TAPAS AND OTHER SPANISH DELECTABLES AT DALI

The elegant Dali Restaurante Y Bar de Tapas reflects the easygoing ambiance of many tapas bars in Spain.

In between the main meals of the day, the typical Español indulges the appetite to servings of choice tidbits, called tapas, in between sips of wine. The intake of tapas and wine, it seems, is a national passion in Spain—one that is fast becoming an international pursuit.

Having taken in so much from the Spanish outlook, the harried young Filipino urbanite will probably have no problem imbibing the laidback and easygoing ambience of Dali Restaurante y Bar de Tapas in Quezon City. Located at the corner of Lopez Drive and Sgt. Esguerra, Dali serves authentic Spanish dishes—ranging from classic tapas to generously-sized main courses and desserts that cull from traditional Spanish recipes.

The dining room invites leisurely dining amid walls of warm wood and iron details.

The spacious wine room makes for the perfect venue to sample Spanish wines and other imported vintages.

Dali offers tapas frios—cold treats that are nevertheless flavorful—and tapas calientes, which are naturally served hot. These include, among others, the classic Boquerones en Vinagre (fresh anchovy fillets in white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil), Huevos Rellenos (deviled eggs with assorted savory toppings as tuna, gambas and ham), slices of authentic air-dried cured Spanish ham (better known as jamon Serrano), bacalao (cod), Empanadillas (mini meat and vegetable pies), Quezo Rebosado (that is breaded fried farmer’s cheese drizzled with honey and cracked peppercorns) and the well-loved Salpicado. This list goes on.

Alcachofas Vinagreta

Arroz Negra

Chorizo y Patatas

The mouthwatering main courses at Dali represent the most excellent produce from all over. There’s the bestselling Pescado de Sal—whole fish encrusted in salt, baked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and served with salsa verde that has just enough bite. The full-bodied flavor of Lengua de Jerez (braised ox tongue with olives and mushrooms) owes much of its richness to the velvety sherry sauce. And then, of course, there’s the sought-after Cochinillo: suckling pig roast perfectly that it is crispy outside yet tender enough to be cut by a plate.

Churros con Chocolate

Cochinillo

Dali also lists some treasured Spanish sweets like the omnipresent Churros con Chocolate and the lesser known, yet equally tempting Churros con Helado: fried pastries dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, and served with a scoop of chocolate and cinnamon ice cream. And then there’s Flan con Naranja—the creamy caramel kind with just a hint of Valencia orange. Sweet endings, indeed, to cap a meal of robust, lively flavors.

Indeed, Dali’s convivial atmosphere, fine wines and delectable culinary offerings are enough to inspire dreams of sunny—and scrumptious—Spain!

Dali Restaurante y Bar de Tapas is located at #40 Eugenio Lopez Drive, South Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries, call (02)928-0971.

Text by Vix Sev