The best restaurant in Valencia

The other night we ate at Restaurante Bocheria, our new favorite restaurant in Valencia.  What made it so great? Most importantly of course, the food.  OUT OF THIS WORLD.  In addition, a rustic and cozy décor and a relaxed atmosphere.  I can't stand all of the "nouveau" restaurants that promote their bold colors, clean lines and other stylistic notions that don't add to my food one bit.

We were so luck to find La Bocheria.  Our neighbor was babysitting Benjamin and she sprung into action when I told her we were looking for a restaurant in or near El Barrio del Carmen.   She suggested a restaurant owned by a friend nicknamed "Bobal" – short for Cristobol. 

We order 5 appetizers (yes there were only four of us), four main dishes and four desserts.  2 bottles of wine – and of course the customary Spanish "chupitos" which did not taste like fire water.  All for a total of 149 euros.  One of our appetizers was a mixed "crudite" presented as a tower, exquisitely crafted vegetables mixed with smoked trout and salmon.  My cousin Joe ordered Cod for his main meal which was topped with a shrimp and cheese sauce.  He is still talking about it.  The rest of us enjoyed beef filet or entrecote.  Generous portions that were perfectly seasoned.  I typically enjoy my beef medium rare.  Both Mitch and Melissa were delighted with their steaks but I embarrassed Mitch by sending mine back for a bit less purple inside.  They quickly complied and there was still plenty of red when it returned (which was fine.)

Amazing ingredients, creative presentation, absolutely delicious food.  Every time another dish was brought to the table, we were more impressed.  After the first appetizer, my husband reminded me of the Metropolitan restaurant in Charlottesville – the original Metropolitan when the food was outstanding and the service unpretentious.  It's always so disappointing to us when a restaurant has it all – delicious food, great service, great prices and then someone decides they have to change it all.  The redesign always seems to include bold colors, sharp and cold furniture, dimmed lights and extremely pretentious service.  Of course, higher prices and less tasty food seems to follow.  I can't seem to say if the food really tastes worse or if by the time it arrives you are ever so slightly annoyed so it never ends up tasting as good as it should. 

When the meal was over, a complimentary "chupito" was served.  A delicious apple liquor.  We spoke with Bobal and mentioned that we were surprised that the restaurant was full at the back but not in the front.  So many restaurants fill up the window seats first so that those passing by will see the place full and stop in.  Bobal insists he doesn't get caught up in all of that.  Instead, all of the patrons were sitting in the back of the restaurant along side the open kitchen.  There, we could see them preparing the dishes, and they I assume, could gauge our reactions as we enjoyed the food. 

La Bocheria.  Calle Guillem de Castro 114, esquina Corona.  Phenomenal food.  You will not be disappointed.  I promise.   

Many months ago, my husband mentioned that he will always make sure to buy a chicken marked "pollo limpio" (clean chicken) in the supermarket, as he didn't appreciate all of the extras that came along with the regular chicken.  I suppose we have always been careful to do so, but somehow the last time I picked up a whole chicken, I didn't read too carefully.  They always look the same from the outside.  But hidden underneath and inside that chicken were lots of surprises.  

Most Americans would like to learn about the food they're eating from the label - not from anything else.  As difficult as it may seem though, I have always considered it "noble" to have a strong sense of our food's origins, even if that means witnessing its unsavory journey toward our table.  

Benjamin is into a "me work too Mommy?" stage so he was helping me prepare the chicken.  Goodness gracious me, there is a very long neck, head and beak hidden in this chicken package I said.  Twisting didn't do the trick - that had been done before perhaps  -  it was certainly not the way to dislodge the neck and head.  Scissors did the trick.  Off went the neck and beyond into the tray with the insides. 

But Ben ran off.  Me work too Mommy.  Me work too.  Before I knew it - there he was with his preschool saw, pretending to saw off the head.   Yes, yes.  It is noble to know where your food comes from.  

Vinegna Olargui - Reserva Especial Rioja - 1998 - 4.98 euros.

I found this at Las Anadas a few weeks ago.  I asked the salesperson how much time the wine had left - since I don't often see 1998s around.  It was just released he said - in a very nice way.  (You know how some staff at wine stores can be so snobby?  Can't stand that.  Not so at Las Anadas)

We typically open a nice bottle of wine on Friday nights - and at 4.98 euros - ($6.50) - that's almost as nice as we get these days.  Here are the family reviews - and proof that opposites attract.

Me: The first sip was very full and robust.  A mouth full of flavor.  Lots of tannins but very smooth.  Not overpowering in the least.  Cherry fruits and a nice, long finish.  I loved it.  I'll buy lots more of it to have around - especially when we have guests.

Husband:  Tell me this was cheap.  The aroma is not pleasing.  Slightly sour fruit tast.  It's just not pleasing to me.  I could drink a bottle of this with lunch if it were included with the meal. 

Side note.  With comments like that last one, I want to point out, that my husband has never been a big drinker.  However, this wine cheaper than water phenomenon gets him a bit excited sometimes. 

Choose your reviewer.  If you buy the wine, remember to let it breathe.