1118 Denman Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-558-4040

Web: www.espanarestaurant.ca/

Twitter: @espanayvr

Advice: Don’t go solo, best place to go with at least one or two friends and share some dishes. Open late nightly.

I love everything Spanish and Espana took me and my friend Peter on a culinary adventure of flavours. Sharing is the way to go here and we ordered a selection of dishes from bar snacks to a salad, along with a couple vegetarian dishes and a couple of desserts. We began with the tasty Crispy Chickpeas ($4) hot and sweet paprika and mint; followed by the Fennel & Orange Salad ($7) with pomegranates, walnuts, watercress and manchego.

Next was the outstanding Crispy Goat’s Cheese ($8) with a hint of orange blossom honey, frisee and walnuts; followed by the Patatas Bravas ($6) fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli. The Crispy Squid ($10) with chili jam, yogurt and mint was superb and was the perfect ending as we moved from savoury to dessert.

I fell in love with the Churros ($8) having both of the sauces (you have to ask them to serve both sauces as it is usually served with your choice of one) and loving both dark hot chocolate sauce as well as the housemade yogurt and dulce de leche (mix this sauce at the table). Their version of Crema Catalana ($8) custard was similar to a crème brulee with a smooth flavour.

With Chef Neil Taylor who is one of the owners at the helm in the kitchen, you are in good hands so to speak. You’ll find a selection of fine Sherry’s as well as Port to go along with the Spanish tapas, toasts, cheese and cured meats and you can dine late into the night.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Vancouver, BC V6G 1T2, Canada