May 9, 2012
We were dashing between shows for the Comedy Festival with just under an hour up our sleeves looking for a cosy after-dark dinner and drinks – Bellota is a delightful little venue tucked away in Federal St, delivering on taste, service and atmosphere and it was the perfect complement to our night of laughs. I like to think that Bellota is perhaps the truly authentic tapas experience in Auckland – a big promise, but they always deliver. With a menu designed by Peter Gordon, it’s well-balanced and part of the SkyCity family of restaurants, who are carving a unique little eat & drink world of their own in Federal St. Delighted to get a table (they range from cosy booths, seated high tables to bench seating) in an enclave, we started with a medium priced Rioja by the glass, a favourite for it’s peppery finish but easy to drink body.
Each month at Bellota they focus on a different region of Spain – this month is Cataluna where the goats cheese is exquisite! Of course, goats cheese served with toasted almonds and honey is a quintessential Spanish dish and my idea of the perfect tapas dessert, so it was a perfect night to order it. Of course, I find myself compelled to order it from any menu it appears on! It was a first time experience for my dining partner, who was suitably wooed by the fragrant, sweet, salty morsel.
Alongside the goats cheese, we chose the made-to-order tortilla (the Spanish tortilla or omelette is no relation to the Mexican flatbread version) with mushrooms, capsicum and an amazing cilantro salsa that made for amazing taste explosions in the mouth and another specialty from Cataluna – toasted bread with Romesco sauce and toasted green onions. The chargrill on the onions brought out a sharp smokiness that hit the right spicy note against the bright sweetness of the Romesco. We didn’t waste a drop of the Romesco, spooning the leftovers onto the tortilla, too.
We managed a round of drinks and tapas for two to get back for the second show at the Aotea Centre’s Herald Theatre, fed and watered for an easy $45. Surprisingly only three-quarters full considering the great table service and wine list (the cocktails are worth a mention too) I can only guess that everyone else was already at the Jersey Boys or another festival show. Give your best Spanish accent a crack when ordering, but definitely don’t be shy about asking questions about the menu. The more friends you take with you, the more of the menu you can sample – but it suits no more than 4 – 6 at a time, unless you book for a private function. The cave-like interior back wall creates a space that, along with the mood lighting, lends itself to company you don’t mind leaning into and sharing a plate with. Ole!
Tues-Thurs & Sat 4pm – Late
Fri 12pm – Late
09-363 6000
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