Racion... Tapas done well!

Racion
119 W. Green Street, Pasadena, CA  91105
(626) 396-3090
http://racionrestaurant.com/
 

So you probably know what high expectations I have of tapas... Especially since experiencing them in Barcelona, but I've got to say Racion has some pretty stellar food!

I love Spanish tapas, it's become one of my favorite foods since my trip... And since I've come home I never thought I would get anything even close to what I tried out there.  Well I was wrong!

I literally wish I was with more people because it was soooo hard to stick with six items to try, and I have been trying really hard not to eat myself into a food coma lately... 

Racion is located in Pasadena, and even though Pasadena is not that far I tend to never travel there... I hope that after reading this some of you are intrigued to go.  I promise you won't be disappointed!!
I will definitely be back to explore the menu and the food some more!
Racion only serves beer, wine and cider.  The cider that they serve is a Spanish style and it was REALLY good and REALLY different... It really reminds me of apple cider vinegar, but in a good way not a bad way!  When drinking it with the food it pairs so perfect!  The flavor of the cider helped bring out the flavors of the food to another level!

At Ración, Teresa Montaño and Loretta Peng's Basque Food Is Among the City's Best
http://www.laweekly.com/2014-02-06/eatdrink/at-raciandoacuten-teresa-montaandntildeo-and-loretta-pengs-basque-food-is-among-the-citys-best/

Basque in it's Glow
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/26/food/la-fo-gold-20120526
 



Salt Cod Fritters, Lemon Cream
HOLY COW these were amazing!  Crispy on the outside with a soft texture inside that melts in your mouth!  AMAZING!!

Crispy Prawns, Spicy Tomato, Garlic
So before I went to Spain I never really cared for prawns as much as I do now... And my favorite part honestly is eating the head!  The flavors inside the head are so rich and intense... I can't understand what took me so long to finally try it!

Lamb Meatballs, Basque Cider, Picon, Licorice Greens

Crispy Artichokes, Candied Jamon, Lemon and Anchovy
I mean... Do I need to say more?

Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Coconut Gel, Brown Butter Crumbs

House-Made Squid Ink Pasta, Mussels, Piquillo Peppers Saffron
I LOVE LOVE LOVE squid ink pasta.... Honestly one of my favorites!!

Crema Catalana
Spanish Custard, Date Sauce, Pistachio Meringue
OMG I couldn't get enough of this!!!  The texture and flavor were beyond good!

If you're looking for some authentic Spanish Tapas, Racion is your place!!
Go and enjoy... I know I did!!  And looking forward to going back for more.

XO Drea

 

Barcelona, Spain... Tapas! Tapas! Tapas!

So before I got to Spain, I thought I knew what tapas was...  Boy was I wrong!
I quickly realized I had never in my life had real tapas!
First of all, part of the experience of eating tapas is eating dinner close to midnight.  People in Barcelona don't start eating until around that time...  And I'm talking all people, young, old, you name it and they are out eating and everything is packed!!  People also love love love drinking which is definitely part of the experience.

Our first night was quite the debacle... My girlfriend, Jennie took the wrong bag at the airport so Barb and I took to the streets looking for food while Jennie went to the airport to try and locate her luggage.
We stumbled upon this restaurant waited for our seats and hoped and prayed that Jennie would make it back so we could experience our first dinner together.  She made it back, thank God and the eating commenced!!

Cerveseria Catalana

La Boqueria is a large public market where they sell everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, cheeses, candies... You name it and they have it in regards to stuff to eat.
This was my most favorite place to go and I wish we ate here more often.

Pinotxo

Barcentral

El Quim De La Boqueria

It's crazy being in different Countries seeing how they display their meats...
We saw skinned goat heads (eyes still in), rabbits with fur and without (hanging and dripping with blood) and cured meats still attached to the limbs that they would shave off and feed to you.

We were located in such a great area in the cutest boutique hotel.  Hotel Sixtytwo on Passieg de Gracia and right down the street was Tapas 24 and so many other great places to eat.  Tapas 24 was great! You walk downstairs to a pretty small restaurant that's bursting at the seams from the people crowded inside.

Tapas 24

All I know is I've fallen in love with tapas and I've fallen in love with Barcelona!  I can't wait one day to go back cause I know the Spanish tapas I've had will never compare to anything we have in the States.