Tapas bravas

Eastside Road, February 23, 2016—

A COUPLE OF FRIENDS drove up to meet us for dinner tonight, so no fast day this Tuesday. Nor tomorrow, come to think of it. We'll have to put it off to Thursday.

I warmed up with them at the bar with a Hanky Panky, a cocktail I'm favoring this week. Then we moved to a table, still outside, on a chilly night but warmed by one of those gas heaters, and we set to:

Fermin Jamón Ibérico
Foie gras, crispy Serrano ham, orange marmalade (2)
Tortilla Española with romesco alioli
Bacalao on flatbread with olives, lemon, and parsley
Patatas bravas, tomato sauce, aïoli
Croquetas
Tuna belly salad with green olives, egg, and shaved celery

Albariño, Marimar Estate, 2014: crisp, clean, fres
Mourvedre, Preston of Dry Creek, 2013: fruity, rich, mature

Straus Family soft serve with tangerine oil and sea salt
Chocolate mousse, walnut crisp

And a good time was had by all.

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

☛RESTAURANTS VISITED, with information and rating:   2016   2015