BAR 44: TAPAS Y COPAS ****
14 Windsor Road, Penarth. 029 2070 5497 / www.bar44.com
Following in the footsteps of its well-established sister restaurant in Cowbridge, Bar 44 has re-energised the eating culture in Penarth. Midweek is buzzing, and at the weekends you’ll be hard pushed to get a table unless you’ve booked in advance. The owners have created a lively and authentic tapas experience, with a selection of old favourites which most people would recognise from around £3 per dish, and some new interesting dishes. Chorizo iberico, Venison salami, acorn-fed iberico pork tenderloin, aged manchego salad with shallots in a sherry vinegar, whole lemon sole la plancha, and on this occasion, from the daily changing specials board, purple sprouting broccoli with new potatoes, quail egg and anchovy dressing plus a particular favourite of slow-braised pancetta, chorizo, morcilla and lechoso chickpea stew and roast belly pork.
There is a fabulous selection of meats, cheeses and carefully selected wines and sherries to enjoy. The chefs are from all over the world and they have worked in some of the best restaurants. They are keen to ensure all produce is sourced locally where possible and also from particular suppliers in Spain. The quality and flavours are exceptional, and if you’re a tapas virgin, don’t be afraid as the staff are knowledgeable and helpful. Everything works here, the food, staff, layout, atmosphere and music. The only minus point being that they could do with a few more tables. So, if you fancy a quick bite after work, a Saturday night celebration or a coffee and one of their fabulous desserts, Bar 44 lends itself to all of the above. As an added bonus, most of the raw ingredients, charcuterie, cheeses and store cupboard essentials are available to buy. ANTONIA LEVAY