Occasion: Birthday
Party Size: 16
Overall Rating: *** Very Good
Date Visited: November 2012
Price Per Person: £10.50 Set Menu
Price Per Person: £10.50 Set Menu
For a friends birthday it was decided we would go to Azucar for Tapas. I have been to Azucar a few times and loved the vibe, the quality of the food and service however; on my last visit it was very disappointing. So keeping an open mind I was looking forward to putting Azucar to the test again.
On first impressions we were greeted by a friendly waitress and immediately shown to our table that was perfectly set up to accommodate our party. We were located along the back wall so we had the advantage of a booth and a long table. The venue itself is really relaxed, with warm terracotta walls, wooden furniture and soft red/orange lighting and tea lights on each of the tables casting a glow (hence why the photos are quite dark!) The restaurant was nice and warm and for a Friday night was fairly busy. You tend to find that people will visit Azucar not only to dine but partake in their cocktails! So it’s not too formal.
Azucar do a classic range or Tapas ranging from the usual Patatas Bravas, Tortilla, Calamari and Meatballs to bigger plates such as Burritos, Fajitas and Kebabs. Each tapas dish ranges from £4-£6.50 with main dishes costing around £8-£10 including sides. I would advise you book a table but before you make sure you check out the website for offers such as: 6 Tapas and a Bottle of Wine for £30, Set Menus at £15 and half price Tapas on Tuesdays. http://www.azucarbar.co.uk/pdfs/Azucar_Food_Menu.pdf
If you have a Pink Gorilla app then there is often deals on there which is where we managed to secure our offer of £10.50 for a set menu plus half a bottle of wine (red or white) per person.
This special menu included a good selection of Tapas and I must admit there was plenty for the table (equivalent to x3 tapas dishes per person):
Aceite Verde: Kalamata and Manzanilla Olives (green & black), nicely dressed in garlic and herbs – very flavoursome and good quality. It was nice to see them pitted to save any embarrassment of where to stack the stones.
Pan De Ajo: This warm garlic bread was fresh and the baguettes were ready sliced, ideal to dip in to the aioli and tapas sauces.
Tortilla Espanola: This was like a doorstop – good portion, lovely texture and tasty.
Albondigas: Beef meatballs were a good size, in a rich sauce, very good.
Calamares: This calamari was in a very light batter perfect to not detract from the flavour, cooked really well and served with aioli – my favourite dish out of them all.
Croquestas De Bacalao: These were quite big cod fishcakes – the most disappointing dish out of all the tapas as bland, didn’t look appealing I wouldn’t be surprised if they were straight from the freezer.
Chorizo Al Vino: This classic was great, plenty served and the Spanish sausage was in a Rioja and tomato sauce that complimented the natural spice and garlic flavour of the meat.
Jalapos: These Green Jalapenos came stuffed with cream cheese in a batter – good size but weren’t hot enough for me – but a general crowd pleaser.
Champinnones Al Ajillo: These were good sized mushrooms that were sautéed in garlic and parsley butter – a bit boring nothing special to be honest.
Patatas Bravas: Everyone’s favourite did not disappoint – nice spicy sauce, and well cooked potatoes.
Nachos: Big Portion, loaded with cheese, sour cream and salsa… I was too full to squeeze in but everyone else seemed to enjoy.
The half bottle of wine served per person was good quality, Sauvignon Blanc and a Malbec – again plenty for the table and no complaints.
Overall the service was excellent, the food tasty, the portions good and they even topped off the meal with a piece of cheesecake complete with a sparkler/firework for the birthday boy!
Pleasantly surprised, surpassed my expectations and I look forward to returning soon – definitely good value for money and ideal for group bookings with a relaxed vibe.
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