08 August 2010

The Spanish Fly: Tapas, The Spot, Randwick (5 June 2010)

35 St Paul Street, Randwick NSW 2031


Tapas hits the spot

When it comes to tapas at The Spot there's only two choices, The Spanish Fly and El Bulli, both of which seem to be just as popular as each other. Starting off the night with a 1 litre bottle of Sangria ($22) will set you in the right mood for some tasty dishes. The Haloumi Cheese grilled with lemon and parsley ($12) comes with a decent layer of roasted capsicum which compliments it well. Paella Balls ($10 for 4 pieces) are filled with prawns, saffron and chorizo although could possibly do with a bit more smokey chorizo inside. It comes with a side dish of herbed aioli which seems quite commonly used with a few other dishes. Crab Cakes with salsa verde ($15 for 3 pieces) are generously sized although I'm not quite sure what the salsa verde is and whether it's the herbed aioli underneath or the watercress on top. John Dory Fillets with parmesan crust ($15 for 3 pieces) are nicely flavoured and reasonable in size. The tender Meat Balls with veal and pork ($12) are cooked in tomato sauce and nicely seasoned — some bread would help to soak up the sauce.

The Affogato double espresso with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream ($5.50) is OK but much prefer Cafe Sopra's version which seems to use a nicer ice cream. For dessert I have high hopes for the Churros with chocolate dipping sauce ($10 for 2 pieces) but sadly it can't compete with the freshly cooked ones from Chocolateria San Churro. The looked promising on appearance but just seemed a bit dry and slightly chewy. For a table arrive early or you'll probably be waiting for at least an hour on a busy night. Service is fairly efficient and friendly, although quite rushed when busy.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Reasonably priced, Nice decor, Good range of dishes, Well presented
CONS: Very popular so arrive early for a table, Limited street parking, Can get noisy inside
MUST TRY: Haloumi Cheese grilled with lemon and parsley, Meat Balls with veal and pork cooked in tomato sauce

Sangria $22 (1 litre)

Haloumi Cheese grilled with lemon and parsley $12
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Paella Balls with prawns, saffron and chorizo $10 (4 pieces)

Crab Cakes with salsa verde $15 (3 pieces)

John Dory Fillets with parmesan crust $15 (3 pieces)

Meat Balls with veal and pork cooked in tomato sauce $12
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)


Affogato double espresso with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream $5.50

Churros with chocolate dipping sauce $10 (2 pieces)


Tapas menu

Dessert menu

Coffee menu




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The Spanish Fly on Urbanspoon

9 comments:

Amy @ cookbookmaniac said...

I've always wanted to visit Spanish Fly. I'm glad its good. I'll have to pop over very soon.

Anna said...

Now those are definitely my kind of churros - not too skinny like the San Churros ones. Worth a visit just for dessert me thinks!

Adrian @ Food Rehab said...

meatballs!!!!! Yes, these look awfully tasty. Def hand me some bread to soak it all up.

Brenda said...

I'm a sucker for haloumi yum yum! And the paella balls look so good too!

john@heneedsfood said...

Looks pretty good though I too am a little curious as to where the salsa verde is on those crab cakes.

joey@forkingaroundsydney said...

Good to see a review from The Spot, so thanks Simon! Looks good, especially those paella balls ....

Jim said...

I've walked past but never eaten there. Must try them.

Joanie said...

Oh mate! Simon you always find the best and interesting food in town. I am always hungry when I read your blog, it is simply yummy!

Simon Leong said...

hi amy, be sure to turn up early to get a seat because it's very popular.

hi ladybird, the churros did 'look' good but unfortunately aren't the best around.

hi adrian, can't go wrong with a good meatball sauce and bread :-)

hi brenda, hope you get to try one day

hi john, i'm still looking for the salsa verde myself hehe

hi joey, the spot has quite a few yummy places it seems. el bulli is next on my tapas adventures in the spot to compare

hi j bar, you definitely must try. i think it's worth it.

hi joanie, i get hungry too when i read my own blog hehe :-)

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