Eating Out: Tapela

Jan 13 2011

Tapela

104 Bath Street, Tel: 332 6678, Web : www.tapela.co.uk

A HEALTHY dose of sangria and tapas was just the remedy during the whiteout.

Colleagues had raved about Glasgow's latest Spanish tapas venue Tapela, so the wife and I wrapped up warm to see what all the fuss was about.

The temperature was below freezing but the atmosphere in this Bath Street restaurant really warmed our hearts. As did the complimentary glass of fruity, Spanish wine - courtesy of the gregarious manager, Jim Mcauley.

Once the home of Papingo, Tapela's premises are in stunning contrast to the former venue and it's the kind of place you could also pop into for a drink, thanks to its funky bar area.

We ordered Spanish olives (s2.50) and a board of rustic breads with aioli and tomato chutney (s2.50). The aioli and a chutney were a welcome change from the usual balsamic and olive oil - a great start.

We decided to try something from each of the pizza, fish, meat and vegetable sections.

First on our waiter's pad was a wonderfully stodgy goat's cheese and caramelised onion stone-baked pizza (s4.50), then the patatas bravas, again with aioli (s3.50).

I'd been told great things about the pan-fried scallops with creamcurried leeks and crisp Serrano ham (s6.95), so they went on the order, followed by chicken fillets with lemon, thyme and Arran mustard (s4.50), which was served with a parmesan and herb crumb.

We also chose lamb meatballs in tomato sauce (s4.75) and chorizo with red wine and piquillo peppers (s5.25) - a deliciously salty sausage dish.

All of our tapas were beautiful and looked as good as they tasted thanks to head chef Jason Mcnelly.

I had never tried scallops before but they were absolutely marvellous.

Even a standard dish like patatas bravas was a triumph, as were the chicken fillets - the mustard, lemon and thyme dazzled the palate.

Although we were stuffed, our waiter told us the rich chocolate delice with salted caramel sauce (s4.95) was a must. We obliged of course and were glad we did.

It's one of the best desserts ever - a chocoholic's dream. Trust me, this dish is to die for.

A flawless meal from the hottest tapas contender in town. The competition should be very afraid.