Nena - Tapas & Pintxo

Neña was a warm and gracious host; she greeted us with a smile and immediately made us feel welcome. The food here was very good. Relatively simple fare, but flawlessly executed. Rather receiving our order all at once, we decided to break the mean into two courses. Well, three once we included dessert. We started with a trio of veggie dishes: char roasted fennel finished with Sambuca; the Patatas Bravas, and grilled asparagus with truffle and beetroot sauces. Each of these dishes was a standout. Even the french fries in the Patatas Bravas were exceptional. Makes me wish I had ordered one if the two poutines on the menu. We paired the veggie dishes with a nice savignon blanc, recommended by Sommelier Philippe. Next came the carnivore course: an order of the Chef's special Portuguese Chicken, accompanied by two grilled sausages and some Chimichurri sauce; the second was a trio of seafood dishes - torched scallops in a Pernod sauce (I think?), Prawns in garlic butter and Salmon tartare. All were wonderful. I am gluten intolerant, and they offered cucumber slices instead of crouton to eat the tartare with. Wonderful! Although rather full by this time, we made room for a bit of dessert and a digestif to round out the evening. We ordered the Portuguese tarts with berries, Hagen Das ice cream and maple cream liquor. All were wonderful - at least, I am told the tarts were very good ( I stuck with the ice cream - gluten intolerant, right?). All through the meal my wife and I discussed when we could come back, and who to bring when we do. The atmosphere, the warmth, the food and drink all made for a delightful wedding anniversary. Thanks, Neña, Stephano and Philippe! I want to try everything on the menu!