Spain comes to Gladstone Park

[rating=5]Many people have asked about the tapas restaurants in the area. There are very few. As it turns out, I have been driving past a tapas restaurant every Sunday sine starting my radio show on WCPT. One block north of the station, one can find a little touch of Spain in Gladstone Park called Cafe Marbella. They began on Peterson in the WestRidge area, but soon learned that the Gladstone Park area was ideal for what they offer. What they offer is a sparkling menu of wonderful flavors and tastes as well as the beauty of “shareables” which is what makes Tapas so special.

Let’s face it. Many diners are afraid to try new items when dining out. They consider this scary as the portions and prices make them feel that if they do not like it, they are stuck with it. Tapas dining allows us to try many flavors and items that we might never consider. A “small plate” ( Tapas) is perfect. We had four diners this evening and had many different types of food. Jane tried things that she had never tasted before and our friend Vicki found heaven on Milwaukee Avenue. Our friend Alan ( yes, another Alan) tried new items but found that many of the items were worth ordering seconds . The olive mix was one of his favorites.

Our hostess, Maria, made sure that we sampled the menu items that are mostly in demand. She also included one of this week’s specials- The grouper (mero con gambi with shrimp) special. To die for! They change specials every Friday and they stay for the week.

Of course we had drinks ( except water drinking Jane). I had the Old Fashion ( pure heaven), Alan a glass of wine ( they have quite a wine list) and Vicki, vodka on ice with a lime. Tapas comes in cold and hot.

Tapas Frias ( cold) that we shared: Aceitunas Alinada (marinated olives) Again, Alan’s fav, Garlic potato salad (Patatas Ali Oil ) these were wonderful.

Tapas Calientes (HOT)  Patatas Bravas (deep fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce), Gambas Al Ajillo (sautéed shrimps with garlic, cayenne, parsley and a white wine), Champinones Al Ajillo ( sautéed mushrooms with garlic, cayenne, parsley and white wine), Escalopes De Cerdo ( sautéed pork scaloppini served with a sherry cream sauce) and Pollo A La Navarro ( chicken strips in a red wine sauce) these were all amazing. I must say the pork truly tasted like “the other white meat”. truly delicious!

Of course, when one eats Spanish, Higos Con Tocino must be eaten ( these are stuffed figs with bacon served in a brandy cream sauce. My new favorite. Let Alan have the olives- I am sold on the figs!

We also enjoyed ( and I mean TRULY LOVED) the Paella Valencia ( saffron rice with pork, chicken, chorizo, squid and mussels) what a dish. Alan took some of this home for tomorrow’s lunch!

For desert we had crème Brule and a special home made tart with pears. We were all in heaven when these were served, and again, we shared them evenly ( well, almost. Vicki truly loved the Crème Brule).

For those of you who don’t enjoy sharing, they do have complete dinners so you can just dine on one thing. I suggest their seafood combos, their chicken dinner or the New York Strip Steak ( a masterpiece grilled to perfection) which I am having next visit!

Cafe Marbella is located at 5527 N. Milwaukee Avenue with loads of street parking ( free- don’t tell the city, there are no meters) and they are open everyday BUT MONDAY!

Sunday 2 p.m.- 8 p.m. perfect for family

Tuesday-Thursday  5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.

Tuesday is a special BYOB ( you can bring your own beer or wine (ONLY) and they will serve you. The bar is open and they have anything you might enjoy and as I said earlier , a great wine list.

The phone number is 773-853-0128   for more info and t get on their mailing list  www.cafemarbellatapas.com

If you have never done tapas and are ready to enjoy the tastes of Spain, this is the place to start! If you are a tapas lover, and have been searching for a new location to try, this is the place!