Spanish temptation: Tantalizing tapas at Taberna de Haro
Gambas al ajillo, or shrimp with garlic and olive oil. (Photo by Ling-Mei Wong.)
By Ling-Mei Wong
Tapas, or Spanish small plates, are big stars at Taberna de Haro. Flavors are bold without overpowering the ingredients, with an emphasis on freshness. An extensive wine list with more than 300 Spanish wines makes the cozy restaurant perfect for an enjoyable evening.
Tapas at the bar are $4 each from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights, which is extended until 11 p.m. on weekends. If you’re sitting at a table, prices range from $5 for Spanish olives to $18 for River Rock Farm beef meatballs.
Seafood is a must-have. Gambas al ajillo, or shrimp with garlic and olive oil, were fresh and juicy. The succulent taste of the shrimp blended with the oil, making them the perfect complement to the crusty bread. The calamares fritos, or fried squid, were crispy battered squid that paired exquisitely with tangy lemon juice.
Another hit were the albóndigas de bacalão, or saffron-codfish balls, which came with mayonnaise dipping sauce. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, the flavor of the fresh codfish shone through.
Patatas bravas, or fried potatoes with hot sauce. Photo by Ling-Mei Wong
Patatas bravas, or fried potatoes with hot sauce, were delicious and simple. The potatoes were piping hot without being greasy. Dressed in Tabasco-flavored sauce and parsley, the fried potatoes disappeared quickly.
Champiñones a la plancha, or mushrooms cooked on a cast-iron griddle “plancha” with garlic, was another simple but elegant dish. Sautéed button mushrooms soak up the garlic for an intensely flavorful bite.
The plato combinado, or marinated pork loin, fried eggs and French fries, looked like a typical breakfast plate. However, the pork loin was amazingly tender and the French fries burst with flavor. Sizzling sunny-side up eggs rounded out a satisfying plate.
Dishes are made fresh and served hot, so grab a glass of wine and some good friends while you wait.
Taberna de Haro
999 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 277-8272
tabernaboston.com
This post is also available in: Chinese
