Bar Pinxto

As the heat intensifies and the days grow longer, I'm starting to believe we need to adopt the Spanish system of siestas.  The idea of sleeping in during the hottest part of the day and eating tapas under the moonlight sounds much better than falling asleep at work and sitting in traffic on the 405.  Although my fantasies cannot take me to Spain, the food at Bar Pinxto on 109 Santa Monica Blvd. brings back memories of long summer nights in Madrid.  As I sat sipping a sparkling Muscato from Valencia,  I tasted:

manchego y membrillo con almendras marconas ($4)                                                       manchego cheese, quince rolled in marcona almonds, arugula

*The best tapa I had!

empanadillas del dia ($6)                                                                                                            

House Pastry Filled with Chef’s Inspiration of Ingredients 

*Unfortunately, these were not as delicious.  Coupa Cafe has the best empanadas!

plato de quesos ($3/oz)                                                                                                

manchego, idiazabal, valdeon, capri cherve al pimienton, chef’s selection

*Again, not so delicious.  I am quite the cheese purveyor, and found these cheese to be quite bland.  Save your money for seconds of the other dishes!

tortilla española ($6)                                                                                                  egg, potatoes, caramelized onions

*The traditional dish calls for a longer bake in olive oil; however; this is quite good.

patatas bravas ($5)                                                                                                                       

crispy potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli, chives 

*I would prefer them a bit spicier, but they are nonetheless yummy!  

   

croquetas de pollo y jamón ($6)

fried béchamel, caramelized onions, chicken,  jamón  serrano

* Personally, I wouldn't bother with this dish.  I like the small plate at Cheesecake Factory much more.

brocheta de ternera, salsa piemento rojo ($9)                                                                                

filet mignon skewer, farmers’ market vegetables, roasted red pepper-sherry sauce 

*Very juicy and tender.  Well worth the extra few bucks.

churros con chocolate ($5)                                                                              

sweet fried dough, chocolate dip 

*AMAZING!!!!! Very fresh and authentic.

 

pot de creme ($6)                                                                                                                              

pot of chocolate cream 

*I'm a bit of a chocolate freak, so I must say this is a must have!

I found Bar Pinxto to be relaxed, authentic and relatively affordable. Some dishes highlight Spanish culture, whereas others dance around American classics.  The extensive wine list provides an opportunity for you to delve deeper into the heart of Espana, and truly appreciate the savory bites of food.If I've convinced you to visit this solace of tapas, please visit http://www.barpintxo.com/ for more information!