Small and sharing plates, that perennially controversial restaurant trend, are the subject of a new row. Plus: some Chardonnays that I've been drinking lately
Interesting reflections on small plates. With most main courses at well over £25 these days it's a trend I don't see going away any time soon though like you it does annoy me when the food all arrives at once. (Solution: order 2-3 plates then 2-3 more)
(I managed to get into the Yellow Bittern yesterday at a couple of hours notice btw by simply phoning them up. Which we now seem to regard as a weirdly old-fashioned way of booking a table)
An interesting read Andy, though I am surprised you didn't mention Brindisa who were celebrating 20 years of Brindisa Tapas last night and surely predate any of the other Spanish tapas bars? And, the fact that Monika Linton of Brindisa was already importing Spanish hams, cheeses, olives made it possible for the others. As you say, in Spain, tapas is a precursor to going out to a restaurant and even conventional restaurants have introduced the extra 'snack' course like their take on tapas which are often very enticing, and you feel a bit mean spirited not to try one or two. I prefer larger sharing plates or my own dishes these days and never take any notice of server instructions.
I’m divided on small plates. Some of the best food I’ve eaten has been at small plates places. But I increasingly feel like it’s a ruse to charge the price of a full main, for a small plate that’s half the size.
Interesting, probably agree that like Cruzcampo it is better in Spain! I'm not sure whether it is still the case but Grenada was one of the great centres of tapas. Each bar almost competed for the best little dish to give free to accompany a drink. I'm not sure how the economics worked when you got e.g. a pork loin sandwich, a hot dog or a plate of tasty pasta with each drink but it was fun. After a hot day at the Alhambra I remember being full at the end of a 'tour' of local bars and it was good quality, can't imagine that on Bromley High Street!
On Chardonnay did you see Helen McGinn recommended a Lidl Ukrainian blend of Sukholimansky and Chardonnay on Saturday Kitchen?
Interesting reflections on small plates. With most main courses at well over £25 these days it's a trend I don't see going away any time soon though like you it does annoy me when the food all arrives at once. (Solution: order 2-3 plates then 2-3 more)
(I managed to get into the Yellow Bittern yesterday at a couple of hours notice btw by simply phoning them up. Which we now seem to regard as a weirdly old-fashioned way of booking a table)
and how was the Yellow Bittern?
An interesting read Andy, though I am surprised you didn't mention Brindisa who were celebrating 20 years of Brindisa Tapas last night and surely predate any of the other Spanish tapas bars? And, the fact that Monika Linton of Brindisa was already importing Spanish hams, cheeses, olives made it possible for the others. As you say, in Spain, tapas is a precursor to going out to a restaurant and even conventional restaurants have introduced the extra 'snack' course like their take on tapas which are often very enticing, and you feel a bit mean spirited not to try one or two. I prefer larger sharing plates or my own dishes these days and never take any notice of server instructions.
Doh! How could I forget Brindisa?! You’re right
I’ve added it in now
I’m divided on small plates. Some of the best food I’ve eaten has been at small plates places. But I increasingly feel like it’s a ruse to charge the price of a full main, for a small plate that’s half the size.
I agree!
A la carte for the win
Interesting, probably agree that like Cruzcampo it is better in Spain! I'm not sure whether it is still the case but Grenada was one of the great centres of tapas. Each bar almost competed for the best little dish to give free to accompany a drink. I'm not sure how the economics worked when you got e.g. a pork loin sandwich, a hot dog or a plate of tasty pasta with each drink but it was fun. After a hot day at the Alhambra I remember being full at the end of a 'tour' of local bars and it was good quality, can't imagine that on Bromley High Street!
On Chardonnay did you see Helen McGinn recommended a Lidl Ukrainian blend of Sukholimansky and Chardonnay on Saturday Kitchen?
Love Cruzcampo! And I’ll have to check that Ukrainian blend
Thanks for the mention! Another great read.
Thanks Andy!