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| - This is probably the best location for a restaurant in Scottsdale. On one side, there's the waterfront, and the other overlooks a lovely little park with its own fountain.
Inside, it's just as attractive. Tables for two are cozy but not overly small and the restaurant accommodates large groups as well.
We went on a Saturday night and loved the band and dancer. They alone were the best part of the meal, closely followed by attentive wait staff.
As for the food, I'm a bit puzzled. I don't have another tapas experience to compare this to but I like the concept. It's sort of like dim sum minus the little carts going around that let you see the offerings. Or closer to home, the kind of tasting experience you get at food festivals like the one in Scottsdale. Except, of course, you can't see what you're ordering.
We tried a cheese plate--Manchega, which was nice--two seafood dishes, and Spanish meatballs. One of the seafood dishes sounded great--crabmeat-stuffed peppers--and it was very pretty but frankly, the crabmeat was underwhelming. Not bad, just nothing to get excited over.
The clams were in a tasty broth and the meatballs came in an tangy sauce. But honestly, the only thing that really wowed us was the sauce served with the bread, a kind of tzatziki.
I hope the veal and shrimp are the menu standouts but we'd made these at home the night before so we didn't try them. Maybe we should have.
Other Yelpers mentioned watered-down sangria. Mine was definitely was. But then, I've only had sangria at other people's homes. Maybe my friends make it too strong? Maybe Spanish cuisine is meant to be subtle? My overall impression from Tapas Papa Frita is underwhelming.
I can't say enough good things about the experience there, though. It was definitely a fun night. If I go back, I'd like to get there early enough to sit at the bar for a direct view of the dancer, who was wonderful!
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