Great service, and even better food. My family and I were staying at a hotel in the vicinity, and…read moreLa Bekada stood out among the options nearby. Although we were ushered to the corner of an empty dining room, I could tell the diner's atmosphere was sophisticated but laid-back. Our server was pleasant, patient, and eager to flex his English skills.
To whet our appetites, we began with an off-menu salad (waiter recommended) that came with a lump of mouth-watering smoked goat cheese and a some type of crunchy worm-like fish. Looked a little strange, but tasted quite good. We then moved on to shrimp, chicken, and beef croquettes (little fritters), which were playfully arranged on the branches of a miniature tree constructed from coiled wire. The outsides were thin and crispy, with gooey centers infused with notes of rosemary.
For our main courses, we ordered two paella platters: one Mixta and one Negra. Now that's more like it. THIS-- generous helpings of colorful cooked rice bursting with meaty toppings and rich flavors-- is exactly how I envisioned the renowned Spanish staple. The Paella Mixta was buttery and smooth, with a combination of shrimp and chicken. The rice was actually the best part and paired nicely with the lemon. The star of the meal, however, was the Paella Negra, white rice doused with squid ink and cooked in a seafood broth with assorted sea critters. As a rabid seafood-lover, this pitch-black preparation blew me away with its savory taste and perfectly cooked calamari and shell-on prawns.
This place has gotten mixed reviews elsewhere on the internet, but I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience. Dare I say it might have been the best or second best meal we had during our stay in Spain!
