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Eastside Road, December 19, 2014—

NO PHOTOGRAPH to show you this time: I was too busy having fun. It was a birthday dinner for our friend down the hill, who has a fondness for things Andalucian (as who in this family does not), so a tapas dinner seemed appropriate.

This is the way to enjoy such a dinner: two couples, a fairly quiet corner table, lots of courses, a couple of bottles of wine, discreet service — oh, and an interesting menu of items nicely prepared. Every birthday should be like this.

Fermin Jamon Iberico
Pan tomate
Bacalao toast
Bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese and Marcona almondsbacon
Sautéed spinach with toasted garlic, pine nuts, and raisins
Marinated olives with pickled garlic and Idiazabal cheese
Marcona almonds with rosemary and pimentón salt
Patatas bravas: fried potatoes, piquant sauce, aïoli
Cider braised chorizo with Shishito peppers
Tuna belly salad: green olives, egg, celery
Spanish and local cheese with fig nam and Marcona crackers

Alicante, "La Tremenda", Monastrell, 2010

• Bravas Bar de Tapas, 420Center Street, Healdsburg; 707-433-7700