Shrimp with smoky paprika, sherry and lemon. Tapa $9
Canela, San Francisco
This was a different take on the gambas al ajillo that you normally get at other Spanish tapas restaurants. The smoky paprika added a lot of flavor and gave the broth a beautiful red color. The lemon wedge is also cooked into the sauce and gave the broth a nice citrus-y taste. The shrimp were cooked a little more than I would have liked, but the sauce made up for it. Ask for additional bread to soak it all up!
Moorish pork kebabs marinated with spices and olive oil. Tapa $8
Canela, San Francisco
Squeeze the lemon on top and enjoy! The pork was super tender and had a lot of flavor. I was not shy to dip the pork pieces in the delicious drippings at the bottom of the bowl, hehe.
Project 365: Day 62
Tried out Canela for a pre-birthday celebration for Silverfox. My roommate had already been here and said that it was pretty good. We’re planning to have a nicer dinner in San Juan next week to really celebrate Silverfox’s birthday but it’s nice to go out and have a dinner closer to the actual date of his special day.
With apple, manchego cheese, walnut, flat leaf parsley, lemon, olive oil, egg. $8
Canela, San Francisco
This salad was really refreshing. I loved all the different components but I have to say that the Italian parsley was killer in this salad! In combination with the lemon, it really helped to brighten up the salad and gave it a fanastic flavor. I would definitely order this again!
Red sangria. Bottle $21
I really enjoyed this sangria. It was overly sweet and the wine that they used had a great flavor. It wasn’t too bitter or funky tasting. Noms!
Flatbread with broccoli rabe, Txistorra sausage, caramelized onions and manchego cheese. $14
Contigo, San Francisco
This was some amazing flatbread! The Txistorra sausage tasted so good and had a great smokiness to it. I loved the heartiness of the broccoli rabe and manchego cheese. Everything just worked so well together and it was very filling. Yum!
Grilled calamari with arros negre, chorizo, artichokes, allioli and Guindilla chile oil. $12
Contigo, San Francisco CA
Omg, this was SO good! Total comfort food. I loved every component of this dish. I just wish I knew what the greens were on top. The squid ink rice and chorizo made the perfect smoky base for the calamari and roasted artichokes. This dish was pretty rich so they don’t overdo it on the portion. NOMS!
7×7 Magazine’s The Big Eat San Francisco: 100 Things to Eat + Drink Before You Die – 2012
Local xipirons (squid) a la planxa.
January 26, 2014
Mixed greens with seared cana de cabra goat cheese, persimmons, pomegranates, walnuts and chervil. $13
Contigo, San Francisco
I can’t say that I’ve ever had a salad quite like this! And it was yummy! The persimmons and cana de cabra goat cheese were the ingredients that were new(ish) to me. I don’t usually like raw persimmons but they were really good in this salad. This was the first time I’ve had this goat cheese and I love the crunchy sear on the outside that contrasted with the soft smooth interior. The thick, crsipy greens were hearty enough to hold up to the rich toppings. Great salad!
With house made mato cheese, cracked pepper and olive oil. $1.50
Contigo, San Francisco
This was the perfect little bite! I love anchovies. They’re so salty, fishy, and I love the texture. I don’t think I’ve ever had mato cheese, but it was a very light and creamy cow’s milk cheese.
Wood oven roasted Monterey sardine and avocado with pickled onions and smoked salt. $2.50
Contigo, San Francisco
I know that sardines tend to be super oily and fishy tasting, but this one was especially so. In addition, it was hard to bite through. I love the concept of this, but the sardine was way too overpowering. It was pretty to look at! 🙂
Each $3
January 24, 2014
Cured Spanish ham with Warren pears, Valdeon blue cheese, arugula and honey. $13
Contigo, San Francisco
So simple, so delicious! This was such a bright and refreshing starter. There’s not a lot on the plate but every ingredient counts. I love the beautiful pink color of the Spanish ham and the sweet Warren pears paired wonderfully with the salty meat. The arugula and honey drizzle were yummy additions.
Spanish red wines. I don’t think I was very impressed with either of these wines. 😦
Penedes, Pares Balta, “Indegina”, 2009. $9.50
Rioja Alta, Hermanos Pecina, Crianza, 2005. $10
Contigo, San Francisco
Spanish sparkling wines. The perfect start to a great meal!
Penedes, Avinjo, Brut Nature, Reserva, NV. $10
Penedes, Raventos i Blanc, “De Nit”, Rosat, 2008. $11
Contigo, San Francisco
“The Most Interesting Man in the World Prefers…” Wine Flight. $18
From left to right:
Beronia Rioja Reserva Tempranillo 2006 (Spain)
Vall Llach ‘Embruix’ Priorat 2006 (Spain)
Numanthia ‘Termes’ Tempranillo Toro 2008 (Spain)
BIN 38, San Francisco
This was such a disappointing wine flight! I usually enjoy most Spanish reds but I was underwhelmed by these glasses. I like the Numanthia Tempranillo most, but not by much. They all had odd flavors and unpleasant finishes.
Here’s my Wine Notes app ratings:
4.2/10 – Beronia Rioja Reserva
2.0/10 – Vall Llach
4.9/10 – Numanthia
Vittle Monster 