very accomplished and has authored several cookbooks
and received numerous awards including the James Beard Award for
Best California Chef in 2006. Bocadillos will
be celebrating their 10th Anniversary in 2014 and is located on
the corner of Montgomery and Columbus and features a casual atmosphere
with an upbeat City vibe. The décor features bold colors
and custom lighting with multiple seating options including bar
seating, a communal table, high top tables along the wall and
window seating. In June, Bocadillos introduced
their new Chef James LaLonde who is very experienced
and has added his creative touch to the focused menu.
We
arrived just before 6:00 PM and were able to take advantage of
their Happy Hour Wine Tasting Flights created
by Sommelier Brian Burke from their California, French, Basque
and Spanish wine list. We enjoy flights as they are a great way
to find new wines to enjoy. The White Wine Tasting Flight consisted
of the 2011 Monopole Vuira Rioja, the 2011 Do Ferreiro
Albarino, Rias Baixas Spain and the sparkling, and our favorite
of the three the 2011 Ameztoi Hondarrabi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina
Spain which was very lively! The Red Wine Tasting Flight
consisted of the 2006 La Rioja Alta "Vin Alberdi Tempranillo
Rioja, Spain, the 2010 Cyan Tempranillo Toro Spain
and our favorite the 2007 Arrels Garancha Montsant Spain.
We
sipped our wines and ordered from the interesting focused Tapas
menu. Our first delight was the Chilled Prawns Huevos Diablo
with Guindillas and pimento. It was a single Prawn on Deviled
Egg which was beautifully presented and perfectly spiced.
Next, we really enjoyed the Padron Peppers with sea salt and lemon
which were really luscious.
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The
Bocadillos are also a must! Bocadillo
means a snack or small sandwich in Spanish and we loved the 24
month Serrano Ham pan con tomate and the Braised
Short Rib with arugula and sherry caramelized onion.
They
are served with a small side salad. We were told that they are
also the favorites on the lunch menu! Another excellent choice
is the Chicken Liver Mousse with sherry, strawberry and
peppercress. It was so light and creamy. The Pork Belly
served in a pan with watermelon, scallions and mint was an interesting
combination and fun. The Corn Fritters with manchego,
chorizo and tomatillo salsa were also delicious and very popular.
A glass of the 2008 Arrels Garnacha Montsant Spain paired
perfectly with our meal.
As
always, we saved room for Desserts and Double Espressos. We loved
both the decadent not too sweet Warm Chocolate Cake with
Banana Ice Cream and the Caramel Flan with Maldon Salt.
They were both perfect and reminded us of how important great
desserts are to the lasting impression of the meal! A Jorge Ordonez
" Victoria" Moscatel and a Castellroig Cava Brut Pendes
Spain were the perfect finish to our wonderful dining experience.
Bocadillos
Tapas and Wine Bar met and even exceeded our expectations!
We loved the fabulous small plates, the wines and the variety
you can enjoy. Everyone was having such a good time and it was
fun seeing other diners ordering and enjoying their "favorites".
The service was excellent and we will surely be back soon for
lunch, dinner or their Spanish Breakfast which starts at 7:00
AM weekdays.
Bocadillos
Tapas and Wine Bar
710 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-982-2622
www.BocaSF.com