Taberna del Alabardero’s Monthly Spanish Wine Dinners

Tasked with the self-appointed mission of introducing American culture to Spanish cuisine, Chef Javier Romero’s monthly wine dinners at Taberna del Alabardero kicked off with a bang. Romero, the 2011 nominated Rising Culinary Star by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, brought out an array of dishes. Octopus that had been marinated and grilled was tender and served with a yucca brochette, the crisp and salty exterior giving way to a fluffy center that had the consistency of mashed potatoes. A mille-feuille was similar to the classic French pastry, but savory rather than sweet.  Miniature crab cakes were layered with thinly sliced pieces of scallop, both surrounded by a pisco sour sauce.

While guests enjoyed the expert pairing of food and wine, they listened to Sommelier Jorge Olias. Hiruzta 2014, the only white wine featured, has a low alcohol content and was a lovely beginning to the evening. Produced by the Hiruzta Bodega Winery in the Basque region, the wine’s txakoli grape produces a highly acidic, slightly carbonated wine with citrus notes. Diners felt transported to the balmy days of summer, forgetting for a while the blistering cold enveloping D.C.

Howard Friedman, owner of South River Imports, walked guests through each wine while sharing tales of his travels through Spain, photograph album included. As dinner concluded, a server poured crème anglais over a pistachio macerated fruit parfait. Remotely sweet, the dessert didn’t overpower the sweeter Amatus 2011, also incorporated in the dish.

Located on Eye Street, Taberna del Alabardero recently celebrated its 25^th anniversary as a staple of Spanish cuisine in Washington, D.C. The wine dinners are held on the last Thursday of each month. The menu for the February 25th event appears to feature mostly seafood. For those seeking a fine dining experience while learning more about Spanish cuisine, the wine dinners are a great way to begin that exploration. Chef Javier Romero, of course, hopes to convert many to regular customers. He is, as we said, on a mission.

Taberna del Alaberdero
1776 Eye Street NW (entrance on 18th Street, between H and Eye)
202-429-2200

Photos by Jai Williams