Restaurants in Chicago - Cafe Iberico (recommendable)

This is a great Tapas place to go to with a group of friends.

We tried many different dishes:

-Tortilla Espanola

-Patas Ali-Oli (red potatoes with garlic mayonnaise sauce)

-Jabon Iberico (spanish cured ham with manchego cheese and tomato bread)

-Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp with olive oil, garlic and wine)

-Paella Marinera (seafood paella made with shrimp, fish, clams in a special saffron broth)

All dishes were well prepared and recommendable. I especially liked the tomato bread which is simple chopped fresh tomatoes + olive oil + salt on a piece of white bread.

The only thing is if you have any allergies and intolerances, the staff do not know the dishes well and can not give you a straight answer to your questions e.g. if a dish or sausage has lactose or not. They purchase their bread from someone else but do not know the ingredients.

With tip it is around $25 per person which is good value for money.

739 N La Salle St

Chicago IL 60654

www.cafeiberico.com

Barrafina, Tapas Bar, London

Barrafina
Tapas Bar, West End, London

This is my favourite place to have tapas in London. There is a non reservation policy which you rarely find in London. The evening usually starts with queuing for one of the precious seats at the bar, but this period is so delightful because you can start off with a glass of wine or sherry, and some small tapas on the side.
Already "warmed up", the actual meal is delightful. I particularly like watching the cooks preparing my dish right in front of me, as there is an open kitchen behind the bar. The food is excellent, fresh and tasty. Great atmosphere!

Barrafina
54 Frith Street,
London,

W1D 4SL

www.barrafina.co.uk

Restaurants London - Fino (very recommendable)

It is a trendy tapas place with a good wine list. Some say that the quality is not consistent, but I enjoyed it every time I went. It is a tiny bit on the pricy side but certainly worth it.

I am not very fond of squids in most places because they are extremely chewy. However Fino has tasty squids for 11.50 GBP, the classic tortilla for 5.50 GBP and the chorizo are all worth trying.

33 Charlotte St

London W1T 1RR

+44 207 813 8010

www.finorestaurant.com

Restaurants Madrid - Lateral

In the search for great spanish food.... PART 1. I have heard that there are tons of places for great food in Spain. I hope I don't board the plane on Monday singing U2's I still haven't found what I am looking for.

We had the traditional albondigas de ternera (meatballs), shrimp croquettes, patatas. It is a chain in Madrid where service is very fast. The food comes immediately, but is not very warm, which can for some not be as appetizing.

In Spain, bear in mind that there is not much respect for non smokers, so even in restaurants people smoke heavily. Even though the areas are separated it does not really make a difference.

It is minimal, but comes across unoriginal. Dimly lit with candle light. It seems more like a local meeting place which is nice an central, where do not really care about the food.

We spent 15 Euros per person, which I would not spend again and continue my search. 

Lateral

Velazquez 57

28001 Madrid

Tel 91 43 50 604

Restaurants Chicago - Avec (recommendable)

I would describe Avec's dishes as refined comfort food which is consistently good. The dishes are often meant for sharing and the flavours are delicious even for the fussiest eater!

The chorizo stuffed dates in red pepper sauce are fun. The main reason why I love going back there is their yummy foccacia dish!

Not for a romantic date, since it is very loud and one is seated at communal tables with wooden benches. However a nice and lively atmosphere!

The wine list is pretty decent and reasonably priced.

No reservations are taken, so usually at least 30 minutes wait and there is no place to wait.

$40 per person.

615 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 377-2002

www.avecrestaurant.com