Where Sabor Español Meets Battersea Cool
Tapas Brindisa at Battersea Power station just gave my taste buds a royal kickstart for my 2024 food blog. A super chilly evening, me riding the Northern Line, surrounded by the kind of cool commuters who work in Canary Wharf but call Battersea home.
This place didn’t just turn Battersea cool; they cranked up the heat to a full-on sizzle. ¡Ay, mi corazón! The energy from their dishes? Let’s just say, they’ve officially got me fired up and ready to dish out some spicy reviews! Cheers to a caliente start!
Ambience:
While it’s soaking in the vibrant hues of Spanish flavors, there’s a touch of British coolness in the vibes here. Was the weather a bit too chilly, and did it sneak into the restaurant’s atmosphere? The decor’s all sleek and organized, but I’m on the fence about catching those fiery Spanish vibes.
Service:
It felt like they were serving up a brisk British style rather than a sizzling Spanish one. Sure, the service was quick – in a good way, mind you – but it could use an extra sprinkle of that passionate flamenco flair. You know, that vibe where you’re itching for a chit-chat, but they politely decline and just get down to business.
It’s like they’re serving tapas with a side of British efficiency, and while it’s smooth, I can’t help but yearn for a bit more of that Spanish spice.
Drinks:
The wine list was a lineup of robust reds and crisp whites that play wingman to your plate, boosting those flavors up a notch. But hold onto your hats, because here comes the sangria – a real fiesta in a glass that’ll have you clinking away.
Price:££
Pretty reasonable considering the portion size and quality. It’s not breaking the bank, and you’re getting your money’s worth in both quantity and taste. Good value!
What I Ordered:
Pimientos de padrón
Didn’t quite hit the “special” mark for me. I was hoping for a bit more crunch on the outside and a touch more saltiness. It’s like they whispered “special” but forgot to turn up the volume, if you know.
*Croquetas de jamón
From that initial bite, the crunchy exterior gracefully surrendered to a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth interior, wrapping you in the rich, smoky embrace of the Jamón. The balance between the creamy béchamel and the savory ham was nothing short of perfection. Bravo!
Croquetas de queso azul
While I had a soft spot for the Jamon, the one with blue cheese struck a chord with its perfect balance. That bold profile? It’s the rebel in the tapas lineup, and I’m here for it.
*Tortilla española
Served at room temperature, this tortilla was an absolute icon. Whether I was digging into a hearty breakfast, savoring a satisfying lunch, or diving into some tapas in the evening, it was a winner.
The outer layer kept that delicate crispiness, a perfect foil to the soft, pillowy interior. Then as you can see from the image, I could feel all the texture from potato & onion. And let’s talk about that aioli sauce – it was not just a sidekick; it was a flavor maestro. This dish was a timeless ode to good eats.
Pisto manchego
The veggies kept their individual textures, coming together in a harmonious dance of flavors that delivered a seriously satisfying bite.
But what really stole the show was the perfectly fried poached egg. That little touch transformed the Pisto Manchego into a meal that was not just complete but downright fulfilling. When you pierced that yolk, it unleashed a luxurious creaminess that played in perfect harmony with the robust vegetable flavors.
Now, we’re talking Spanish comfort food, my friends! A plateful of pure satisfaction.
Ajo blanco con repollo
The chestnut, almond, and garlic cream revealed a velvety texture that was pure luxury and comfort. Though, I have to say, those pickled mushrooms brought a tad too much acidity to the party.
And about that chargrilled hispi cabbage – a bit more smoky essence would’ve been the cherry on top. It had the potential to be the perfect sidekick to the creamy base, a real yin and yang situation.
Nevertheless, it’s a tasty journey with just a smidgen of “could’ve been even better.”
Arroz negro
A Seafood Symphony in Jet Black! It was soaking up the very essence of the sea, beautifully balanced with a zing of lemon. But, let’s talk rice – it missed that satisfying crunchiness and seemed a bit too waterlogged.
Even with those two big scampi, it didn’t quite transport me to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean as I had hoped. A symphony with a couple of off notes, but hey, the seafood melody was still singing.
*Arroz de verduras
This dish, hello? It pulled off a surprise stunt that left me and my fellow diners grinning from ear to ear. Despite being a veggie affair, it was bursting at the seams with flavor. And can we talk about that crispy kale on top? Total game-changer!
Sure, it took a cool 20 minutes longer than its squid sibling, but once I took a bite, it all made sense. Unlike the squid show, the Bahia rice here was a star – baked to perfection and acting as the ultimate canvas, absorbing the essence of the veggies.
I loved everything of this dish!
*Solomillo Ibérico
Let’s talk Iberico pork – it delivered a melt-in-your-mouth experience, each bite taking me on a luxurious journey through the savory symphony of this prized meat.
Then the cold-dressed chargrilled veggies? They were like the refreshing sidekick to the pork’s richness, throwing in a medley of flavors and textures. The dressing had a subtle dance of acidity and herbaceous notes that played the perfect supporting role, elevating the overall harmony of the dish.
It was like a carnivore’s dream served with a side of veggie brilliance!
Flan casero
This dish fell short on both the presentation and flavor fronts. There was this odd sour note that didn’t quite hit the right chord, leaving it a bit lackluster in the taste department.
Tarta de chocolate
Now, the chocolate tart? It was a masterpiece, showcasing a flawless dance between velvety chocolate and zesty orange brightness. The chocolate ganache was pure smooth decadence, gracefully meeting a buttery crust that brought the ideal textural contrast.
And that touch of orange essence was subtle yet oh-so-pronounced, layering on a complexity that skyrocketed the tart to a whole new level of sophistication. A dessert worth savoring.
Conclusion:
Tapas Brindisa Battersea is the spot where Spanish tradition gives a nod to Battersea cool. Despite an atmosphere that’s a tad on the reserved side, this joint nails the culinary journey. Sure, the vibes might have a hint of British coolness, but let me tell you, the real warmth? It’s coming straight from those dishes.
If you’re on the prowl for a slice of Spain in Battersea, this spot is your ticket. Oh, and you may want to take a look for their sister restaurant Bar Kroketa , which is my favourite as well. Cheers!
Tips from Hanako:
They have multiple locations such as Borough Market, Soho, South Kensington, Richemond. Make sure to book especially London Bridge location: https://www.brindisakitchens.com/book-table/
Menu : https://www.brindisakitchens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/a4-food-restaurant.pdf
