Yummy Tapas

Before my girlfriend went home on Monday we wanted to go out and get some good food that wasn't available to her in Manitowoc, WI. We decided on tapas and headed over to Bar Ferdinand for some nice atmosphere, good food, and pleasant company.

So much yummy food and too little available stomach space. Nonetheless, we did our best to try a good sampling from the menu.

In round 1 we had:

Aceitunas (Spanish olives)


Bocaldillo Cerdo Frito (slowly fried pork, mahon cheese, mustard, roasted peppers and onions), which was so yummy that I lost my self control and took a bite before hubby reminded me to snap a photo.

Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli)

The seasonal special of quickly sauteed ramps. This was my first time munching on ramps and they were so sweet, tender, and amazing. I now must search a farmers market to see if I can find some during their very short season.

Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp, olive oil, garlic, chilies) We had to ask for more bread to go along with these bad boys. You can just leave all the olivey, garlicky goodness in the pan, can you?!

Costilla De Buey (braised beef short rib, olive oil mashed potatoes, pomegranate jus). Soooooooo good and hubby's favorite.

End round 1. We were full by this point but not sufficiently stuffed so we ordered two more plates. First was a chicken filled empanada. It was good (I forgot to take a photo) but nothing to write home about.

We also got Manchego Frito (membrillo stuffed fried manchego cheese, frozen apple foam, walnut membrillo puree) You can't go wrong with fried cheese and the apple foam was source of much laughter and discussion. Molecular gastronomy isn't really my thing, but it was fun and tasty. The presentation was gorgeous too.

And last but not least we had to end with a little shared dessert. We got the Torrija De Manzana (fried cider soaked break, cinnamon ice cream, and candied orange zest.) This dish has just the right mix of favorites and I would call it one of my favorites of all time. I seriously dream about this stuff.

So if you haven't been, get thee to Bar Ferdinand. And to my friends spread around the country (and world!) come visit me - I'll feed you well, I promise!