24Seven - Travel: Spanish ayes; Peter Grant has a Lark at city's new tapas bar.Byline: Peter Grant I F ever there was a World Cup for offering a range of food from across the globe, Lark Lane would be a major player. In this famous thoroughfare THOROUGHFARE. A street or way so open that one can go through and get out of it without returning. It differs from a cul de sac, (q.v.) which is open only at one end. 2. Whether a street which is not a thoroughfare is a highway, seems not fully settled. of South Liverpool there are eateries to suit all tastes - home and abroad. Restaurants and bistros specialising in French, Italian, Chinese, Greek, Indian, Mexican, UK and now Spanish food. The Esteban Mediterranean tapas bar is the latest to hit `the Lane' as the locals affectionately call it. Opposite the hugely successful Maranto's which is popular with all ages they have now opened this European-flavoured establishment. Both places share the car park. Esteban is a welcome addition to the global gourmet a-z of L17. Located in an old school, the interior design is reminiscent of modern Spanish bars with excellent air conditioning air conditioning, mechanical process for controlling the humidity, temperature, cleanliness, and circulation of air in buildings and rooms. Indoor air is conditioned and regulated to maintain the temperature-humidity ratio that is most comfortable and healthful. and brightlypainted walls and plants with a small wall fountain gurgling Gurgling is a characteristic sound made by unstable two-phase fluid flow, for example, as liquid is poured from a bottle, or during gargling. away. Atmospheric Spanish-styled doors adorn two of the walls. The restaurant is roomy and comfortable with blue-backed wooden chairs and stylish tables. You can either eat at the bar - the way many Spaniards do - or use one of the seated areas which are on two levels. Celebrating a friend's 60th birthday it was the ideal place to go for a bank holiday mini-feast. My friend, a photographer, is an avid fan of everything tapas, frequenting the city centre bars when he can. First I had to refresh my own memory of the origins of tapas - a distinct trademark of the Spanish lifestyle. Tapas bars are on the increase as more people enjoy meeting up at these user-friendly eateries where the emphasis is on bite-size treats involving peppers, olive oil olive oil, pale yellow to greenish oil obtained from the pulp of olives by separating the liquids from solids. Olive oil was used in the ancient world for lighting, in the preparation of food, and as an anointing oil for both ritual and cosmetic purposes. , garlic cheese and fish - the staple foods of Spanish eating. But tapas can be just about anything in small portions from the most basic to the elaborate. This is one type of eating experience that certainly appeals to me. I've always been a bit of a `dipper' - more a fan of substantial snacks than three-course affairs but Esteban caters for all from the a la carte - meat based or veggie at under a tenner - to very reasonably-priced banquets starting at pounds 10.50 for a minimum of two people. The friendly staff in their pastelcoloured shirts take your order on little contraptions resembling mobile phones. A couple of San Miguels helped us get in the mood as the Spanish guitar music played over the speakers. I daydreamed about my last holiday in Benidorm. As a vegetarian I was pleasantly surprised by the range on offer and I started with a very tasty garlic bread with cheese. Tapas-wise I enjoyed the vegetarian paella with seasonal vegetables and then dipped into potato wedges Potato wedges (or simply wedges) are a variation of the ubiquitous french fry. As its name suggests, they are large, often unpeeled wedge shaped chunks of potato that are either baked or, more commonly, fried. served with a herb dip - the hot and cold sensation working perfectly. That's the satisfying attraction about tapas - they are easy and quick to eat. If you are having a chat or catching up on old times they are just the job. My photographer pal was reminiscing about his 60 years as everyone else was in Jubilee mood. The memories came flooding back as he waited to see what developed when he ordered his tapas: Garlic prawns; squid Romana; spiced potatoes; lamb kebabs; Spanish meatballs and Russian salad. He was well pleased with his snap decisions. When the tapas had done the trick a decision was made to desert the dessert menu - even though the `Boozy booze Slang n. 1. a. Hard liquor. b. An alcoholic beverage. 2. A drinking spree. intr.v. Choc' did seem like a welcome tasty challenge. Instead we clinked glasses. My birthday mate with a glass of smooth red Sangre de Toro Toro may refer to:
n. A cold drink made of red or white wine mixed with brandy, sugar, fruit juice, and soda water. Also called sangaree. [Probably from Spanish sangría, . I was tempted to get a jug at pounds 14.95, but one175 ml glass was quite enough for now - the fruit and special spirit gave me a warm kick making for an excellent toast. Walking out into Lark Lane I was tempted to go to the nearest travel agent to book a Spanish break. Instead I headed for the nearest pub to raise more glasses this time to Spain in the World Cup. Ole! ESTEBAN Address: 40 Lark Lane, Liverpool L17 8UU Value: Very Good. Healthy portions. Bill for tapas, beer and wine pounds 41.05 Car parking: Yes Disabled: Yes Smoking: In the bar area only Rating: 4 out of 5. Mon to Fri: 5-11pm Sat-Sun and Bank Holidays: 12-11pm. Phone: 0151-727 6056 CAPTION(S): THE LANE IN SPAIN: The interior of Esteban in Lark Lane |
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