The trouble with tapas
When I was talking to Ben Greene (over the phone, of course) about his new Mediterranean bistro, Miss Irene's, I asked him if it was going to be a tapas place when it opens sometime this fall.
He was quite scornful, saying that the whole tapas craze has run its course. (Maybe the fact that Pazo has added entrees to its menu is an indication of that.) Only places that change their menus frequently, he believes -- like Tapas Teatro -- are going to survive.
It's probably too soon to sound the death knell just yet, but I wonder if people are getting tired of sharing little plates instead of having regular dinners. I myself like tapas sitting at a bar with a glass of wine, but at the table I prefer a plate where the chef has decided what goes best with what. To me it's part of his or her artistry.
(Elizabeth Malby/Sun Photographer)
Comments
Tapas are going to survive. I bartend for La Tasca at the Inner Harbor. Very few friends & family of my own knows of these places. They've dined there for the first time and they love it. Now they are inviting more friends to come. It's very unique, your not stuck to a tradition menu where you may or may not eat everything. It fits your budget and it fits your appetite. As awareness grows, Tapas restaurants grow!
Posted by: Santana | August 15, 2007 1:17 PM
Mezze always seems pretty busy to me, and I've always thought of it as adequate, not exceptional. So I think there are still enough people who want small plates...
Posted by: Amy | August 15, 2007 1:34 PM
Tapas may have run its course among the trendy types, but I imagine the style has yet to peak with the masses. Places like La Tasca, which no offense is pretty bad tapas, in places like the inner harbor will introduce suburban families to the concept. In a couple of years you will see tapas in places like Bel Air and Westminster.
Posted by: Robert | August 15, 2007 4:36 PM
We had a wonderful time at a mezze restaurant, ordering lots of small plates to share with friends. If something was particularly good, we'd order more of it - otherwise, onto something else. Pazo and Mezze are just fine (haven't been to Tapas Teatro yet), and I highly recommend Zaytinyas in DC.
Posted by: JJK | August 15, 2007 5:41 PM
I agree with Robert, what I see is that Baltimore lacks of world, it needs to be more cosmopolita... Tapas is meant to be share family style and is a great from of social exchange, that's why the plates are small, so you share a long period of time with friends or family dinning and if you feel that you need more, you just order more... a great place to go... "Amada" in Philadelphia, that is a great restaurant tapas style, and food... just amazing!!! and then tell me if you still like Pazo, which is not bad, but just ok... they need to work on their food, their atmosphere is nice.
Posted by: julian | August 18, 2007 2:33 AM