(above pic via stevesimpson.com)
Jesus wept, I love me lots of Campo Viejo *heart shaped liver thumps*, so was only delira to be invited to this year’s Tapas Trail again.
Since Christmas, I’ve been hibernating in the new gaff, reluctant to venture out while I nested and settled in. As a result, over the last six months I have missed new places that have opened up in town. This was a great bonus to get to experience them and be spoiled for the afternoon.
This year, there were a couple of new venues added to the Trail. First stop and first new venue of the day was the Drury Buildings. I didn’t know what to expect when I first saw this was our kick-off point, but the website is pretty lovely as is the venue itself. Heavy downpours were forecast, but when we arrived, the sun was shining, showing the place in glowing light and brightening up the split level patio area out the back. We were immediately presented with a glass of the gorgeous Campo Viejo Cava. I only found out the Cava existed at last year’s Trail. As far as I can tell, it’s only stocked in O’Brien’s. Currently 7 in stock..free delivery over €60….yoink.
Also in the first venue, we were introduced to the art on the Trail, all by Steve Simpson. I LOVED it. Unfortunately, the prints are limited and apart from the ones in the venues, were all given away at the Tapas Trail launch. Booo. Being a Taurus, I particularly liked the Bull one. All of them are fab. You might have seen Steve’s other work around Dublin. Short of popping it off the wall and doing a legger, my home will remain Tapas Trail Toro free.
So, to the food. Along with our first glass of Campo Viejo Reserva, we were served Smoked Coley Croquettes, Lamb and Pistachio Meatballs, and Taleggio Cheese and Garlic Pesto Crostini. Absolutely delicious.
Thankfully, the rain shower that did appear had the good manners to start and finish while we were chowing down. Dry skies and sunshine returning, we went for a potter the long way round to the Market Bar, misled by some of us (OK, me… ‘Follow the brolly!’), and returned to the right route by our unflappable Trail guide, Paul.
The Market Bar was, as always, welcoming, bright, and prompt with the grub. An ‘almost’ Spanish guitarist played while we were given three dishes to sample.
Well, no chance of us going hungry here. Piri Piri Chicken Salad, Patatas Bravas and to-die-for Goats Cheese Crostini. Oh, and another glass of Campo Viejo Reserva. Woo and indeed, hoo!
All very tasty dishes, and the music was a lovely touch. We were mingling with more of the group at this stage and getting gently relaxed by the wine. The only way to move us on was to remind us we get nothing else unless we shift ourselves.
Onwards to the second new venue this year, Zaragoza. I really like the feel of this place. I heard something about the bathrooms-some intricate tap and hand drying tree branch of some sort. I didn’t get to venture in myself, too busy yapping, but I will be prepared for my next visit, which will be very soon.
Here, we were offered Shredded Duck in cinnamon dusted filo pastry, Pork Cheek Burger and a Cod and Prawn Fish Cake. The big winner all around was the burger. So succulent and packed with flavour. Can I have one the size of my head, please?
Last stop was Bagots Hutton for dessert. The cutest little pots of Banoffi or…what was it I had? It was a creamy thing topped with berry compote something. So profesh, Poola.
It was all on an empty stomach, I do apologise, but whatevs, it was LOVELY. As always, I had to go for a wander in their cave. The red wine flushed cheeks needed a bit of cooling down and no better place than the cave. Not that it’s cold, it’s just good for regulating the lushy flushes. It wasn’t the only think causing a rush of circulation in there, ifyouknowwhatImean.
We had a fab time, with a really fun group and Paul, as always, a great Trail guide.
After being released into the wild again, the goo was on us for a bit more splishysplashy. After a quick pit stop in a nearby rooftop bar, we shifted back to the Drury Buildings where we proceeded to beat the rain and demolish the Sunday Fear with another bottle and a shared meat and cheese platter. Can’t beat a bit of liquid Sunday Funday action.
SALUD!
Massive thanks to Conway Communications, the venues, Trail staff and Campo Viejo.
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