Last week, I went to Mercat a la Planxa for a birthday dinner.  Looking at the menu, it was like I was back in Spain: jamón ibérico de belota, boquerones en vinagre, pulpo con patatas and setas al horno.  It was heavenly, and nostalgic. Mercat’s warm and expansive interior full of yellows and reds cultivates the sexy and sensual side…just like Spain!  Walking in, you circle around a sunken center dining area, the bar is on your right and it absolutely gorgeous (as is the grade-A mixologist!).  The open-air kitchen stretches out on the left, letting all the smells mingle and drift into your nose.

Our meal started with drinks, I had the Shoko Cocktail– Peach vodka, fresh sour, orange juice, cucumber and basil leaves.  I detest sweet drinks and so I asked about this…our waiter assured me that I was safe. It was delicious. A true sock rocker.

The menu is focused on the Catalan region of the country– think Barcelona area. In Spain, they say they are a nation of nationalities, and it is true. From Madrid to Galicia and down into the south, regional foods are key and everyone has a favorite.  I’m a big fan of everything I ate at Mercat….

Here is a run down of my tastings:
Piminetos De Padrón– fried little green peppers with sea salt

Dátiles

Dátiles con Almendras– bacon wrapped dates with almonds

Cocas con Costillas de Ternera– flat bread with beef shortribs and horseradish

Espinacas a la Catalana– Spinach with pine nuts and raisins

Hongos Al Horno

Setas al Horno– Sauteed wild mushrooms
Escalivada– Roasted red peppers and eggplant with cipollini onions

Patatas Bravas

and of course….Patatas Bravas– potatoes with heat!

Mercat combines traditional food with haut cuisine styling. Everything gets a make over.  Honestly, the tastes were great, but there is something to be said for non-frou-frou presentation. The patatas were a little much (pictured above), who needs them to be so formatted!

I would go back, if for nothing else the great service and the Shoko Cocktail.

Things to eat right away: Pimientos De Padrón and the Hongos.
What I want to eat next :  A big plate of boquerones. I miss those little fish
Maybe take a pass: Cocas con constillas
Other Note Worthy Crumbs: stop in for a few drinks and a small plate or two for a VERY reasonable price. Its a great spot for a group, everyone can try a little taste and get to know the food. Mercat is a chef owner establishment, Jose Garces has cooked all over the world, focusing on Latin American cuisine.  Dig in to the archives of Iron Chef and you can see him defeat Bobby Flay!