📍 DC Spanish Cuisine | Jaleo: The Chef's Classics Menu 🇪🇸🍽️

As an indispensable part of José Andrés' culinary empire in Washington, Jaleo has long been the benchmark for authentic Spanish tapas in DC, thanks to its genuine flavors and vibrant atmosphere. The Chef's Classics menu (Jaleo Classics) we tried this time was like a carefully choreographed flamenco performance, perfectly blending traditional tastes with modern execution. 🍽️ In-Depth Analysis of Menu Highlights 🫒 Opening Trio | The Foundation of Classics Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread): The charred aroma of grilled bread meets the freshness of crushed tomatoes—the soul of Catalan flavor. Jamón Serrano: Delicate, savory, with perfectly balanced fat—the ideal prelude to awaken the palate. Gazpacho de Remolacha (Beet Cold Soup): A twist on the traditional tomato gazpacho, where the earthy sweetness of beets contrasts beautifully with the slight tang of goat cheese. 🔥 Core Tapas | The Art of Fire and Oil Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp): One of the best dishes of the meal. Plump shrimp bathed in olive oil infused with ample garlic slices and dried chili—so good you'll want to soak up every drop of the sauce with bread. Berenjenas a la Miel con Miel (Fried Eggplant with Honey): A representative dish from Andalusia, where crispy-soft eggplant pairs surprisingly well with sweet honey. Patatas Bravas: Crispy potato cubes tossed in spicy brava sauce and garlic aioli—an essential taste of Spanish taverns. 🍖 Mains & Finale | Richness and Sweetness Pollo con Pisto (Chicken with Vegetable Stew): Juicy chicken thigh over a bed of pisto (Spanish ratatouille) that has absorbed all the delicious juices—warm and satisfying. Flan: Silky-smooth texture with a perfect balance between the slight bitterness of caramel and the creamy richness of the custard—a flawless ending to the feast. 📝 Overall Evaluation & Suggestions Experience: Lively and festive atmosphere, perfect for sharing with friends. While the menu sees slight variations, the quality of the classics remains consistently excellent. Value for Money: Approximately $60-$80 per person (including tip). The price reflects the quality of ingredients and the overall experience—slightly high but worthwhile. Recommendation: Best enjoyed with 2–3 people to sample a wider variety of tapas. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends. #JaleoDC #SpanishTapas #JoséAndrés #DCFoodMap #JoyOfSharing