A Stir The Pots Post

Jaleo

by | Aug 25, 2011 | Jaleo

Eating out, it's difficult to find justice accorded Spanish food, especially when so often it means nothing more than sweet Sangria or faux paella whose typical signature is a dose of yellow coloring and perhaps some long grain rice. All to be given flourish with some mediocre flamenco dancing. 

Visting Washington D.C. recently, I had dinner at chef José André's excellent Spanish tapas restaurant, Jaleo, which totally changes that lame equation. 

IMG_2358

This bustling and casual restaurant offers plenty of delicious tapas, which are well priced and good size to share with two people.

IMG_2359

From the famed Iberic hams, salads with amazing Spanish cheeses, mussels in a paprika infused broth.

IMG_2381
 
Main courses are rich in ingredients and are classically prepared, with flourishes from Jose's own section of dishes. Paella manages to be simultaneously simple and complex; the few ingredients deep with flavor, texture and fullfilment. 

IMG_2364

IMG_2365

The table side presentation and plating is an added plus, as the staff are knowledgable and friendly.

IMG_2371

IMG_2375

IMG_2388

Our waitress was lovely. Apparently she's a dancer, but she's also excellent on the floor as waitress – knowledgeable, helpful, and looking to make sure her customers were satisfied. 

IMG_2377

The wine list is is full of various wines from regions and varietals from Spain. And the restaurant also serves ciders and beers in bottle and tap from España!

Desserts are imaginative and surprising; whether you go for their version of flan or espuma de chocolate, or try some specialty ice cream with olive oil and grapefruit ice from Jose Andre's molecular cuisine style.

1 Comment

  1. Oliverde

    Now I’m green! First Michel Richard’s place, and now Jose Andres…yum.
    Lucky you.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Find More

Follow Us

Feel free to follow us on social media for the latest news and more inspiration.

Related Content