savor: Spain/ Valencia
CASA MONTAÑA
José Benlliure, 69
Valencia
34/963.67.23.14
www.emilianobodega.com
For delicious, straightforward local tapas and a book-length wine list that is perhaps the city’s largest, neighbors, politicians, artists, and the city’s best-known chefs gather in the rather salty fisherman’s quarter of El Cabanyal at the 170-year-old bodega Casa Montaña. High ceilings, marble bar, few stools, massive dark barrels (one side of vermouth, the other of brandy), and heaps of character.
Go for: conversation with the owner, Emiliano García.
Order: salt cod croquettes with pine nuts.
And: ajo arriero, a pureed garlic and potato dip eaten cold.
For dessert: a custard called tocino de cielo (“pork from heaven”) topped with tomato marmalade.
Try: a glass of Alicante wine from Enrique Mendoza.
Know: that the English menu isn’t as complete as the Spanish one.
At night: take a taxi.
Posted by jeffkoehler in savor: Spain |
