Tapas has become this ubiquitous word we (or at least I) use to describe everything that is a small plate of morsels designed to be shared, it evokes a flavour of leisurely lunches, delicious glasses of wine, grazing and most importantly the joys of sharing food with friends and loved ones.
London is no stranger to the Tapas scene, we have Spanish tapas, Italian & Indian tapas small plates and lots of cuisines that do the small sharing plates concept extremely well. Omar Allibhoy has already been a key player on the Spanish foodie scene with his famed Mayfair restaurant ‘El Pirata’ and he’s now started a more low key chain of Tapas Revolution, aiming to, you guessed it, revolutionise and simplify Tapas.
He prides himself on using authentic Spanish ingredients and doing all of the cooking from scratch in his own kitchens and with the casual buzzing atmosphere in the restaurant, we’re looking forward to a slap up dinner.
I can never avoid ordering the Jamon in good Spanish restaurants and the plate of Bellota Iberico ham is just as melt in the mouth and delectable as meant to be, washed down with some padron peppers, with a sprinkling of sea salt to add to the flavour. They could use a bit more crunch to them, but I think it’s an item that needs to feature on a LOT more menus!
For mains, we go for the Fritura Mista, a mixed basket of deep-fried squid, whitebait and prawns served with aioli and lemon, this is crispy and crunchy and the aioli is the perfect complement to the generous portion of seafood.
The half rack of grilled baby-back ribs and marinated T-bone lamb chops are our carnivorous options and their meatiness is well complemented by the lightness of the zingy, fresh salad that comes heaped with goat’s cheese, apple, pine nuts and celery.
Service here has been cheerful and while it’s a little slow, they’ve already won me over by not referring to anything as pesky as a seating time, which can make you feel welcome just by it’s absence.
Tapas Revolution
58 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JW
www.tapasrevolution.com/shoreditch/