Came to Carmen around 9 p.m. a Saturday night for two without a reservation. They still had table at the bar available, but not in the main dining area. Fine. The opening and closing of the door made for a bit of a chilly dining experience and the fluorescent lighting a bit odd, but the food made up for it! Spanish food ranks as one of my favourite cuisines.
Drinks to start: Red and White Sangria. This was made with a variety of liquors, red/white wine, and orange juice.
We had a variety of tapas (maybe 5), I can only remember 4:
Marinated mussels plated in an open can served with bread - It's kind of like ceviche, but with oil, but doesn't have an oily mouth feel. Just smooth with a bit of a vinegar hit. It's nice.
Pressed watermelon with iberico ham on a skewer - This was refreshing and an idea I would "borrow" for my own summer party. A bit stingy on the iberico ham though. Maybe they should increase the cost a bit if the price of the ham is at a premium.
Grilled shrimp - Four shrimps, butterflied and grilled perfectly with lemon juice and salt. Especially tasty of you eat the head of the shrimp.
Homemade sausage with lentils and amazing demi-glace-like sauce - the sauce was phenomenal. I could eat this sauce with lentils everyday. The sausage was tender as well.
A glass of sweet sherry topped off the meal. Cost was about $100 for two. The owner came around to say hello and introduced the menu very well.
I'd love to come back with 4 people and share the paella and some additional tapas. The main dining area with the warm wood and high ceilings looked very relaxing.