Taste Your Way Through NYC at Tapas Top Ten

As film actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Chef Mario5. Bar Stuzzichini
Batali are touring Spain seeking the best SpanishAs the newest hot spot in the Flatiron District, Bar
tapas and seafood dishes as part of a new realityStuzzichini has been packing them in all summer, and
television show, here in New York we don't evenits long marble-topped bar is the perfect place to try
have to leave the city to experience this significantthe bite-sized appetizers for which the restaurant
segment of the culinary culture of Spain.was named.
"Tapas," "small bites," "pintxo," "cichetti," and nowAt this Italian casual dining restaurant, stuzzichini are
"stuzzichini": no matter how you say it, New York isdivided into five categories on the menu: Friti,
definitely in the throes of a love affair with smallVerdure, Formaggi, Pesce and Salumi; individually, they
dishes, usually accompanied by a wine from theare priced at approximately $5.00 - $10.00, but order
appropriate region. Although the cost of these smallplates of five choices for $22.00. Two of these and a
plates can add up quickly, especially while sitting at adessert with a bottle or quartino from the all-Italian
bar with a best buddy, most tapas menus sportwine list and you've got a delicious meal for two.
combination plates, which often represent a great6. Matador Bistro Latino
value. Share a couple of these and a bottle (orContemporary Spanish and Latin cuisines mix with
carafe, quartino, mezzo, flight) and it's a great wayAsian and Middle Eastern influences to create
to spend an evening.Matador's eclectic Tapas menu. Located on
Here are my suggestions for ten Tapas Bars andGreenwich Avenue in the West Village, Matador
Restaurants Deals in New York City:Bistro Latino is offering individual dishes ranging in
1. Sangria 46price from $3.00 to $9.00, but for real lovers of Latin
This Spanish newcomer is receiving raves fromfood, we recommend the Plato de Charcuteria y
theatergoers and neighborhood diners alike for itsQueso, a mixed platter of meats, cheeses and olives,
authentic Spanish cuisine as well as its lovelyfor only $14.00. Stay for dinner and take 20% off
backyard garden. Choose from the extensive Tapasyour food bill and enjoy a complimentary glass of
menu, or order from the Pre-theater menu, whichSangria with an exclusive offer from
features several choices, including Vegetable Paella,7. Alta
Mussels Diablo, and Churasco (skirt steak). ThreeThe all-Tapas menu is extensive and features
courses for $26.95 are served all day and evening.creative and unusual dishes. Bring some friends to
2. Costa del SolGreenwich Village, snag a table or a couple of bar
Taking its flavors from Northwest Spain's Galiciaseats and share a bunch of the small plates, which
region, the menu at Costa del Sol is filled with truerange in price from $3.00 for Marcona Almonds to
Spanish dishes. Fans may not be able to agree on$14.00 for Sauteed Fois Gras. A moderately priced
their favorites, which include Paella Valenciana withbottle of wine from Italy, Spain or France and a
Lobster, Bacalau (codfish) with Green Sauce andcouple of desserts (don't miss the plate of five
Asparagus Puree, and the Madrid NY Sirloin andSpanish cheeses for $12.00) complete this relatively
Lobster Tail combination.inexpensive (and sabrosa!) meal.
But, most agree that being just on the fringe of the8. Antique Garage
Theater District has saved this restaurant from theAt this romantic Soho spot (Mercer St. bet. Grand
cliched themes of many of the more central theater& Broome St.), the culinary influences are
spots. The Tapas menu is also authentic and varied,described as French, Italian, Turkish and "modernized
and you can enjoy a great DiningFever deal of 15%Ottoman cuisine." The owners invite you to "fill your
off the entire check.table with several small plates from the Meze
3. Sol y Sombrasection," which features two combination platters: a
Fast becoming a neighborhood favorite, this Upperselection of meats and cheeses and a sampling of
West Side newcomer offers a large selection ofmeze including humus, tzatziki, eggplant salad,
tapas, both hot and cold, and authentic Spanishcircassian chicken and borek, $24.00 per platter.
entrees as well.Sunday through Tuesday evenings, take 15% off
It's easy to design a great meal of small plates towith a DiningFever exclusive.
share, and many say the Pulpo a la Gallego9. I Trulli Enoteca
(Galician-style Octopus), the Queso ManchegoAdjacent to I Trulli Ristorante is its tiny offshoot, I
accompanied by raisin bread and sliced apples and theTrulli Enoteca. The small Enoteca menu features a
Codorniz En Escabeche (marinated quail presentedwell-chosen assortment of meats, cheeses, and
with mixed salad and roasted figs) keep them comingolives from Italy's Apulian region. Choose three
back for more. Enjoy this exclusive offer from($18.00) or five ($24.00) and be sure to pair it with
DiningFever - 15% off entire check.one of several flights of three wines, ranging from
4. Azafran$11.00 to $18.00.
Both international guests and neighborhood fans alike10. La Bodeguita
have hailed Azafran and its ever-changing menu asSomeday we'll be allowed to visit Cuba; until then,
one of New York's top Spanish restaurants. Drawingluckily, there's La Bodeguita! At this Cuban Tapas
inspiration from the many diverse culinary regions ofLounge in the Gramercy Park area, you can certainly
Spain, Azafran's specialties feature a unique brand ofcreate a delicious feast from the extensive
authentic Tapas as well as upscale Spanish cuisine.assortment of Tapas, but try to save room for one
Enjoy Azafran's cool ambiance and outstanding foodof La Bodeguita's authentic Cuban entrees,
and save up to 25% with DiningFever's exclusivecomplimented, of course, by a pitcher of Sangria or a
special offer.selection from the mostly Spanish wine list.