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THE TAPAS KITCHEN
by Nicky Rigby-Smith & Si Hall
Set in the heart of West Kirby, The Tapas Kitchen
brings Spanish inspired cuisine to the Wirral, offering a
superb range of tapas and speciality dishes, alongside an
interesting and thoughtful drinks collection.
Greeted by manager Colin, we were seated to our table and
handed the extensive menu. We ordered the freshly baked
wild sourdough bread, which is sourced daily from the ‘Baltic
Bakehouse’, served with a superb oil and balsamic dip.
Our Pincho’s sharer plate arrived, which included Goats
cheese with wildflower honey, dates in bacon with quince jelly
and Anchovy fillets on toasted croutes, served with a shot of
spiced gazpacho. Priced at £6, this beautifully presented dish
was exceptional value and delicious. We paired with a lovely
Sauvignon Blanc ‘Barinas’ which was full of tropical and mango
flavours.
Our Pincho’s we’re followed by a combination of artisan Spanish
meat and cheeses accompanied with honey soaked grapes,
rosemary biscuits and pickled guindilla peppers. The quality
of ingredients excellent – superb Serrano ham and a fabulous
Manchego cheese.
After a short break, our tapas selection started to arrive. First
out was the Andalusian Chicken. Two full chicken breasts in
a coriander, tomato and almond reduction, being similar to
tagine cooking. Subtle elements of cinnamon and berries came
through the dish which added to the fabulous authentic taste!
Next was the ‘simply’ grilled seabass fillet in a lime seasoned
salsa fresca. Fresh, clean and delicious. Divine.
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The Valencian oven baked rice with saffron, packed full of chicken
and chorizo was cooked to perfection and tasted wonderful. The
dish really gives traditional Paella a run for it’s money! You must
sample this on your next visit to the Tapas Kitchen. The Mixed
Grill, a unique dish was served with morcilla, chistorra, chorizo
and botifarra in a mini frying pan. Seriously good.
Our final tapas dish was Patatas Bravas, triple fried chunky
potatoes served in a bravas sauce and aioli. This was a great dish.
Crunchy, crisp, subtle heat, perfect.
Feeling full and satisfied, we took a short break before ordering
the warm handmade Santiago Cake and Wildflower Honey
Roasted figs for dessert. The Santiago cake was served with
clotted cream ice cream and a sticky almond syrup – fabulous
and indulgent! The figs were luxurious and were matched
perfectly with a gorgeous honeycomb ice cream.
To finish, we had to try a cocktail from the well thought through
drinks menu. We chose ‘Uno’. This was Sikkim Bilberry gin with
orange. Out of this world.
Overall, The Tapas Kitchen is a vibrant bar and restaurant
serving quality, authentic Spanish food along with an interesting
cocktail menu and genuine Spanish coffee liqueurs. So much
thought has gone into every detail – from the décor, to the menu
and sourcing the best quality ingredients – all credit to Colin and
Head Chef, Phil. Top Marks!
Booking is advisable.
0151 625 8111
www.thetapaskitchen.co.uk