🌟 MDRD: This Spanish Restaurant Deserves All the Praise 😢

🌟 MDRD: This Spanish Restaurant Deserves All the Praise 😢 Let me gush about MDRD—this Grand Rapids Spanish spot was so good, I’m still thinking about it days later! We waited TWO whole weeks to get a reservation (it’s that popular for dates!), and they even hooked us up with a window table—watching the sunset from the 27th floor? Pure magic, like something out of a movie 🌇. From the vibe to the food, this place checks every box… though I did shed a tiny tear because some dishes I’d been craving were gone (they swap menus seasonally! 🥺). But here’s the win: even ordering blindly meant zero misses—total relief! 🥘 Tapas (Appetizers) – Small Bites, Big Flavors Tapas are non-negotiable at Spanish restaurants, and MDRD didn’t let us down—we tried two, and both had their own charm! Mojilones Y Chorizo (Mussels & Spanish Chorizo) ⭐️⭐️⭐️Let’s start with the classics! This dish came with plump mussels, spicy chorizo, and a side of crusty bread—and let’s be real, the bread stole the show a little 🍞. It was warm, crispy on the outside, and soft inside, perfect for sopping up the savory sauce from the mussels. The mussels themselves were fresh (no fishy aftertaste!), but they tasted… well, like really good mussels—nothing mind-blowing, but solid. The chorizo added a nice kick, though, so every bite had a little heat to balance things out. Empanada De Rabo De Toro (Oxtail Empanada) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Okay, this one was a game-changer—especially for someone who hates goat cheese (raises hand 🙋‍♀️)! I was nervous when I saw goat cheese was in it, but the caramelized onions (sweet, sticky, and slightly tangy 🧅) totally mellowed out that sharpness. The empanada crust was flaky, not greasy, and inside? Tender oxtail that fell apart with a fork, mixed with that cheesy-oniony goodness. I ate the whole thing in two bites (oops) and immediately wanted more—10/10 would order this again. 🥩 Platos Principales (Main Dishes) – The Stars of the Show We split two mains, and while one was “meh” for my taste, the other made me want to do a happy dance. Chuleta Iberíco (Iberian Pork Neck) ⭐️⭐️⭐️Full transparency: I’m not a huge pork fan, so this was more for my dining buddy. But even I could admit it smelled amazing—rich, smoky, like it had been seasoned with all the good stuff (garlic, paprika, maybe a hint of rosemary 🌿). The meat was tender, and the “porky” flavor was mild (which I appreciated!), but it just didn’t wow me. If you love pork, though? You’ll probably obsession over this—my friend cleaned their plate in 5 minutes flat! Ora King Salmon Al Horno (Baked Ora King Salmon) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️THIS. THIS IS THE DISH TO ORDER. I’m still dreaming about this salmon 🐟. The skin was crispy—like, perfectly crispy, not burnt, just shattery and salty. Inside, the fish was so moist it practically melted in my mouth, and it was seasoned with just enough herbs to let the salmon’s natural sweetness shine. But the side? Oh, the rosemary-citrus rice—fluffy, fragrant, with little bursts of bright citrus that cut through the richness. Drizzle a little garlic olive oil over everything, and it’s like a party in your mouth 🥺. If you love salmon, do NOT leave MDRD without trying this—trust me. 💰 Final Breakdown & Thoughts Total cost before tip: $230 (for 2 people, including apps, mains, dessert, and drinks)—not cheap, but totally worth it. With tip, it came to $280, so about $140 per person 💰. MDRD lives up to the “fancy date spot” hype—great views, attentive service, and food that feels special. After my horrible experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House last week (total letdown 😤), this place was a breath of fresh air. It’s easily one of the most pleasant fancy dinners I’ve had lately, and I’d 100% recommend it for a date night, anniversary, or even a fancy girls’ night out! 📍 Address: 187 Monroe Ave NW (Floor 27), Grand Rapids, MI #LansingFood#MichiganStateUniversity