Sunday, August 7, 2011

Tapas @ Cava Restaurant, Toronto

We were craving for some Tapas and stumbled upon Cava Restaurant while browsing Opentable. Browsing through the numerous positive reviews from both Diners and Food Critics we decided to give the place a try.

SMOKED KINGFISH CEVICHE WITH A FRISÉE SALAD
SMOKED KINGFISH CEVICHE WITH A FRISÉE SALAD
This was my first time having Smoked King Fish. The King Fish has a meaty texture like Tuna but was a mild in flavor similar to Hamachi.


SUPERGILDA
SUPERGILDA
A combination of Toasted Baguette, Mackeral, Ancho Chili (I think), Pickle and Anchovy. The bitesize Supergilda packed a lot of fishy flavor that was accented with a little spiciness from the Chili and Sourness from the Pickle. I enjoyed it but Verna did not.


SALT COD CAKE WITH PIPERADE AND CHIPOTLE CREMA
SALT COD CAKE WITH PIPERADE AND CHIPOTLE CREMA
The Cod Cake was molded perfectly and held its shape without disintegrating into bits upon forking into it. The Crust was crisp and the shredded pieces of Cod Fish Flesh was seasoned just right.


WATERCRESS AND ROASTED BEET SALAD WITH VALDEON AND MARCONA ALMONDS
WATERCRESS AND ROASTED BEET SALAD WITH VALDEON AND MARCONA ALMONDS
My least favorite of the dishes. The pungent earthy flavor of the Raw Watercress was balanced by the Sweetness of the Roasted Beets. The one thing I disliked was the use of Blue Cheese.


STEAMED CLAMS WITH CHORIZO AND FRESH BAY LEAVES
STEAMED CLAMS WITH CHORIZO AND FRESH BAY LEAVES
The smoky flavor from the Chorizo Sausage added a depth of flavor into the broth that was used to steam the Clams. I enjoyed mopping the Clam Jus with the Baguette more than eating the Clams itself.


GRILLED SQUID AND FINGERLING POTATOES, GREEN ONIONS AND ROMESCO
GRILLED SQUID AND FINGERLING POTATOES,  GREEN ONIONS AND ROMESCO
The Squid was tender and went well with the nutty Flavor of the Romesco Sauce.


VEAL SWEETBREADS WITH RADICCHIO-POBLANO CHILE SALAD AND WALNUT VINAIGRETTE
VEAL SWEETBREADS WITH RADICCHIO-POBLANO CHILE SALAD AND WALNUT VINAIGRETTE
I rarely have Veal Sweet Breads. The Sweet Breads had a nice crust and was quite soft in the center. The Vinaigrette and Salad help cut down the richness of the Sweetbread.


FORTY-EIGHT HOUR BEEF CHEEK OR THREE MINUTE FLANK STEAK WITH WHITE PURÉE AND CHIMICHURRI
FORTY-EIGHT HOUR BEEF CHEEK OR THREE MINUTE FLANK STEAK WITH WHITE PURÉE AND CHIMICHURRI
The Beef Cheeks melts in your mouth and was delicious with the Chimichurri Sauce. Loved the combination of Meat and Fat.


VENISON ANTICUCHO WITH A WARM RED CABBAGE SALAD
VENISON ANTICUCHO WITH A WARM RED CABBAGE SALAD
The Veal was very tender but I didn't really taste much of the Anticucho marinade in the Veal


BEEF TRIPE BASQUAISE
BEEF TRIPE BASQUAISE:
My favorite dish of the night! The Tripe was so soft and tender and was so delicious with the Tomato-Based Sauce. The Chickpeas added a nutty flavor and texture to the Tripe.


Overall the Spanish and Mexican inspired Tapas we had were really good at Cava. Dishes I really enjoyed were their Beef Tripe, Beef Cheeks, Salt Cod Cakes and Squid. It is highly recommended to make a reservation because the Restaurant is small and can accommodate no more than 50 diners.


Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Price: $$$$$ (Approximately USD $50 per person)


Contact Information
Address: 1560 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4V 3C6, Canada
Tel: +1(416) 979-9918
Web:
Map:

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1 comment:

KINGRPG said...

I like BEEF TRIPE BASQUAISE it look attractive and beautiful. Hopefully it will taste good as well.