Restaurant Evaluation: Papa’s Tapas

259 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Seashore; 561/266-0599

Generally I’m within the temper to get all dressed up and eat at a fancy restaurant, however more often than not I simply need easy meals in a relaxed setting. Easy doesn’t translate to dull or boring at Papa’s Tapas. As an alternative, it expresses a heat, familial atmosphere, the place you possibly can style the care that goes into every dish. Ancestrally I’m Spanish, however even when I’m a number of generations eliminated, there’s one thing concerning the delicacies that makes my soul sing. Every area has its specialties, from earthy stews to the freshest seafood, and Papa’s Tapas admirably brings the nation’s selection to Delray.

When the family-owned restaurant relocated to its present location a few decade in the past, it was thought of off the crushed path, a number of blocks off Atlantic Avenue. However its quaint Pineapple Grove Arts District has exploded in recent times. The homeowners, whom our bubbly waitress affectionately referred to as mama and papa, are nonetheless the guts of the idea, however now their youngsters have stepped up. The night we dined, we have been informed their daughter was cooking.

The restaurant is a type of locations you immediately really feel welcomed. As soon as the meals arrives, you’ll additionally really feel happy (and possibly prepared for a siesta). For a fast, lighter or shareable meal—no matter you’re within the temper for—the tapas alternatives are the best way to go. We additionally needed to strive the paella, so we ordered just some tapas and the well-known rice entree. Professional tip: The dish takes an hour to make, so when you’re craving paella however don’t wish to wait, name forward and order it earlier than you permit the home.

We began with the Gambas Al Ajillo ($17), Chorizo Al Jerez ($16) and Pulpo ($20). Most tapas are sometimes Spanish, however you’ll see a Latin fusion come by means of on just a few, just like the Candy Angels ($15)—ripe plantains wrapped in bacon, a candy and savory mixture that shouldn’t be missed. The opposite three tapas arrived shortly, every scorching of their respective terra cotta dish and every that includes equal quantities of fragrant garlic slices. The gambas, or shrimp, have been a easy, traditional dish with a touch of spice on the finish, whereas the chorizo, or cured meat, was tender and multidimensional within the sherry wine, and the pulpo, or octopus, was smooth and much from chewy.

As a result of we ordered just a few tapas, we requested for just one portion of the Paella Marinera ($36)—however you possibly can order it for as many individuals as you’d like. The portion was sizeable with quite a lot of seafood, together with plump shrimp and scallops, tender calamari and mahi, clams, mussels and a small lobster tail. And the saffron rice was completely cooked—not mushy, dry or crunchy.

We ended with two candy treats: the Yuca & Coconut Cake ($10) and Tres Leches ($7), each selfmade however fully completely different. The standard tres leches sponge cake was milky, moist and marvelous, whereas the previous had extra construction, was served heat and is the creation of mama. I couldn’t consider a greater strategy to finish the night.

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Car parking zone
HOURS: Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat., 12 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Solar., 12 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
PRICES: Entrées $11.95-$28.95
WEBSITE: papastapasdb.com

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