This place took over the Mt Auburn Grill, which was one of those usually windowless, brick storefront institutions that you’ll find a few of in these parts. Advertises itself as a whiskey bar and tap(as). The space indoors is cavernous and (to put it mildly) funky – it looks rather like a dive bar half-renovated into an ICA exhibit hall, with big antique RCA-console-style radios hanging on the walls, and full-size inverted bathtub chandeliers. Also, several large tvs, some playing sports, others playing what looked to be 80s-era New Wave music videos. The menu is tapas, some old favorites from the Mt Auburn Grill, a strange “world menu” section with some Middle Eastern, Italian, and Mexican. We had:
A salad with almonds and oranges (must have been a special, since I don’t see it on the menu
Gazpacho - pretty good standard version, a little vinegary for my taste
Paella Valencia - also pretty good, the rabbit especially was tasty
Zorza (pork loin chunks over rice) - This was good but ended up being a little too similar to the Paella, would have ordered something different.
Anyhow, good to have tapas in the area (it is one block down from the Deluxe Town Diner, near Cha Yen’s original location), I wish they would focus a little more on that though.
I was just in that area at the Armenian markets and noticed Cha Yen moved across the street essentially (clearly haven’t been in a while even though it’s close by).
I’d say I’d check this place out but I can’t decide if you liked it or not “Funky” and “Strange” can be taken in so many different ways (sometimes good sometimes bad) . . .but sounded like the food was okay.
I wasn’t exactly bowled over by excellence but I think it’s worth a shot. I didn’t try any of the seafood tapas and would like to. Didn’t know Cha Yen moved either until we went there thinking that’s where Olespana was. New space looks nice and the were lots of people there.
I meant to note Cha Yen’s move. I ate in the new location a month or so ago for lunch and was really impressed by their renovation. They have custom-made ceramic plates, very nice flatware, and an overall vibe that really kicks it up several notches from most Thai dining establishments. I think they are going for date-night worthy, and in my opinion, they succeeded.
Regarding the above review, I was questioning why I never heard of “bathtub chandeliers” and was wondering if that was a specific thing, until I saw the picture… which cleared up my confusion!
What an odd menu! I can see throwing a burger on to keep people happy, but to tout “100% Galician cuisine,” then also add Mexican and Middle Eastern and Italian sections, seems a bit suspect. I also have to take issue up front with a vegetable paella costing the same $35/2 as a seafood paella.
Don’t know what’s going in, but the solid black storefront is covered with a facade of clerestory windows across the top with frame to frame sash windows below, hopefully opening the place up to natural light.
“Funky” and “Strange” can be taken in so many different ways (sometimes good sometimes bad) . . .but sounded like the food was okay.
