Have you ever been to a Tapas bar? Although becoming more and trendy, Tapas bars are still not as popular as I wish they would be in the states, however, I do see a growing trend which I’m excited about! The reason I feel they haven’t flourished as much as they could is because of the trained american appetite of always eating more than the stomach can handle. Tapas are considered to be “small bites”, so I feel that people associate these with being hungry after the experience. First of all, lets clarify the word “Tapas”. Tapas are considered to be Spanish appetizers that are specifically served with cocktails and before a meal, although many of us consider an array of tapas just enough! In the US, this has become a sophisticated way of getting together for appetizers and not over stuffing yourself and I love it!
Last month, I had the pleasure of enjoying a “staycation” with the SoCal Blogger Babes in Costa Mesa. During our amazing stay (not to mention the fun sips I had all weekend), we had the opportunity of having our last night dinner at this amazing new restaurant called Pueblo, known for their Tapas and family style atmosphere. Fact: Pueblo in English means Town. After researching the culture and experiencing the hospitality of Pueblo, I find that this meaning is derived from the aspiration of creating a place to make memories around good food, good drink, and good company…my motto!
Although clearly sophisticated in style and taste, Pueblo strives to create a classy, yet affordable experience. Their menu consists of everything from a charcuterie board to heavier bites, to full dish paellas, one of their specialties! Unfortunately, they currently do not have the licensing fees to have a full bar, and serve liquor, however they have come up with amazing innovative cocktails using a wine based alcohol that even non-wine drinkers would enjoy. The first drink I had I didn’t even know wasn’t hard alcohol!
We tried many of the tapas on the menu, however I’d have to say my absolute favorite was the Montadito de Costillo which is short rib cooked two ways: braised and crudo (raw). It’s one of those bites you have to eat all at once to get in all of the flavors and it’s honestly one of the most delicious combinations of flavors I’ve ever tasted! I also highly recommend getting a charcuterie board as their cheese and meat selections are suburb and in compliments of one another no matter the selection. If you know me, you know I hate goat cheese (and blue cheese, but irrelevant at the moment). Although not pictured, one of my other favorite items on the menu was the Queso Fundido which actually had a goat cheese base but was mixed with so many delicious flavors it was unnoticeable!
Jamon Serrano which is 8 months dry cured ham
Whether for a date night with your sweetie, or a fantastic dinner before a show at the Segerstrom Center for Arts, Pueblo should definitely be your next excursion into the Spanish culture of Tapas! Allow yourself to relax, enjoy the company, and allow Pueblo to immerse you into the trend of making memories amongst eclectic food in small bites.
Sips Productions 
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