Top Tapas Bar and Deli London W1 UK Review
Iberica Spanish Restaurant Casual Dining Good Food & Gourmet Shop
Jul 9, 2009
London's newest Spanish Tapas bar Iberica in Great Portland Street has become the trendiest West End venue for diners who like to eat good Spanish food in relaxed casual surroundings. With its sleek interior, inventive menu and good service Iberica food and culture is a terrific restaurant for casual gourmet dining and Deli shopping.
London's Iberica Tapas Bar is Trendy
A high-ceilinged modern interior and huge glass windows, sleek wooden tables, some to be shared and a long bar with comfortable stools for a quick bite of seafood or potato omelette tapas and perhaps a glass of good fruity Cava wine gives Iberica a sophisticated urban buzz.
Serrano and Iberico hams are the ambassadors of Spain's traditional fare and Iberica restaurant has cleverly highlighted this famous Spanish delicacy, both on the menu and in its display on the enticing Deli counter; the legs of ham placed in a dramatically dominant position with ultra modern steel moorings.
Starters on the Deli Menu at Iberica London
On the menu from the Deli what better choice for diners who have hitherto not experienced the many traditional dishes of Spanish Cuisine than the trio of superbly cut Iberico and Serrano hams partnered with a glass of vibrant Beronia Reserva 04 Rioja wine. This is an impressive start in preparation for a culinary journey of both innovative and authentic dishes created by Chef Santiago Guerrero.
First the deep red acorn fed ham coming from the region of Extramadura moist, sweet and juicy with a full-bodied intense aroma and subtle flavour, the lean meat glistening with white streaks of marbled fat This contrasts well with the Serrano ham from Teruel, dusky pink wafer thin wisps delicate in flavour with a hint of sweetness almost dissolving on the tongue. Lastly the Huelva ham glossy red with a delicate aroma sweet tasting and delectable with the faintest hint of salt.
Seafood and other Starters
Another familiar dish on the menu at Iberica with most travellers who have been to Spain is the whitebait; tiny fish lightly coated with a mixture of flour and bread, which come temptingly presented in a basket begging to be dipped in the fluffy aioli, less garlicky than the traditional mayonnaise but nevertheless a perfect bed fellow with the beautifully crisp and fresh silvery slivers.
Four cheeky looking plump Iberica Ham Croquetes arrive, lightly breaded oval cushions with a creamy bechamel filling and little squares of the Extramadura to give them a lively kick.The Spanish Omelette which is usually dry is served runny in the centre at Iberica certainly an interesting change although perhaps the salt conscious might ask for a little less seasoning.
The Rice with Wild Mushroom and Idiazabal Cheese (smoked sheep's milk) is a good vegetarian choice creamy with a light saffron flavour. Alternatively the rich, robust and rustic Black Rice with Cuttlefish Prawns and Aioli is a tempermental and passionate dish not to be taken lightly.The luxurious velvety dark Bomba rice and savoury flavours make the juicy seafood a definite stand alone main course with a mixed tomato salad, sliced onions and sherry vinaigrette.
Traditional Food and a Modern Interior at Iberica
Perhaps for a final "olé" to this excellent restaurant a highly recommended refreshing dessert; Stewed Nectarine with Cinnamon Ice-cream, Cookies and Catalan Cream Foam which triumphantly signals the end of a memorable meal.Thus proving the point that at Iberica good traditional Spanish dishes have transferred well into its funky urban West End venue. Chef Santiago along with part owner Marcus Fernández Pardo have risen like the Phoenix to the challenges of balancing the menu and sourcing ingredients that transfer well from regional Spain to Cool Brittania.
Innovative in its concept, Iberica also has a cultural events calender showcasing contemporary arts and culture from Spain. Diners can buy the best sourced Spanish produce from the Deli including top Spanish wines, over forty cheeses, best olive oils and of course the delicious Iberico Serrano cured hams and other regional charcuterie.For more information check the website.
The cost is £30 per head plus service. Iberica can be found at 195 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PS. For bookings telephone 020 7636 8650.
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