Amada, Our New Favorite Place – Thank you Jose Garces

For bringing something to Philly that needed to be brought. Fantastic tapas. Since its opening, Phillyist has now been to Amada six or seven times and feel the need to go back many more to eat our entire way through the extensive tapas menu. We want, want, want the recipe for his tuna and caper puree (could it be that easy) the Chef serves with what we know to be called 'carte de musica' … or at least that what Eli calls it. Must haves include the patatas bravas (not exactly authentic as we have been to Barcelona and tasted many variations, but delicious nonetheless), the ham croquetas (trust us, you will be dreaming about them), the garlic shrimp (now THAT was authentic and made us feel we were actually on Las Ramblas) and the OH-MY-GOD mixto cheeseplate. The nutella and montenebro combo gave us chills. The tomato marmalade and cabrales made us want to find, and bow down to Jose Garces (the Chef) for realizing that particular flavor combo kills. Last but not least, would be the ramao with truffled lavender honey (we plan on duplicating this cheeseplate for our guests at our next dinner party and will no doubt impress them). Quite delish. We liked the red sangria better than the white (we know, Spring is here, but whatevs). Located at 217 Chestnut, the restaurant also hosts flamenco dancer center stage on Wednesday and Sunday night. Screw the Sopranos (that's why we have TIVO), we're going to Spain this Sunday.