Tabla de quesos: manchego, fontina, and brie with fresh fruit
Pato con peras: braised duck confit with mushrooms, pears, and port wine sauce
Pollo in cerveza: beer marinated chicken wings with garlic sauce
Pincho de pollo al mojo picon: chicken brochettes served with caramelized onions and cumin-garlic aioli
Crema catalana
Our Protagonist had help from two dining partners on this occasion, allowing for more than the usual sampling and less than usual guilt, afterwards. One of those mysterious but wonderful Iberian dishes are the versions of garlic-rubbed bread. Having grown up with Italian style garlic bread with a big roasted clove on each piece, it is a wonder to Our Protagonist how much garlic flavor really is imbued to the bread from the mere act of rubbing. Combining this with an excellent balsamic reduction, fresh tomatoes and basil, and the never-fail Manchego cheese, and we have a winner. The "Table of cheeses" speaks for itself. Manchego joined with Fontina and Brie; how much better can it get? That Duck confit? Excellent; one really not need elaborate. The Pincho de pollo? It was fine, but was not the Duck; the Duck was simply that good as to wipe everything else out, memory-wise. It certainly had a presence-demanding aioli, though, and contrasted nicely with the caramelized onions. The beer marinated chicken wings were also good; slightly different than norm with their tangy garlic sauce, so a nice change of pace from your typical sports bar Buffalo-style offering. The Crema catalana was a nice finish; smooth and creamy, but still light. But was it the Duck, you're asking? No, just make sure to not skip the Duck and your evening's happiness will be assured; no such guarantee on anything else. Except, well, anything that includes Manchego cheese...
Sangria
1532 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
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