Jaleo
Jaleo, the tapas bar of Spanish chef Jose Andres, has long been the representative of tapas in DC. In recent years, despite opening two locations in Maryland and Virginia and updating the menu offerings, the quality and charm of the original restaurant has not diminished at all.
One recent and welcome addition is "Jose's Way," a selection of dishes created by Chef Andres to modernize the tapa and give customers his recommendations. While all good, the clear stars are the light, delicate erizos (spoonfuls of sea urchin flavored with diced pepper, tomato, and cucumber) and the rich, decadent arroz de pato (rice with duck confit, duck breast, and duck foie gras cream).
The many cheeses and hams available from the pantry are nice and varied, Serrano ham being the most famous and most popular. But for a little more money, the Iberico ham, the choicest and most delicious cut of Serrano, is available. Also present and never disappointing are Spain's two most famous tapas: Gambas al ajillo are shrimp sauteed with sizzling garlic and olive oil, and patatas bravas are fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli... the perfect finger-food to go with a pitcher of sangria.
Although the grilled sausage and grilled hanger steak are both excellent, splurge a bit on the grilled lamb chops or the grilled quail. Both are served with a tasty rosemary sauce which complements the smoky char on the meat quite nicely, and the quail also comes with an amazing honey aioli.
Vegetarians also have plenty of options with a good portion of the menu being devoted to numerous salads, grilled vegetables, and cheesy mushroom dishes.
And don't ignore the phenomenal seafood tapas! Skip the usual deep-fried calamari for the seared calamares with pine nuts and a wine reduction. The delicious mejillones al marinera, mussels steamed in an herb and tomato broth, barely qualifies as a tapa due to the generous number given. Fish lovers, the seared butterfish is perfectly cooked and complemented by salsa verde and black garlic.
For those interested in non-tapa dishes, Jaleo offers several paellas, the most unique and interesting being the arroz negro deeply lavored and colored by squid ink. Soups are also on the menu, including a chilled, refreshing gaspacho as well as a filling sopa de pocado, with plenty of saffron and seafood.
As far as dessert, one can never go wrong with the house flan, prepared in the classic style but with a Catalan cream foam and oranges to cut the richness. If you seek something lighter and colder, ask if the dark and white chocolate sorbet is available.
A pitcher of sangria is the one thing to definitely order. For a surefire great time, gather some friends to have a slow and relaxed meal, sipping sangria and trying as many dishes as possible.
Review by Andrew Marin of "Where'd Ya Eat?" Twitter and Blog
Downtown(@jaleo.com)
202-828-7949
480 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Bethesda(@jaleo.com)
301-913-0003
7271 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814
Crystal City(@jaleo.com)
703-413-8181
2250A Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202