Boston: Tapeo

19-Jun-2006

(Also check out No. 9 Park)

On a recent business trip to Boston I was able to squeeze in a bit of personal time and took the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time walking around the city. The days I was there the weather was nearly perfect – just a bit more humid than those of us in the Northwest are used to but mostly sunny days with perfect temperatures and a light breeze. The kind of weather that makes you want to spend as much time outside as possible and that includes enjoying meals in the fresh air.

Although I’ve been to Boston 2 or 3 times before, I had spent most of my time around Faneuil Hall, the North End and along the water. For this trip I was stationed in between Fenway Park and Copley Square and just a couple blocks from Newbury Street, Boston’s shopper’s mecca.

I arrived early Sunday morning after taking the red-eye from Seattle. I was able to check into my room (bonus!), took a quick map, a short walk through the Boston Commons and then got to work. My meetings ended in late afternoon and by that time my Seattle stomach was begging for a little something. On my way to the Commons in the morning I had noticed a little tapas bar along Newbury and decided that would be my destination.

Every table outside Tapeo was filled with small groups of people sharing small plates. I waited inside at a mosaic-tiled bar until a table opened, which was just a couple of minutes – I’d barely had time to order a glass of Amontillado before being called back out.

I was a little disappointed with their sherry by the glass selection. They only had three listed: a fino, the Amontillado and a cream style. I’ve been a little spoiled, I guess by the nearly overwhelming selection at The Harvest Vine.

The challenge with tapas when eating by yourself is really being able to get a taste of everything. But I was determined to give it my best shot, since this was actually going to cover all three Sunday meals for me.

I ordered Jamon Serrano and then tried to ignore the bread that was delivered to my table. The ham arrived in short order (thank heavens I didn’t have to test my resolve too long!) The ham was very good, dressed simply with a little olive oil on the bread. Nicely salty it worked well with my sherry.

Next I decided to get some veggies into my meal and ordered Esparragos Blancas. They arrived looking like a reverse Italian or Mexican flag with their stripes of red, white and green. This was a another cold dish and was very refreshing on this warm day. The sauces were nicely spicy and really enhanced the white asparagus. It was a nice clean tasting dish.

I finished off with Vieiras al Azafran or scallops in a saffron sauce. This dish was nice and light, despite the cream sauce. The saffron enhanced the scallops but did not overwhelm them.

All in all the meal was very pleasant if not outstanding. All the food was good but I think I’ve just been spoiled by the amazing tapas found at Harvest Vine. Still, I would go back on another visit, the menu is interesting – there are more things to try – and both the inside and outside seating areas are pleasant.

I paid my check and then headed back to work. A (what turned out to be a boring) keynote awaited me.