tastingmenu.com - Madrid 522, Seattle, WA

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Madrid 522, Seattle, WA, January 23, 2004 — As a fan of a large variety of dishes, all served in small amounts, Tapas was essentially made for me. Lots of small plates (even way before it was "trendy") filled with yummy Spanish delicacies. What could be better? Hearing about Madrid 522, a Tapas place in Seattle, we were intrigued. We definitely had to check it out. The location was odd, downtown, but at this desolate intersection with no other businesses nearby. Location weirdness aside, we were still up for a great meal. And Madrid 522 promised quite a bit - specifically "the food, the drinks, the Passion of Spain". We were ready for passion!

We ordered wine to start things off - 2001 Guel Benzo "Evo" Meritage from Navarra. Peyman said it was "oily". I thought it had touch of nice acidity and big fruit. I gave it an 89 (whatever that means). Accompanying our wine as we ordered were some olives - Aceitunas Alinadas. They were yummy with marinated garlic. Tangy, delicious, and bright. Next up was Patatas Bravas - Fried Country Potatoes Laced with a Spicy Tomato Sauce. This dish was smoky and yummy. We also ordered Tostadas - Crusty Bread Slices with an Array of Different Toppings. The sesame bread for the tostadas was fantastic. The sesame flavor was intense. We also got the Pate de Campo - Country Liver Terrine. The pate was quite nice. It had a cool presentation, great flavor. If I had one complaint it may have been that the texture was a little too rustic for me.

Things started off quite good and we felt the meal was promising so far. We kept the plates coming. Gambas al Ajillo - Sauteed Garlic Prawns, this was just ok and would have been bettter if it had chunks of garlic; Langostinos con Salsa Rosa - Pacific Prawns with a "Rose" Sauce, was uneventful; Morcilla a la Cazuela - Catalan Style Blood Sausage, Baked in Wood Burning Oven, had a neat flavor; Croquetas de Jamon - Serrano Ham Croquettes, i could find no ham, but the croquettes we smooth, hot, yummy, and soft inside; and Tortilla de Patata - Spanish Potatoes and Eggs Omelette, this was addictive and yummy like a big chunky latke.

Next up were Pinchos Morunos - Marinated Pork Skewers. These had a nice Mediterranean spice on them, but they were a bit dry. Peyman said they were flat. These were followed by Championones al Ajillo con Jerez - Locl Mushrooms Sauteed in Olive Oil, Garlic, and Jerez Wine. The mushrooms had a touch of spice and lemon. They could have been a touch more flavorful. We also got the Chorizo a la Sidra - Homemade Spanish Sausage Baked with Hard Apple Cider. The chorizo was herby and yummy. This was followed by Albondigas Sorpresa - Meatballs in an Almond Parsley Sauce. The meatballs had a savory flavor. The nuts were a neat addition. We also ordered the Conejo a la Cazadora - Tender Oregon Natural Rabbit, Sautéed with Thyme, Garlic, Dry White Wine, Mushrooms, and Fresh Tomatoes. The Rabbit had a strong but pleasant taste of wine. It was yummy.

Bottom line - Madrid 522 was a place we wanted to like. The staff was super friendly and flexible. They took an entree we wanted and made it "tapas-size" for us. The restaurant was oddly empty for a Friday night, maybe the odd location had something to do with it. Some of the dishes were quite enjoyable, but nothing really blew our minds. That said, the menu was sizable and made for exploring.' It wouldn't be a bad thing to explore it and find the dishes that really resonate. But with restaurants like Harvest Vine nearby making truly memorable dishes, it may be difficult not to get distracted.

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