August 22nd, 2012
Tapas Adela, A Flavor of Spain, Fells Point, Restaurant, Tapas Bar/Restaurant, Review, Baltimore, Maryland
Before I moved to the Delaware Beaches, I called Baltimore, Maryland, my home. I worked at First National Bank of Maryland in the International Department with Latin America. It was an exciting time for the City of Baltimore….its Inner Harbor was taking shape; lost of building and great expectations. I could see it all from our building which was at the corner of Light & Redwood Streets. It put Baltimore on the map, once again, and a tourist destination began in earnest. It has been 32 years since the inauguration of the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
So, when I visit Baltimore, I have to tell you that I feel right at home. The City has wonderful neighborhoods; with those neighborhoods come great food, as well.
On Tuesday I found myself in Charm City. After errands, a trip to Historic Fells Point was on my radar. Fells Point was founded in 1730. It became a shipbuilder and commercial center.
The USS Constellation was among the first vessels commissioned for the United States Navy; built in a Fells Point shipyard.
Fells Point was also a major point of entry for immigrants into the U.S.
The Historic District is full of art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. People were walking around and enjoying one beautiful day.
The cobblestone streets add to the character of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore.
A first time stop at Tapas Adela, which is located at 814 Broadway, Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21231. Tel. 410-534-6262. Website? http://www.tapasadela.com. This restaurant is part of the Kali’s Restaurant Group, located on 1606 Thames St., also in Historic Fells Point. To see their other restaurants, please visit htt://www.kalisrestaurantgroup.com.
Outdoor seating? Of course. It was a gorgeous day. 82 degrees with a light breeze; the harbor was a block away.
Tapas Adela also has indoor seating, at the bar.
And, at a separate dining room.
Jason came to greet us; it was going to be somewhat of a late lunch. Jason knew his menu well and gave us just the right suggestions.
First things first…an order of drinks and refreshments. Iced tea and a Cava Coctel: Poema Cava, blood orange bitters, agave nectar and lemon zest. It looked so pretty that I had to take a picture. It was well received.
Tapas, small plates….the perfect portion. Even before tapas became so popular in this country, I always have enjoyed them. So many dishes to taste. Bread is always present with tapas. Jason presented us with bread, olive oil and some mojo. We were on our way for a few hours of tastings.
An order of Charcuterie: Jamon Serrano, Chorizo Artesano, Salchichon, Lomo, and Fuet. It also came with dates and peppers that were not too hot, but the perfect addition to some salty meats.
An order of Boquerones (white anchovies) came through. These are one of my favorites. They used to be hard to find but I think they are more common at markets. They are mild with a pickled flavor. They are so good on Caesar Salads too.
I can make my own gazpacho, but I do order it when the weather is warm. With tomatoes still so plentiful, it is just a great soup. The Gazpacho a La Plancha had golden and red tomatoes, grilled shrimp and scallop. The gazpacho was perfectly seasoned with just enough vinegar and olive oil. I usually add crab meat to mine; but the grilled shrimp and scallop gave it a different angle.
I had to order the Tortilla Espanola. This is a tradition in Spanish tascas; a must. This was a traditional egg tortilla, with an addition of seasonal veggies and lemon aioli.
Jason told me I would like the Crispy Artichokes. He was right. I loved them. They were the baby ones, with a tempranillo reduction. Tempranillo is a diminutive of temprano or early. A variety of black grapes that ripen early; used to make full bodied red wines in Spain.
Love beets too. I was just in Colorado and their beets there were unreal. Still remembering them, I decided to order the Roasted Beets with Cava de Cabra, Baby Arugula, and an orange saffron vinaigrette. All combinations were excellent.
An order of Pan Seared Diver Scallops with pistachio and sage vinaigrette, accompanied by roasted cauliflower and garlic baby spinach. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
I was not sure if I really was up for dessert. I will blame AboutMyBeaches for this one. Had to, therefore, I ordered the Crema Catalan, which was like a Creme Brule. It had a citrus taste to it.
And, only one. I only had one….a churro. The order comes with a few more, though. This is also traditionally from Spain. Great with coffee or hot chocolate.
Coffee!! Espresso…The end!!
Tapas are great for generating conversation. Lots of small plates, discussions, you know what I mean, don’t you….it was perfect!!
Talk to you later. Have a good one.
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Tags: Baltimore, Charm City, Fells Point, Gluten free awareness, Historic Fells Point, Maryland, outdoor dining in Fells Point, Restaurant, Restaurant in Fells Point, review, Small Plates, Tapas Adela, Tapas Bar, Tapas Restaurant, Where to eat in Baltimore, Where to eat in Fells Point
