Find pop up paella, authentic Spanish tapas and take-home Spanish food at Pata Negra Tapas Bar in Bardon Brisbane.
Pata Negra Tapas Bar in Bardon
If I lived in Spain it would be where there was a tapas bar within walking distance. I must drive to Pata Negra for a glass of their delicious sangria but since I’m not in Spain, this is a good compromise! Located on MacGregor Terrace at Bardon, the restaurant makes good use of an outdoor courtyard and also offers seating inside. It is next door to Four Paws, for those of you with fur babies. Spain is still on my to-do list, but my friends tell me this has all the hallmarks of an authentic and casual Spanish tapas bar experience.
Dishes at Pata Negra Tapas Bar
What I also like is that many of the ingredients used in the tapas dishes can be seen in the cabinets inside the bar. They also are available for purchase in the bar or online. www.SpanishDeli.com.au. While you are there., buy some Spanish wine and beer to complete the experience. Of course, you can always make it super easy and dine in on their menu of tapas, pinchos and montaditos. straight from their favourite bars back in Spain. There are also a few old favourites, such as the croquetas de queso azul, lifted from the family cookbook.
What’s on the tapas menu?
The menu changes every week but when I visited white asparagus was one of the stars. It was the same thick white asparagus they go nuts over in Germany. It only has a limited season and it is on every menu there when they can get it fresh.
This version comes from the Asensio family who has grown it for more than 50 years in Spain. It is teamed with creamed avocado, diced black olives and a sprinkle of strawberries. The strawberries are a surprise but work very well. I had that in Germany too.
Paella pop-up
Go on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night around 7 pm if you want to enjoy the paella pop-up . It is cooked in the courtyard and feeds around 30 people, so make sure you don’t miss out on that! It is hard to resist the delicious aroma of the paella as it is cooked right next to you. They also have monthly flamenco shows!
Take some Spanish food home with you
There is quite a selection of Spanish food available including some full-flavoured Jamon Iberico de Bellota. The folk at Pata Nega say this Spanish delicacy is one of the best in Australia. The exquisite taste and aroma of this thinly sliced ham is created by the sweet acorns which the pure-bred Iberian pigs eat, as well as the curing process. By grazing on the acorns of oak trees, the meat obtains a rich, creamy texture that just melts in your mouth. It is something you really have to try.
Want to improve your Spanish?
Pata Negra holds regular Spanish events where you can practise speaking the language. There are also classes where you can learn the art of paella making and wine tasting evenings and live flamenco music.
Where is Pata Negra Tapas Bar?
You will find Pata Negra at 73 MacGregor Terrace, Bardon. There is street parking outside. The restaurant is owned by Tatiana from Seville and Steven who grew up in Bundaberg.
Disclaimer: Nothing to see here. Ed+bK paid for her meal.
Another great Bardon restaurant
Just look across the road and you can dine in a country adjoining Spain with a meal at La Belle Vie, an elegant French restaurant with commanding views over Brisbane.
