La Bodega, Ranelagh

Last night, a group of us from Primary School got together to celebrate Christmas, eat great food and enjoy some properly stellar chat. The venue of choice was a new-to-me restaurant, a Spanish tapas place called La Bodega.

It took some time for our order to be taken (our fault at first as the nattering got underway to the point where we forgot to look at the menus! But then we had to practically hurl ourselves in front of them to get served thereafter – note to self: menu first, chat second!). Those who were drinking had wine except for me as I ordered a glass of Cava (cause bubbles!)

The restaurant is long and narrow but only because every inch is covered in tables and chairs. We arrived just before – what seemed like – every other booking for the night. In minutes the place was positively hopping! The decor is decadent with gilt mirrors and portraits adorning navy walls, I loved it. Soon, our table was flooded with food – we over ordered – but we didn’t care and it was all delicious!

First up, deep-fried goats cheese, these spherical wonders will dance into your dreams long after you’ve left La Bodega – they are heavy though – so I would advise sharing! The rice with chicken, chorizo and black pudding dish was so good and I didn’t share one bit of it, really not the tapas way but… JOEY DOESN’T SHARE FOOD!!

Calamari rings wouldn’t be my thing so I can’t comment personally, however several portions of these were ordered and consumed at our table and were apparently delicious!

Rocket leaves with warm goats cheese, toasted nuts and crispy jamon with sliced apple and a honey mustard dressing, nom!

The bruschetta which was DIVINE! The vinaigrette or whatever it was on the tomatoes was exquisite, properly sharp. I love making bruschetta, so to try some at a Spanish restaurant was fab!

Bravas – Crispy potato cubes served with brava sauce and allioli – Himself and I had these in Barcelona and oh my days were they delicious!!

We also had melted goats cheese on a crouton with onion compote (can you tell our table are goats cheese fans…?!)

sautéed chorizo sausage served with pan-fried prawns

More pan-fried prawns, this time with chilli and fresh garlic and lastly (I know right? There was a lot to get through there!!) in the foreground of the above photo, Padrón peppers – a Russian roulette of (usually) mild but sometimes very hot peppers!

Christmas is a magical time that brings family (in every respect of the word) together. I had an absolute whale of a time last night and I’m feeling incredibly festive now and super ready for next week! For more information on La Bodega, head over to their website here and definitely book in advance!!

Do you have a regular “friend-family” meet up pre Christmas? Where did you go this year?