42 East Superior Street, Chicago
312-867-1492
Broadcast June 30, 2006
CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio 780) -- 1492 Tapas Bar, at 42 East Superior Street is dark and atmospheric in a faux medieval Spanish sort of way. But, the tapas, are real as those found in Madrid, where tapas bars are a way of life.
The key is to take time and savor. There's not much trick to ordering; simply ask for what seems right for your tastes. If you choose paella, which you should, do it first; there's a 40 minute preparation time. The result is slow simmered rice, plumped and moist with flavor. Saffron, an essential seasoning, is evident, but in a controlled and measured manner. Otherwise, the attraction to this paella is the bounty of shrimp, mussels and chicken slow cooked in seafood stock.
The paella is one of a handful of dinner sized entrees; it's good to share among two couples so everyone can enjoy a taste. As for the rest of the menu, individual tapas choices are divided into chilled and warm. Order the Spanish version of a potato omelet or potato salad among chilled selections. Spaniards can hardly start their day without the omelet. The potato salad is flavored with garlicky mayonnaise.
Among warm tapas, grilled octopus, eggplant stuffed with goat cheese, and a blend of vegetables bound up as a fried croquette are pure satisfaction. Try chicken breast stuffed with a duxelle of zucchini and mushrooms, or red peppers stuffed with crab meat.
The wine list holds several reasonably priced and serviceable choices. But, with warm weather here, consider a pitcher of sangria, rather dry, with fresh fruit chunks. Otherwise, the menu is a prodigious list, but take your time; there's no rushing at 1492 Tapas. Service is very friendly, though we found it odd that our server did not know how to use a pepper mill when we asked for some fresh ground pepper.
Expect to spend about $50 a couple plus add ons. 1492 Tapas is at 42 East Superior and has a K/RATING of 18.5/20.
AMBIANCE 3/4
HOSPITALITY 4.5/5
FOOD 10/10
VALUE 1/1
K/RATING 18.5/20
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