My husband David and I finally made it to the new, super trendy and intimate Spanish restaurant at 18818 Cox Avenue, Saratoga, in the same shopping center as Starbucks and Gene Fine Foods. Councilman Chuck Page had enthusiastically recommended it to us more than once.
TapaOle is known for tapas, which are small dishes, somewhat like appetizers but usually more unique and Paella, the flavored rice mixed with almost whatever-you- like dish cooked in a special pan and served family style.
TapaOle has a Manhattan-feel and is open 11 am to 10 pm every day but things change so call ahead before you go over there. There were six in our dinner party, made up of all fellow Saratogans and it was Saturday night so we made reservations.
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The owner said that he wanted the place to have more of a San Francisco feel.
We all enjoyed the Sangria which is a sweet wine drink with chunks of fruit in it. A pitcher was $32 but worth it.
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We had several tapas including a summery and delicious beet salad which I’m told was not on the menu, an oxtail stew in a tasty crispy shell bowl which reminded me of Hungarian Goulash, garlic shrimp and something that tasted like fried mozzarella. We let the waiter order for us so I don’t know the names of everything.
I really enjoyed the Sangria and tapas but that evening the paella dish with chicken was on the dry side.
Here’s something nice for people who can get out on a work night. On Wednesday, June 18 at 7 pm TapaOle will have two Flamenco dancers, a singer and a guitarist playing so if you like that sort of thing, I’d go that night. The owner says make reservations though.
Additionally, the owner and wait staff told us personal stories and made us laugh, welcoming us as if we were old friends who just returned home from a long journey. The owner also gave us a great Sherry-pouring show.
As a side note, because there is painted artwork featuring the outline and breasts of a naked woman next to a man on the bathroom door, I would recommend this place for adults only. It’s a trendy and modern graphic but still a little wild for some Silicon Valley kids and their conservative parents.
TapaOle gets 9.5 out of 10 stars
For reservations, call 408-379-1677. http://tapaolerestaurant.com/ Tell them you read about it in the Patch.
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Photo credits: Michelle McIntyre
Blogger Michelle McIntyre is a Saratoga business owner and resident.
