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.
ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)
N.B. Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my
Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web
links appear in different colors and why when attempting to have embedded
images their sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.
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