La Tasca – you probably know the one. Every 6 months or so, the folks behind this sprawling chain of Spanish restaurants update their menu… sometimes they are kind enough to invite us down to see what’s new.
La Tasca’s winter menu for 2016 introduces (and reintroduces) some familiar Spanish favourites – along with La Tasca’s take on some familiar favourites. Unlike some of their competitors, La Tasca (which has restaurants all over London, Manchester, Durham, Liverpool and more…) possess no fear of overhauling entire sections of the menu at a time. This is, again, what they have done here.
Amongst other things, this new menu includes 5 new mains, four new sangrias, what looks like 13 new tapas and an entirely new section of montaditos (‘montar’ means ‘mount’ – so this is a type of baked bread rubbed with olive oil and ‘mounted’ with other ingredients. I guess you could say bruschetta…?)
They’ve also maintained 2 for 1 on certain cocktails, all day every day – to help you ensure that your life priorities are entirely in order :3
Anyway, here’s what we tried…
The Starters / Tapas
Brocoli Ala Brasa £3.95
Char-grilled broccoli with garlic & red chilli dressing. Served just a little softer than al dente – I believe this is tenderstem. The sauce lifts it a little, adding a warm spiciness – but it’s more ‘subtle’ than ‘flavoursome’. What were you expecting from broccoli anyway?
Fabada Asturiana £4.95
A rich Spanish morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo, pork belly & bean stew, the signature dish of Asturias. Probably my favourite La Tasca dish – it is warming, rich, texturally varied and one of the best. I think they refer to this as ‘peasant food’. If this is the case, those Asturian peasants ate pretty well…
Boquerones £4.25
Somewhat acerbic and salty tiny anchovy goodness, just how they serve it in Spain. To be fair, these aren’t ‘rocket science’, you can buy Boquerones ready cured in a plastic tray and serve them straight as a fishy snack.
The Mains
Brocheta de Pollo £9.95
Chicken breast marinated in a honey & paprika spiced glaze skewered with onion & padron peppers & served with salad or patatas bravas. An inverted chicken, onion and pepper kebab hanging tenuously/pendulously above said potatoes. The glaze isn’t all that obvious, it’s easier to taste the honey than the paprika. Not great, not bad.
Chorizo Burger £9.95
A tender patty of beef chuck, short rib & chorizo, served in a brioche bun with caramelised onion, manchego, piquillo pepper ketchup & served with patatas fritas. My plus one, Darren/Girthdaddy ordered this one before I could :3
More info:
http://latasca.com/food-menus/main/