Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeda!, located on Halsted in Lincoln Park, has been a hot spot for years. Since I moved to Lincoln Park in 2002, I can't even count on my hand the number of times that I have been invited to meet friends to eat tapas and drink Sangria. It's a wonderful restaurant that offers great food and ambiance (they have a fantastic outdoor seating area that can fit a crowd).
With the above review, you would think that this is one of my favorite restaurants, but it hasn't been until recently. In 2001, I studied abroad in Seville, Spain. While in Spain, I lived with an older woman (my Senora) who fed me some of the worst food I have ever had in my life. From lentil beans to fried fish with the spine still in tact...I was put off my Spanish food. Over time, I have gotten over my distaste and have sampled tapas at several different restaurants across the globe (even Barcelona of late).
What really put me over the edge and pushed me into the camp of loving Spanish food is a result of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! taking the time to create a Gluten-free menu. They have a full menu of cold tapas, hot tapas, brochetas, paella and even dessert. Some of my favorites include the roasted eggplant salad with goat cheese and the rioja short ribs w/ manchego mashed potatoes.
When a restaurant makes the extra effort, like a gluten-free menu, you can understand how they have become a neighborhood favorite.
Ah, you have come full circle! This was one of the first restaurants Dad and I took you and Brendan to when we moved to Chicago. I say it was early 1987. Glad to hear it has kept up with the times!
ReplyDeleteThat is the restaurant the Emilio came from back in those olden, pre-gluten-friendly days. I remember it well - vaguely!
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