🍷 A Neighborhood Gem with Scallops That Bounce

Urdaneta, tucked in a residential area, feels like stepping into a Spanish corner bodega the second you walk in—wooden tables squeezed just right, flamenco posters on the walls, Spanish laughter mixing with wine aromas. It’s easy to forget you’re in a Portland neighborhood. But these tapas? They’re like a lucky dip: some make you want seconds, others make you quietly set down your fork… 🌟 Hits Worth Ordering: Scallops and Jamón Steal the Show 🦪 Seared Scallops: Tender Enough to Bounce This dish deserves all the hype! Scallops are seared with a slight char, and a gentle fork prod tells you how tender they are—not crisp-raw, but soft and springy, like “ocean clouds.” The citrus sauce is genius: zesty fruitiness with a hint of fresh herbs, cutting through the scallop’s richness. Every bite feels like a little flavor fireworks show on your tongue—we almost licked the plate clean of sauce～ 🐖 Jamón: Mild-Salty Goodness (But Knife Skills Need Work) The jamón arrives with uneven, thick slices (chef’s knife skills are not great 🔪), but one bite and you’re hooked: it’s gently salt-cured, no heavy saltiness like the Costco whole legs. The meaty aroma has a nutty finish, with a faint milky sweetness that lingers. Pair it with crusty bread, and it’s amazing—if only the slicing were neater, it’d be perfect! ❌ Misses & Letdowns: Skip the Oxtail, Octopus Wait Is Too Long 🥩 Oxtail: A Texture & Flavor Fail The oxtail on the menu is a “warning zone”! It’s stewed tender, but the seasoning has a weird, off-putting sweet-tinged gaminess—like forcing spices and organ flavors together. First bite had us king our brows, and we barely touched the rest. Seriously, save your stomach space. 🍽️ Appetizer Platter: Foie Gras, Morcilla, Crab—Just “Meh” The build-your-own starter platter (foie gras + morcilla + crab meat) is fine but forgettable: foie gras is creamy but cloying, morcilla has bold spices but lacks char, crab is sweet but sparse. It’s “edible but not memorable”—order only if you’re curious. ⏳ The Quirks: Octopus Wait Is a Dealbreaker, Portions Are Tiny The biggest drama? The grilled octopus leg—we came for it, but the server said “an hour wait.” Starving, we bailed (tapas are supposed to be quick bites, after all 🐙). Even wilder: portions aren’t “small”—they’re micro. Each plate is just enough for two to nibble once. But prices are friendly, so ordering a bunch works. We got full with 6 dishes, totaling ~$140—not bad. Leaving as the sun slanted through the windows, red wine glinting amber in our glasses, we smiled. Even with the letdowns, that “hit-or-miss” vibe is part of tapas’ charm—like wandering a Spanish street, never knowing what the next bite will bring. 📍 Urdaneta（Look for the little red door in the neighborhood—follow the street lamps, you’ll find it） #PortlandEats #SpanishTapas #FoodieFinds