The Essence of Espana: Tertulia in NYC

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FullSizeRender 3While Spain may be several thousand miles away from the U.S., you only need to go as far as New York City to feel like you’re worlds away, thanks to a small tapas-style restaurant in the heart of the West Village – Tertulia.

Tertulia
359 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10014
http://tertulianyc.com

After discovering the cider houses, or sidrerias, in the northern region of Spain, Chef Seamus Mullen was inspired to bring a little slice of that heaven back to New York City. Hailing from another NYC Spanish staple, Boqueria, by way of Vermont, Chef Seamus has been pairing the finest ingredients in a variety of dishes similar to those found in Asturias since 2011. From tostas and sartenes (smaller sharing dishes) to platos familiars, or larger main courses, there are endless options on this menu to satisfy your Spanish cravings.

Situated along 6th avenue just off West 4th Street is a beautifully decorated and warmly lit eatery,FullSizeRender 5 making you feel like you’ve stepped off of cobblestone streets into the warm and welcoming home of a Spanish native. With elegant exposed brick, dim lighting and a homey décor, you may want to settle in for the rest of the night. That is, after you’ve found your favorite glass of delicious wine from a lovely selection of the grape juice. Whether you’re sitting at one of the small tables for two or one of the larger communal tables, there’s no bad seat in the house.

During a recent visit to this downtown gem, we became familiar with a wide variety of Spanish favorites including Huevo Diablo (deviled eggs), Croquetas de Jamon (Iberico ham croquettes), Albondigas (lamb meatballs), Pulpo a La Brasa (grilled octopus), and of course Paella… no, there’s no need for a translation for that!

IMG_4690While some dishes were better prepared than others, each had its own authenticity and was packed with flavor. The deviled eggs were creamy and smooth. The croquetas were perfectly fried and placed over a drizzle of sweet membrillo glaze. And the octopus, well, that was just perfect.IMG_4700But nothing was more tasty and satisfying than a small serving (by comparison, because they’re typically huge) of paella. While not the traditional seafood type this Spanish senorita is used to, the rice was cooked to perfection over an open flame and the essence of España was all there in that one paella pan. It even had the authentically crispy bottom texture. Washed down with a cold, sweet glass of their signature sangria, I was quickly saying “Mas por favor (more please)!”IMG_4702Open since 2011, one would think this Vermont native cooking Spanish cuisine wouldn’t last in a city of serious sharks (a.k.a. food critics). But here we are, five plus years later, and there’s no shortage of table guests in the house.

Nicole

Some call me "The Cuban Carrie (Bradshaw)" because yes, I love love, fashion and hilarious conversations with my best girlfriends, but more than all that, New York City (and all it's yumminess), have my heart forever. I'm originally from Miami (of Cuban and Spanish descent) with a penchant for global cultures and cuisines. Whether those bold profiles come through a bite or a sip, I'm game for (almost) all things ingestible and imbibeable (is that even a word?). On most days (and nights and all hours in between), you can find me scouring the pages of culinary magazines and articles, online reviews, and of course, the proverbial self-proclaimed "foodie" Instagram profiles, in search of the latest and greatest in this wild world of food and beverage we live in. From fancy and fabulous to not so frilly, I'm a lover of ingenuity and insanity as it comes across on a dish, in a cup, or even suspended in the air (yes, presentation plays a big role sometimes!). Come along for the ride as I discover the Big Apple (and beyond) one bite, sip and 'gram at a time!

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