The Spanish Fly: Tapas, The Spot, Randwick (5 June 2010)

35 St Paul Street, Randwick NSW 2031

Tapas hits the spot

When it comes to tapas at The Spot there's only two choices, The Spanish Fly and El Bulli, both of which seem to be just as popular as each other. Starting off the night with a 1 litre bottle of Sangria ($22) will set you in the right mood for some tasty dishes. The Haloumi Cheese grilled with lemon and parsley ($12) comes with a decent layer of roasted capsicum which compliments it well. Paella Balls ($10 for 4 pieces) are filled with prawns, saffron and chorizo although could possibly do with a bit more smokey chorizo inside. It comes with a side dish of herbed aioli which seems quite commonly used with a few other dishes. Crab Cakes with salsa verde ($15 for 3 pieces) are generously sized although I'm not quite sure what the salsa verde is and whether it's the herbed aioli underneath or the watercress on top. John Dory Fillets with parmesan crust ($15 for 3 pieces) are nicely flavoured and reasonable in size. The tender Meat Balls with veal and pork ($12) are cooked in tomato sauce and nicely seasoned — some bread would help to soak up the sauce.

The Affogato double espresso with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream ($5.50) is OK but much prefer Cafe Sopra's version which seems to use a nicer ice cream. For dessert I have high hopes for the Churros with chocolate dipping sauce ($10 for 2 pieces) but sadly it can't compete with the freshly cooked ones from Chocolateria San Churro. The looked promising on appearance but just seemed a bit dry and slightly chewy. For a table arrive early or you'll probably be waiting for at least an hour on a busy night. Service is fairly efficient and friendly, although quite rushed when busy.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Reasonably priced, Nice decor, Good range of dishes, Well presented

CONS: Very popular so arrive early for a table, Limited street parking, Can get noisy inside

MUST TRY: Haloumi Cheese grilled with lemon and parsley, Meat Balls with veal and pork cooked in tomato sauce

—

Sangria $22 (1 litre)

Haloumi Cheese grilled with lemon and parsley $12

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Paella Balls with prawns, saffron and chorizo $10 (4 pieces)

Crab Cakes with salsa verde $15 (3 pieces)

John Dory Fillets with parmesan crust $15 (3 pieces)

Meat Balls with veal and pork cooked in tomato sauce $12

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Affogato double espresso with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream $5.50

Churros with chocolate dipping sauce $10 (2 pieces)

Tapas menu

Dessert menu

Coffee menu

View Larger Map