rev:text
| - Patria is an upscale tapas restaurant. It's definitely not an authentic tapas bar that you would find in the bustling street of Barcelona, but that's fine by me! Warning though: every swanky restaurant comes with a price tag. Prepare yourself for an expensive night out, particularly because tapas add up quickly (totally worth it though!).
It's a fun place to dine because it's all about sharing food, tasting a variety of flavours and fighting your friends for the last bite ;) I have a serious obsession with their Datiles (Dates, Bacon, Manchego, Guindillas). You MUST try them! They are sweet and savory with a hint of heat. I also recommend the Croquetas de Jamon (with Aioli sauce), Pimientos de Padron (Blistered Peppers with Sea Salt), and the Brussels Bravas (Sprouts, Spicy Tomato, Aioli, Chorizo). Patria is known for their Paella but I prefer to stick to the tapas. If you order Paella keep in mind that it takes 45 mins to cook. Apparently the rice needs to "rest" to allow the flavours to blend.
Patria has a huge selection of Spanish wine. If you're a wino, ask to speak to the in-house sommelier. I usually do and have always been elated, but last time I was there I trusted our server's recommendation and it was a total disappointment. He suggested a Puerta Del Sol Tempranillo and it was so acidic that I could hardly choke it down. It was an $85 bottle, and I discovered later that it had a market value of 8 euros. Ha! What a rip off! The mark up on wine is outrageous (but I suppose that happens everywhere...).
The Service is fantastic. They're present when needed (and not overbearing or superficially friendly). And when not needed, they let you eat in peace, discreetly refilling your water like they're Jedi mind readers knowing precisely when your hydrations levels are at risk.
Best to make a reservation in advance, but you can always try your luck as a walk-in. If no tables are available, ask to sit at the bar. Otherwise, you're in King West with a gazillion other restaurants to choose from ;)
Happy eating!
|