Tapas

As we settle in to Tapas Bar and Restaurant on a quiet Thursday night, I am able to scan the entire dining area with in moments. With seating for only about 40 guests, Tapas is cosy and inviting. Made so by the open kitchen and high ceiling with dangling light yellow lamp lights. Tapas is located right in midtown on Thomasville Rd. and 5th St. I love this location. It's close enough but just far enough to escape my little college town and enjoy a quiet, relaxing dinner.

We sat only moments before a young, attractive waitress filled our tall water glasses with spring water in an old-fashioned glass corked canteen. She handed us our menus (a single sheet of paper, obviously printed daily) and a large wine list. Me, an advocate of buying local when I can, noticed a peach chardonnay grown right here in Tallahassee for $9 dollars/glass. We decided it would be a good choice for both of us, two fans of fruity whites, and ordered it right away! It was delicious and light and not as sweet as you might think.

Our waitress came back to inform us about their daily specials: chipotle pepper hummus served with Spanish olives and pita triangles, and the braised pork shank, over maple sweet potatoes, pears, and a pecan banana praline sauce. Seconds after hearing the words spill out of her mouth I declared: We will take them both! There are two things in life I can never pass up: hummus and mashed sweet potatoes. We also opted for the tuna "raro" which was equally delicious. Rare tuna fillet was stacked atop a tostone (savory, crispy plantain) with creme fraiche, avocado salsa, and a blood orange mojo vinaigrette! YUM.

Among the other 14 tapas to choose from their were sea scallops, petite fillet, a cheese plate, a few chicken dishes as well as colorful salads adorned with nuts and crumbly cheeses to choose from. The tapas range from about $8-$12 dollars which is not bad considering how ample the portions are.

The chef trained at Kool Beanz Cafe here in town for 3 years before opening his own establishment. You can expect creative combination of simple delicious and fresh food!

They are open Tues-Sat, 5-10 PM with a monthly Blue Grass Brunch. With a wine bar next door to extend your evening, Tapas is the perfect start!

www.tapastally.com