Image: It’s a delight to see Miguel Maestre return to the modern Spanish tapas that first excited me about his cooking. Take his Grilled Mushrooms ($10) as a case in point.
It’s a delight to see Miguel Maestre* return to the modern Spanish tapas that first excited me about his cooking. Take the Grilled Mushrooms ($10) as a case in point. A medley of shitake, Swiss brown, oyster, king brown and button mushrooms sautéed with garlic, topped with an egg, and delivered to the table with love, pride and a liberal helping of Spanish sex appeal. Who knew Miguel had an even more handsome brother? Carlos Maestre is wonderfully warm on the floor, and a passionate advocate for his mother country’s cooking ingenuity. A jug of crisp apple and lychee laden White Sangria ($35) will fuel your seduction. He’s single (at least for now). Wrap your lips around a trio of Cucuruchos de Jamon Serrano ($19) – crisp cones filled with decadent potato puree – while you contemplate something much more wicked. First I suggest a little wine – the Vionta Albarino ($12/glass) is a beauty – and some Huevos Crujientes ($22) with chorizo, egg and little cubes of potato (for stamina). Then, if you take along an (attached) girlfriend, she can have Churros con Chocolate ($10) while you swallow creamy Leche Frita ($10) milk fritters sitting under a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream. Half way through, swap plates – I hear it drives men wild.
*Please note: Miguel Maestre was hired as a menu consultant in the initial stages of this venue. He is no longer associated with it, though his handsome brother is still on the floor.
Argyle Bazar
18 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Ph: (02) 9247 5500 www.argylebazar.com
Spanish/Tapas $$$
