Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala — Restaurant in New York

Made a quick pit stop here on our way to Valentine's day rock climbing. Came here at 4 so there was nobody else in the restaurant, which allowed for a relatively romantic ambiance. We had tapas since we didn't want to load up before our Boulder adventures, but being hungry and overzealous, we ordered four plates: the chorizo, the lamb chops, the croquettes, and sauteed veggies to share. I also ordered the crab filled crepes in crab bisque appetizer because it sounded very appealing. I haven't had tapas in a while, but I felt the tapas seemed quite expensive, averaging $15 a plate. I also felt that way because the food was average. The chorizo was very simple, and somewhat reminisicent of small pepperoni slices, but without the kick you usually get from chorizo. The croquettes were ok, good flavor but nothing to write home about. The sauteed veggies were fair, but had a strange taste to them that neither my boyfriend nor I could pinpoint; not too off-putting, but not too contributive to the dish either. The lamb chops were the best of the bunch by far, well cooked and super flavorful. Then came the crepes. The crepes took the longest to cook, but disappointed as the final dish I partook in. The crepes were soggy and so felt spongy and disintegrated in your mouth, and not in the good way. The crab filling inside the crepes was quite pungent and didn't taste really fresh. And finally, the crab bisque that engulfed the crepes was just very salty and honestly kind of tasted like it came out of a can. I really wished I could go back to the lamb chops after tasting this dish, but I settled for the weird sauteed veggies.

Overall, not a bad experience, but not a...

Our recent culinary discovery, Alcala, offered an enchanting Spanish escape in the heart of New York. Stepping inside felt like entering a lively Spanish taverna, with an authentic interior that immediately set the stage for an intimate dining experience.

The warm greetings and calm escort by the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit, echoing the connection and engagement I aim for in leadership training. The proximity to the UN added a unique flair, attracting a diverse crowd and creating an intriguing backdrop to our evening.

Starting with the red sangria, a delightful introduction to Alcala's flavors, we embarked on a culinary journey. The Patatas Bravas and Conquetas, especially the codfish variety, were delightful appetizers. The Special Lentil Soup was a warm embrace, showcasing the chef's dedication and love for their craft.

For the main course, my wife savored the Paella Negra, while I enjoyed the spectacular Paella Carne, both a testament to the chef's mastery. The Salmon in Salad and Chuleton Cabrales added another layer of excellence to our culinary adventure.

With delightful secrets for dessert, Alcala proved to be more than a dining experience; it was an immersive journey through the vibrant streets of Spain.

If leadership were a restaurant, Alcala would undoubtedly be the model for making everyone feel not just satisfied but...

Food was fine, but a bad experience reported here as cautionary tale that left a bad taste that had nothing to do with food. Bottles of tap water on display as you come in. Waiter asked still or sparkling. I said still. He brought bottled water. I told him I did not drink it and I didn't need bottled water. The bill came with $10 for a bottle of water. I paid, but raised the issue when I left saying that I thought the waiter should have asked sparkling, still or tap if that was how they were going to play it, did not drink the bottled water and respectfully, disliked being charged. The response was that the waiter must have misunderstood. There was no offer to correct the matter. Since that bothered me, I called some days later and asked for a manager, politely repeated the events and said I wanted to convey that for his benefit in case he felt the servers should perhaps give the option of tap if "still" will be $10 to avoid bad feelings in other cases. He said I was correct and should not have been charged "if I did not drink it". Again, no offer of any customer courtesy. Something at least offered by any of the three people to whom I raised this might have been good business and avoided leaving...