Zupper speaking, "L" is actually for La Nacional tapas restaurant in Chelsea. But I've named this entry as Lessons Learned because I think we learned a couple important things that night. It started with a small group of Zupperites and a couple of beers across the street. We headed over to the restaurant and began scoping it out while we waited for a couple people to show up. Upon peering in, the place looked pretty empty and non-inviting. We began questioning. Then questioning quickly became doubting. Next thing you know, I'm yelling "let's go, let's go, let's go to Lombardi's!!" Nick & Alex are quickly yelping every L restaurant in Manhattan and Rollman is pacing outside telling us not to panic (hoping the host doesn't see us). Then, as if in divine intervention, Rollman gives us a much needed pep talk and reminds us that we are indeed Zupperites, culinary adventurers & foodie explorers. We can't turn to Lombardi's in face of the unknown or seemingly shady digs. Plus, Allison would never lead us astray, right? (Although we had another shameful moment and almost accused Allison of setting us up since she wasn't there).
Well, our dear Allison did not lead us astray and the evening, nor the food, was boring. The dining room was nondescript but cozy and within 15 minutes, young couples on dates and old Spanish men came trickling in. Although we ordered several entrees, the tapas were the highlight of the night and the reason I'd return. Fried baby artichokes were lightly fried and served with lemon aioli. The buttery crust didn't overwhelm, but rather complimented the bright artichoke flavor. A variety of Spanish cheeses (we didn't receive details) were creamy and salty. The chorizo slices were served hot and delicious, with a good balance of spice (good enough for me to promptly order another round when Mike came in). Meatballs tasted good, but they were just meatballs - no Spanish flare of any sort. On the other hand, the shrimp were served in a fantastic garlic-spicy sauce and perhaps tasted more "Spain" due to the olive oil. We followed with a classic and vegetarian paella, and the codfish. The paella was beautiful in its presentation, and fine in its taste. It could have used a little more flavor, but the rice was cooked well (tricky in paella) and both boasted fresh tasting vegetables, fish and meats. The only thing I really remember about the codfish is that it was hard to tell which was the codfish and which were the potatoes (but that was after a couple pitchers of deceptively strong Sangria). Service was quick and attentive, and the bill didn't break the bank.
Interesting things to note (and had I done my homework, I probably wouldn't have doubted). There are no signs outside, and this is due to the fact that it is still the gathering spot for the Spanish Benevolent Society, founded in 1888 to provide a cultural welcoming for Spanish visitors and ex-pats. This also explains the strange room you have to first go through in order to get to the dining room. The club sponsors performances, and has a bar that not only shows all the Spanish soccer matches, but also provides little tables for card games and socializing.
Muchas gracias a La Nacional y Covitz, Andrea, Sweeney, Nick, Alex, Rollman y Tenny para un tiempo muy divertido y muy delicioso!
