Highly Recommended ***** If one looks up the definition for “tapas”, there are two. First, bite-sized stories you can’t find anywhere else and second, the one far more familiar to our generation, ” a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks in Spanish cuisine. Many of us became familiar with the term back in the later part of the last century as we began to fnd restaurants that served “small plates”, both hot and cold. Last night, Jane and I, along with friends Danny and Marla visited downtown Arlington Heights. Many forget that the downtown area, where the train station is, is loaded with dining spots, of all types, and what they have done during the “Covid Period” ( a name that fits the past 13 months) is close off portions of street to enable lots of outdoor dining, and now, with the weather starting to change and the world beginning to open up, it feels very European.
La Tasca located at 25 West Davis Street ( a block north of the Metropolis Theater and right by the train station) is a beautiful space with a dining area in the bar and another room where there is a little more privacy. The beauty of dining on tapas is that they are indeed small portions allowing us to try item after item and since there were four of us sharing, we were able to try almost 20 menu items ( but who’s counting?).
Our server, Becky who truly knows the menu, was a great asset in selecting items that they are known for. In fact, may I suggest that you ask for her and then let her help you plan your adventure/experience. She will be your guide along one of your most memorable dining experiences- La Tasca Tapas Restaurant. She even guided us on our cocktail choice , a mango martini that is flavorful and easy on the palate. They have a great selection of Sangrias as well as wines and beers, plus a full bar, so you can either drink your “usual” or be adventurous.
We had a great number of items to start- From the Cold (Frias) menu: Embutidos ( a variety of Spanish meats and cheeses) and the seafood Canalon de Atun ( a tuna dish that as Dan stated is “to die for” and we had two orders of their bacon covered dates. This was just the start of our adventure.
From the feature menu ( specials) we enjoyed the amazing Empanada Cangrejo ( a puff pastry stuffed with crab and manchego cheese) and the Higos Rellenos ( stuffed figs with herbed goat cheese, drizzled honey and sesame seeds), I am not a goat cheese lover, BUT this one was special and I would order it again ( and again).
The beauty of dining Tapas-style is being able to try things one might never dare to on a regular menu. Octopus is not something that everyone has tried in life. The Pulpitos a la Gallega (Galacian style charred octopus. paprika, olive oil, oregno lemon and potato) was mind boggling and extremely flavorful. This along with the Patatas Bravas ( fried potatoes in a creamy cayenne sauce) was terrific. A little kick in the potatoes, but to be honest, I think we needed it.
We also enjoyed the Queso De Cabra Al Horno ( herbed goat cheese bake din tomato basil sauce , toasted baguettes with tomato, garlic, olive oil puree- a wonderful treat! Again, I was enjoying Goat cheese!
The other items of note are the Vieiras Gratinadas (sauteed sea scallops), the Empanada de Carne ( beef and pork in a puff pastry- delish)., the Albondigas ( meatballs with tomato and golden raisin sauce, with manchego cheese) Loved these!, the Pincho de Solomillo ( beef tenderloin and mushroom skewer with shoestring potatoes and sour cream) Jane and I have enjoyed this dish in other tapas restaurants, but this plate was by far superior to any other we had tasted. Bravo. The last item ( but not the least important) were the lamb chops. Marla is not into lamb ( could be growing up on Sheree Lewis and Lambchop) so Jane, Danny and I enjoyed this plate- Chuleta Romesco ( charbroiled lamb chops in a sauce composed of spiced romesco roasted red pepper and almond sauce) amazing and a MUST TRY ITEM! We also had one of their flatbread items.
I told you we enjoyed and tried a great number of items, again all small plates. They also have larger plates and Paellas ( done per person) which I think we will do next time, but we did save room for dessert. The three items were the flan, a banana with cream, caramel and pistachios and a chocolate delight with Gran Torres orange liquor & raspberry sauce. As I said earlier, this was not only a dining experience, it was an adventure. Hosts Danny and Peter ( Danny was able to tell us a little more about how he got to where he is and perhaps I will have him on the radio show to talk about his family in the near future) make sure that every patron feels the warmth of the “familia” that they have created in Arlington Heights. BTW they have private rooms for parties ( yeah, parties) and they do catering as well as “family Carryout packages). They also have burgers for the non-adventurer in your family and a kids menu that will satisfy even the pickiest of members.
The location is great with plenty of free parking as well as the train station being right there, so you can hop on a train and not worry about the trip from the city to the burbs. The phone number is 847-398-2400. The address is 25 West Davis Street and the website www.LaTascaTapas.com
Hours: open 4 p.m. except week-ends.
Monday-Thursday until 9 p.m., Friday until 10 p.m.
On Saturday the open 11:30 am until 10 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 am until 9 p.m.
ENJOY! I know we did!
Vinny & I had our wedding reception here in the early 2000ish year. We were older, so we wanted to do something more interesting than a regular wedding reception place. We did it at La Tasca, right by our place, & it worked perfectly for us! The food here is quite interesting & delicious tapas, I must say!