La Tapa
Plaza de las Flores,13,30004, Murcia
Typically, when I think of tapas, I picture myself sat at a chiringuito beach bar, overlooking the Mar Menor or the Med, enjoying small portions of deep fried calamari which I imagine just moments earlier were happily swimming amongst the waves that now break just a few meters from my feet. But I’ve been told my romantic perception is not only wrong but embarrassingly screams ‘tourist’. Apparently for some of the very best tapas I need to head into Murcia City.
And that’s how I find myself stood in the
middle of the simply lovely Plaza de La Flores, ironically jostling for space amongst
the throng of Instagram tourists snapping selfies.
It’s a warm day so I select La Tapa from a
choice of tapas restaurants, primarily because it has bar counter outside where
I can perch myself upon a stool and watch the world go by and enjoy a cold Caña or two. Both important
elements for a full tapas experience.
Despite the tourist setting, I immediately feel
like a local – this is what eating tapas is about. A bustling bar in a bustling
plaza. Importantly dressed business people grabbing a tapa or two before
rushing off to wherever they need to be, and students with backpacks bulging
with text books sharing a bite to eat whilst deep in some intellectual conversation.
Well maybe. I don’t speak much Spanish, so they could equally be chatting about
the Spanish equivalent of Eastenders. Anyhow..
Established in 1927, La Tapa retains its classically authentic décor. There’s a smart looking inside space with
white clothed tables. But outside is where it’s at. A bar-counter runs the length of the restaurant with a traditional-looking striped awning providing shade. Flowers creep up the walls cementing it's rightful place in the center of Plaza de las Flores. I scan the QR code to
download the menu. Oh dear. QR codes are neither classic nor authentic. I want
to hold something tangible. I want to thumb through a menu, turning pages, not
swipe and tap my way through the selection.
But that is the only negative I can find. This
is next level tapas with some slightly unexpected international dishes like
gyoza Japanese dumplings, served alongside the more typical dishes such as patatas
bravas, although definitely taken up a good few notches. A must try is Marinero Murciano - a Murcian signature
tapa of Russian salad with an anchovy served on top of a U-shaped breadstick. Tradition
dictates you must eat it without destroying the breadstick. I do. I am a tapa
king.
Each dish arrives beautifully presented,
but amazingly they taste even better than they look. The gyoza dumplings are delicate,
plump pillows of minced pork with a deep rich, perfectly balanced sweet Yakiniku
sauce and a sprinkling of spring onion. For me, a mark of a great chef is one
that serves just enough sauce to compliment the dish, but not quite enough so
you find yourself running your finger across the plate to mop up every last
drop. I’m doing just that as the Boneless Chicken Wings arrive. Sounds simple
enough but the tender chicken with it's golden, crispy skin, paired with a salty Hoisin Sauce transcends to duck level.
The star of my lunch though has to be the patatas
bravas. Whole, small roasted potatoes with a liberal sprinkling of salt, topped
with a healthy dollop of a smoky, roasted garlic aioli. I’ll never look at a jacket
spud with quite the same reverence again.
La Tapa
offers amazing food. Highly recommended and the perfect place to people watch.
Grab a stool outside at the bar counter and lunch like a Spaniard!
If visiting Murcia by car head for the
Ayuntamiento (City Hall) where there is a large public underground car park.
It’s only about 15 minutes from the motorway, and not difficult to find. From
there head to Plaza de La Flores.
And enjoy!
