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Spanish

Ansill’s Triumphant Return to Philadelphia at Bar Ferdinand

Posted by Foobooz on May 13th, 2013

bar-ferdinand-david-ansill-480x320

Craig LaBan bestows an enthusiastic two bells on David Ansill’s version of Bar Ferdinand.

The fennel-crusted tuna, essentially Spanish-inspired sashimi draped over haricot verts, caper berries, kalamata olive vinaigrette, boquerone anchovies, saffron-tomato conserva, and shaved bottarga (“a little smoked tuna dust!” says Ansill), pushed piquance to the edge of boldness without sliding over. His citrusy, sous-vide-cooked octopus was meltingly tender. A simple crab “croqueta,” almost fluffy with sweet meat beside a crunchy nest of shaved fennel and citrus, showed classic elegance.

A crock of crispy noodle fideos tossed with sherry cream and wild mushrooms brought focused, earthy vegetarian flavors. But Ansill’s talent for alt-meats is also on joyful display. Aside from the shoestring shreds of fried pig ears with purple mustard, there were juicy squares of pork belly with a bacon-sherry reduction, and pork cheeks, brined overnight, then sublimely braised in tomato brava sauce sparked with ginger.

Two Bells – Very Good

From Jamaica to Northern Liberties [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Bar Ferdinand [Official Site]

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Tinto Calls the “Txotx” – Cider Tasting

Posted by Alex Tewfik on April 2nd, 2013

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First some Rioja, and now some cider.

Tinto’s second installment of their monthly pairing dinners is welcoming in the world of European cider. Every year in the Basque country,  cider houses tap their cider barrels, and the people gather together, drinking the apple wine straight from those barrels. It’s called the “txotx,” and Tinto wants to join in on the celebrations.

On Thursday, April 4th, at 7pm, sidra (cider) will be poured from three regions in Spain and France, from Asturias to Irouleguy, and their accompanying menu looks stellar.

The dinner will only set you back $50 a person, and as is tradition, the ciders are bottomless. Make your reservation soon.

The Menu »

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Tinto Adds Spanish Craft Beer to Its Menu

Posted by Foobooz on January 29th, 2013

tinto-bar

Tinto has added several new Spanish craft beers to its list. In addition to Estrella Damm Inedit, which was created with the help of famed El Bulli chef Ferran Adria, the bar is now offering Guineu RinerOmnipollo En El Bosque and CCM’s Hivernale and Negra Stout. The En el Bosque sounds particularly interesting, it is a red ale fermented with cranberries.

Tinto Beers, Wine & Cocktails Menu (PDF)
Tinto Restaurant [Official Site]

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$40 10-Course Tapas Tasting at Jamonera

Posted by Alex Tewfik on December 7th, 2012

Looking for a new Sunday tradition now that Boardwalk Empire and Walking Dead are on hiatus? Well how about tapas? Every Sunday from now until January 13th, Jamonera is offering a 10-course tapas tasting menu. With plates that vary from a simple mix of spanish olives and lupine beans, to oloroso braised shortribs with catalan greens, pickled raisins, and pinenuts, this menu promises range and creativity. Throw in a flight of sherry for $20, and you won’t even miss your favorite shows.

Full menu

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David Ansill’s Tasting Menus Go Nose-to-Tail

Posted by Aubrey Nagle on October 2nd, 2012

The next set of David Ansill’s Chef Tasting Menus at Bar Ferdinand has been released. The three menus to come on October 4th, 11th, and 18th will center around a “Nose-To-Tail” theme: The Pig on the 4th, the Lamb on the 11th, and the Cow on the 18th. That’s right, for $40 a person each of the eight courses will focus on a different part of the animal. Sound interesting? Wait till you see the menus.

UPDATE: Menus through November 8th are now posted.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Final Four Seasons, Dock Street Collaboration Debuts Tonight

Posted by Aubrey Nagle on September 26th, 2012

The fourth and final collaboration in the Dock Street Brewery-Four Seasons Hotel Beer Four All Seasons series is debuting tonight at 6pm at the Swann Terrace at the Four Seasons, accompanied by dollar oysters. This last brew, Spanish Fly, has been created with aphrodisiac herbs from the Four Seasons rooftop garden and will be available on draft and in champagne style bottles at the Swann Lounge.

Spanish Fly ends the Beer Four All Seasons series which began with the Truffled Old Ale, brewed with winter truffles last January, and includes the Caliente Golden Ale brewed with chiles in April and the Cherry Verbena Saison which debuted during June’s Philly Beer Week.

Dock Street Brewery [Official Site]
Four Seasons Hotel [Official Site]

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Tapas Tasting Menu at Jamonera

Posted by Aubrey Nagle on August 24th, 2012

This Sunday August 26th Jamonera will be serving a tapas tasting menu. For just $40 a person guests receive ten different tapas dishes, from grilled Spanish octopus to watermelon and roasted beets. A tasting menu is a great way to try out an array of dishes so be sure to check it out.
Read on for the full menu »

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Amada Offering Tapas and Sangria for Happy Hour

Posted by Foobooz on August 17th, 2012

Amada in Old City is now offering tapas and drink specials Wednesday through Friday evenings between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Among the happy hour deals, $2.50 to $4.50 tapas, $5 sangria, $6 wine and $8 cocktails.

For more worthwhile happy hours, check out our Happy Hours with Food guide.

Read the rest of this entry »

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A Taste of David Ansill’s Tasting Menu at Bar Ferdinand

Posted by Foobooz on August 16th, 2012

Adam Erace checks out David Ansill’s cooking at Bar Ferdinand during a recent Thursday tasting.

[J]uicy heirloom-tomato gazpacho, stylish in glass cups, with icebergs of salsa-verde-marinated crabmeat sinking to the bottom of the soup like emeralds. More heirlooms, in a salad anointed with tomato oil and garnished with fried parsley and fresh mint. Crunchy pan con tomate, grilled bread rubbed with fruit and topped with crispy Serrano ham. Thick-cut wheels of green tomato breaded, fried and dabbed with smoky, spicy chorizo vinaigrette. The bites followed in succession, each better than the last. Getting reacquainted has never been so delicious.

Feeling Bullish [City Paper]
Bar Ferdinand [Official Site]

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David Ansill’s Weekly Tasting Menus at Bar Ferdinand

Posted by Aubrey Nagle on August 9th, 2012

The themes for David Ansill’s next three weeks’ of tasting menus at Bar Ferdinand have been set. The menu for tonight will be Jamon (ham) and Mariscos (shell fish) on the 16th and Asado (roasted) on the 23rd. Each multi-course menu is offered between 5 and 11 p.m. and will be $40 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $20 per person.

For the full menus read on »

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