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I’ve on the fence when it comes to Spanish Tapas as actual food. In Trinidad, this would be considered ‘finger food’ or “Cutters” as known in Trinidad, but in North America, it is a posh concept since the tiny appetizers are paired with good Spanish wine. That should be my new idea, pair Saheena or Pholourie with some Cabernet Sauvignon or a nice Pinot Grigio and instant success. I have little knowledge in the area of wine pairings, so pairing a strong bodied red wine with some “Trini cutters” would make certain people I know, actually wretch and dry heave.
Tonight, the dinner choice was Cafe Iberico (picked by the client). This is obviously one of the places to eat in Chicago as there are a number of reviews online and the food was quite good.
I had samples of five tapas in the time that I could stay, as well as two VERY excellent mojitos that came with extra mint. They really do know how to make a Mojito here; well muddled mint, good average white rum that didn’t overpower the mint or sugar. As for the tapas I had:
- Chorizo y Morcilla : Well done, crispy slices of Choriza sausage and blood sausage. Excellent!
- Patatas Bravas : Potatoes done in their spicy sauce. Tasted like Amir’s Garlic Potatoes from Montreal with a bit of hot sauce, so obviously three thumbs from me.
- Championes a la Plancha : Grilled Mushrooms with Olive Oil and Garlic : Meh! I could make this in my sleep.
- Raxo Adobado : Marinated pork loin with frites : Another Meh! Pork souvlaki with some over-done frites.. another pass
- Gambas al Ajillo : Shrimp in Olive Oil, wine, and garlic. Definitely a must have, well grilled shrimp with a great sauce.
From a tapas perspective, definitely a very good choice of place, unfortunately after an hour, the hockey game at the United Center was hailing me. So 13 minutes later and I was facing another Chicago tourist attraction : the Michael Jordan statue at the United Center.
As for the actual hockey game that took place there, well one could say that watching on TV was better. Seeing my Dutch friend Steven was the reason I went to the game.
The game itself lacked any drama as the ‘Hawks were listless and as such the crowd was quiet and out of the game.
Being the home of the Chicago Bulls, the banners from that ridiculous Michael Jordan dynasty still drift in the rafters.
The only moment of interest during the game came during a third period scrum, but other than that moment, I was more interested in the beer, conversation and finding new uses for my telephoto lens
