Salpicón | Azahar Sevilla Tapas

I ran into chef Elías Cabrera (Sal Gorda) at a recent event he was catering and he told me about his latest project, a new montadito bar in Barrio Santa Cruz that he was starting up with his brothers Ahitamy and Antonio. Interest piqued we stopped by last week to check it out. Talk about a prime location, in the gorgeous orange-tree lined Plaza Doña Elvira. There are a few tables out in the square and inside is an attractive space with exposed brick walls covered in contemporary art, with tiled floors and comfortable wooden tables and chairs.

The menu had caught my eye as it is half montaditos and half (not quite) traditional tapas. Likewise the montaditos play on themes of the classics, for example their “estrella” the MARtecaíto is a riff on the very sevillano mantecaíto, swapping tuna tartare for the more traditional solomillo. But while innovative all the dishes maintain a connection to Sevilla’s typical cuisine. I love the concept and, although we could only manage a few dishes we enjoyed them all. I especially loved the tuna belly carpaccio with wasabi, cilantro and cucumber escabeche and the grilled bone marrow and wagyu cecina croqueta.

My friend and I were invited by Elias on this occasion (as always, without obligation) and I will definitely be back. But next time on my own dime and with a few friends to try more things. The wine list is still “in process” but service is pleasant and professional. Good to have another tapas bar in the barrio that I can recommend.

Bread Charge: € per menu