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The Warehouse District has its share of eclectic
eateries, but none, in my opinion, are more diverse, or intriguing,
than the outstanding array of tapas and fine wines at Malaga.
In Spain, tapas are outrageously popular. They are the Spanish equivalent
of Chinese dim sum, smallish finger foods with unique taste qualities.
The idea is to mix and match a number of different tapas and have a
tasting experience. Malaga affords an excellent opportunity to accomplish
this in an affordable and delightful manner.
On my last visit, the tapas kept arriving and I kept enjoying. I was
particularly fond of the Solomillo de la Mancha. This is beef tenderloin
cooked in a creamy whiskey sauce with onions, mushrooms, and garlic.
Served with bread, as many tapas are, this was delicious. The beef was
tender and the flavor rush instantaneous and compelling.
I also enjoyed the Lomo en Cerdo de Pimienta. This is marinated pieces
of pork sautéed in a sauce that absolutely blew me away. Are
you ready for the ingredients: garlic, black pepper, thyme, red pepper
flakes, balsamic vinegar and Spanish olive oil. Again, serious flavors
here with a wonderfully piquant quality. I love it.
Another suggestion: try the Atun Mallorquino. This is tuna with a black
pepper crusted coating with a delightful horseradish cream. They sear
the tuna briefly and optimal presentation is medium rare. You will love
the look and flavor of this tapa.
But the pies de resistance, in my opinion, is the Quarenta y Tres, or
43.
This is a wonderfully smooth pate of duck and chicken livers laced with
orange juice and the wildly popular Spanish orange liqueur, Lica 43.
hence, the quarentra y tres name. The taste of this pate is divine.
And the wines at Malaga are equally interesting. Whether as an accompaniment
to the tapas, or just for some serious sipping, the list is excellent
and the markups reasonable. On Mondays, Malaga presents wine classes
that are both fun and informational. I mean, with Tapas this good, why
not have classic advice on which wines to pair with them.
So there you have it. Malaga. Name sounds intriguing doesn't it? And
so is their fare. Rest assured on that.
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