MORE TASTINGS ~ EL TAPEO RESTAURANT

Experiencing Spanish cuisine ad delirium often meant a trip to Spain, but, to save on money and time, all one has to do is head to the new El Tapeo Restaurant at Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center to feast on authentic Spanish cuisine.  El Tapeo offers the discriminating diner an extensive menu, plus an intimate setting with stunning vistas of the skyline; a bar and entertainment lounge complete the perfect setting for those looking for a unique and upscale experience. 

(Executive Chef Franco Diaz and a recent television segment) 

Spanish cuisine is all about quality ingredients, flavors, textures, balance, and tradition.  El Tapeo’s Executive Chef Franco Diaz passionately and artistically executes all of these elements in an inventive and contemporary juxtaposition of local and global culinary artistry.  I recently experienced this fabulous restaurant and its culinary treasures.  For my dining experience, Chef Diaz recommended the following delicious and traditional taste sensations.

Tapas

(from the menu)

Mejillones en Escabeche, mussels marinated in sherry vinegar, peppers, onions, garlic and cilantro; Gambas, shrimp sautéed with garlic and herbs; Croquetas de Setas, mushroom and manchego cheese croquettes with cilantro yogurt dipping sauce; and, Albondigas, ground lamb and bacon meatballs, sherry tomato sauce, garnished with toasted almonds and parsley.  These tapas were all delightful; each flavor profile was perfectly balanced and didn’t migrate into the palette; they were also light, leaving ample room for the dining experience.  Each tapas was flavorful and incredibly delicious; as I write this, I’m salivating as I recall the distinctive flavor components for each dish.

Main Entrée

(from the menu)

Pescado del Dia, pan seared monkfish wrapped in two year cured Serrano ham, sautéed manila clams in white wine and olive oil, grilled lemon, and a citrus salad (citrus, frisée, celery leaves, and flat leaf parsley).  The texture was substantial and tasted more like meat, and was cooked to perfection; the salad added a light and fresh taste, complimenting the heartiness of the fish; the overall flavor and texture profiles made this a perfect dish.

Dessert

(from the menu)

Bañuelos, pineapple fritters, vanilla gelato, dulce de leche and compressed pineapple.  The pineapple added a light flavor to the deep fried yeast dough, with the gelato and additional pineapple garnish rounded out the sweet subtly of this decadent dessert. 

In Closing

Exploring cuisines of other cultures is a taste adventure that always adds just the right amount of seasoning and spice to one’s life.  The closest taste experience awaiting to be discovered is probably in your own backyard.  Take the time to explore and experience.

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.  That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don't forget to "Like" my Facebook Page, "Terry's Second Helpings".  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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