Looking for a good Tapa's or Paella place

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That's a good question...I knew of two but not sure if they are still there...One is Cafe Tu Tu Tango which had 3 usa locations...one is at The Block in orange...if it is still there, and I say "if" because I noticed their 2nd location at Universal City Walk in LA was closed down last time I was up there a couple months ago.



The other place I've been to was at Downtown Disney shopping district..Y Arriba Y Arriba...it was a little touristy with flamenco shows and latin-american dancing on stage...kind of a fun place to bring visitors. But when I went to the Disney webpage I don't see it mentioned so it is probably gone.



The food at both places was decent from what I remember but I wouldn't consider it as authentic like you'd get at a family-run ethnic restaurant.
 
Thank you Trabucodom for the responce.



I am familiar with the restaurant's that you listed but I am looking for more authentic Spanish Tapa's Restaurant. I have been to a few that are to americanized or to much of the "Fusion" style.



Although, I have found that Lizarran in Fullerton is good, I am just looking for others in the area to try.



Thank you again,

Mike
 
I have not eaten here, but I have heard that this place in Fullerton pWns.



<a href="http://www.lizarran-ca.com/">http://www.lizarran-ca.com/</a>
 
Great question Mike! My family hails from Spain and I too am looking for such a place. I once saw a place way out in Claremont (in the village) that totally looked perfect. The decor/vibe was straight out of Madrid or Barcelona but it was closed at the time - during one of the school breaks there. Obviously that is quite far away though. There is also a place in Newport Beach/CDM and a place in Laguna looking at google but I can't say I've been to either.
 
No Vaseline, I have been there many times and enjoyed it thoroughly. In fact the owner did live in Madrid for many years.



NewtoOC, Did you live in Madrid yourself? If you are familiar with the area I lived in the following village's: Cobena, Eurovillas, Meco, Alcala de Henares and Torrejon de Ardoz. I did spend many a night in Madrid at the Tapa's Bars and club's. What memories.



Mike
 
[quote author="working poor" date=1237859535]No Vaseline, I have been there many times and enjoyed it thoroughly. In fact the owner did live in Madrid for many years.



NewtoOC, Did you live in Madrid yourself? If you are familiar with the area I lived in the following village's: Cobena, Eurovillas, Meco, Alcala de Henares and Torrejon de Ardoz. I did spend many a night in Madrid at the Tapa's Bars and club's. What memories.



Mike</blockquote>


Yes, for almost 2 yrs I lived and worked in Madrid. I worked in La Moraleja then in San Fernando de Henares (which was in the same direction as Alcala de Henares) but I lived in the city proper (near the Auditiorio Nacional). Very good times. My family is from Galicia where I usually visit when I go these days.
 
I wish I could direct you to a good tapas place- but I don't know any. (But there are lots in Chicago!)

I lived in Spain for almost 2 years as well (Madrid and Sevilla). My sister actually married a gallego- from Sada- near La Coruna. Galicia is so gorgeous and lush!
 
[quote author="JoonB" date=1237868735]I wish I could direct you to a good tapas place- but I don't know any. (But there are lots in Chicago!)

I lived in Spain for almost 2 years as well (Madrid and Sevilla). My sister actually married a gallego- from Sada- near La Coruna. Galicia is so gorgeous and lush!</blockquote>


Wow, I know exactly where Sada is! It's across the beach/bay (I'm terrible with geography terms) from Mino (n with a ~) where my parents have a place and I'm going this summer. Crazy small world. I too find Galicia very beautiful.
 
Wow, small world, I also worked in La Moraleja for a short time and I would travel through San Fernando de Henares taking the train from Alcala. As for the area you lived, I would pass through that area going to the Bull Fights at Plaza de Toros or to catch a game with Real Madrid.



So that brings me to one question, WHY ARE YOU HERE? When I left California to move to Spain I had a tear in my eye, but, when I left Spain to come back I cried like a baby...



Mike
 
Yep that was pretty much my experience leaving the DC area for Spain and then moving back to DC. I couldn't imagine living in Spain forever but at the same time I was really not ready to leave. I was there on a consulting project so when the gig ended I left. I still occasionally kick the idea around of going back. Maybe some day. Fortunately my husband would be open to that but he doesn't speak Spanish so that could be a challenge. I used to listen to Shakira's "Te Dejo Madrid" and feel super nostalgic. Hahahahaha, this is kind of bumming me out.



Anyway, hopefully we get some tapas recommendations places out of this trip down memory lane.
 
Oh I have been meaning to go to <a href="http://www.blacksheepbistro.com/menupage2.htm">Black Sheep Bistro in Tustin</a> but that is more Catalan with some French and Italian thrown in too.
 
[quote author="NewToOC" date=1237846390]Great question Mike! My family hails from Spain and I too am looking for such a place. I once saw a place way out in Claremont (in the village) that totally looked perfect. The decor/vibe was straight out of Madrid or Barcelona but it was closed at the time - during one of the school breaks there. Obviously that is quite far away though. There is also a place in Newport Beach/CDM and a place in Laguna looking at google but I can't say I've been to either.</blockquote>




i found the atmosphere at the clairmont place good, but the food mediocre. atmosphere less good in fullerton, but food better.
 
The place in Claremont is <a href="http://www.vivamadrid.com/">Viva Madrid</a>, one of my very favorite restaurants in Southern California.
 
Habana in Costa Mesa is a great Cuban restaurant with awesome ambiance. it is not Spanish but they have great Paella and awesome appetizers.
 
Ok, tortilla is pretty simple to make and a staple at our house. I make it with hot sauce though. But this t-shirt still reminded me of this thread.



<img src="http://www.kukuxumusu.com/catalog/idb/catalog/AC0RLR31888_2.jpg" alt="" />
 
ummm- a tortilla de patatas.

do you make croquetas as well? i totally love those. i used to make them years back, but haven't done so in a while!
 
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