OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe love dining in San Francisco as there are so many excellent restaurants. We were in the mood for a light dinner and wine and had always wanted to try Bocadillos Tapas and Wine Bar which features a Spanish inspired Tapas Menu using predominantly organic and sustainable ingredients. Bocadillos is owned by Chef Gerald Hirigoyen who is also known for his popular Basque Restaurant Piperade. Chef Hirigoyen is very accomplished and has authored several cookbooks and received numerous awards including the James Beard Award for Best California Chef in 2006. Bocadillos will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary in 2014 and is located on the corner of Montgomery and Columbus and features a casual atmosphere with an upbeat City vibe. The décor features bold colors and custom lighting with multiple seating options including bar seating, a communal table, high top tables along the wall and window seating. In June, Bocadillos introduced their new Chef James LaLonde who is very experienced and has added his creative touch to the focused menu.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe arrived just before 6:00 PM and were able to take advantage of their Happy Hour Wine Tasting Flights created by Sommelier Brian Burke from their California, French, Basque and Spanish wine list. We enjoy flights as they are a great way to find new wines to enjoy. The White Wine Tasting Flight consisted of the 2011 Monopole Vuira Rioja, the 2011 Do Ferreiro Albarino, Rias Baixas Spain and the sparkling, and our favorite of the three the 2011 Ameztoi Hondarrabi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina Spain which was very lively! The Red Wine Tasting Flight consisted of the 2006 La Rioja Alta “Vin Alberdi Tempranillo Rioja, Spain, the 2010 Cyan Tempranillo Toro Spain and our favorite the 2007 Arrels Garancha Montsant Spain.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe sipped our wines and ordered from the interesting focused Tapas menu. Our first delight was the Chilled Prawns Huevos Diablo with Guindillas and pimento. It was a single Prawn on Deviled Egg which was beautifully presented and perfectly spiced. Next, we really enjoyed the Padron Peppers with sea salt and lemon which were really luscious. The Bocadillos are also a must! Bocadillo means a snack or small sandwich in Spanish and we loved the 24 month Serrano Ham pan con tomate and the Braised Short Rib with arugula and sherry caramelized onion. They are served with a small side salad. We were told that they are also the favorites on the lunch menu! Another excellent choice is the Chicken Liver Mousse with sherry, strawberry and peppercress. It was so light and creamy. The Pork Belly served in a pan with watermelon, scallions and mint was an interesting combination and fun. The Corn Fritters with manchego, chorizo and tomatillo salsa were also delicious and very popular. A glass of the 2008 Arrels Garnacha Montsant Spain paired perfectly with our meal.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAs always, we saved room for Desserts and Double Espressos. We loved both the decadent not too sweet Warm Chocolate Cake with Banana Ice Cream and the Caramel Flan with Maldon Salt. They were both perfect and reminded us of how important great desserts are to the lasting impression of the meal! A Jorge Ordonez “ Victoria” Moscatel and a Castellroig Cava Brut Pendes Spain were the perfect finish to our wonderful dining experience.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABocadillos Tapas and Wine Bar met and even exceeded our expectations! We loved the fabulous small plates, the wines and the variety you can enjoy. Everyone was having such a good time and it was fun seeing other diners ordering and enjoying their “favorites”. The service was excellent and we will surely be back soon for lunch, dinner or their Spanish Breakfast which starts at 7:00 AM weekdays.

Bocadillos Tapas and Wine Bar
710 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-982-2622
www.BocaSF.com

By

Carol & Joe Davis