THE PLACE: I’ve always felt like the Spanish restaurants in the city are never as good as the ones I have been to in Spain itself. More so than other countries I’ve travelled to. Eel Bar, which is a hip, clandestine bar/restaurant from the team behind Cervo’s and Hart’s, is the closest I’ve experienced to the real deal. Inside feels cozy and intimate, but there is no doubt more space here than any of the teeny spots I’ve been to in Barcelona.
THE MENU: The menu leans regionally towards both the Basque Country and the southern part of Spain. The prices here are at least double what you would find in Sevilla, but the combination of ingredients feels very familiar, with lots of salty seafood, eggs, peppers, and cheese. There is also a unique burger (this is the company that created the anchovy topped lamb burger, after all) and some larger dishes on offer.
THE DISH: The luscious Potato Salad, which features a rotating seafood addition, is a far cry from the American picnic staple. When I visited, the creamy garlicky tubers were topped with onions, peppers, and some salty funky anchovies. Right now, the menu lists octopus and paprika. The anchovies I tried were utter perfection – crisp and they melded perfectly with the cool potatoes. Some bottarga (salted fish roe) was shaved on top and the dish was spiked with a bit of heat for a rounded experience. Not to mention the puddle of potent olive oil that seeped into the composition from below. While the price is much higher than a Spaniard would expect for a few bites, the flavors were all completely spot on. Price: $17
| EEL BAR |
| 130 First Avenue (between St. Marks Place and East 7th Street), East Village (917) 262-0633 |
| kolachirolls.com |
