THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tinto Tapas Espana

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tinto Tapas Espana Restaurant Review:

Tinto is a diminutive, dimly lit space that pays homage to an authentic Spanish tapas bar while accommodating trendy L.A. Its seductively rustic décor features a white granite bar paired with plush black leather chairs, and a dining room with more black leather, worn brick walls, candle sconces and old-world crystal chandeliers. One can easily make a meal of the tapas, which include patatas bravas (crispy fried potato chunks) drizzled with garlicky aïoli, platters of quality Spanish cheeses (manchego, Idiazábal) with dried fruit and quince paste, and cured meats served with olives, garlic and Marcona almonds. The “sopresa” (surprise) in the albondigas happens to be a barely detectable amount of cheese. One of our favorite tapas is a crock of bay scallops with crispy serrano ham cooked au gratin with garlic and béchamel sauce. Main dishes from the chef, who worked with El Bulli’s Ferran Adrià, include traditional paella, lamb chops with oven-roasted potatoes, and pan-roasted halibut with spinach and lemon sauce. The all-Spanish wine list is moderately priced and offers some worthy choices from Navarra, Rioja and Ribera del Duero. For dessert, there’s coconut flan and churros with house-made hot chocolate sauce.