Old friends and old favourites: Encasa

There's nothing better than spending time with an old friend - Lost Girl is by no means old, but we've been friends for a long time and that's something I'm more than grateful for.

So what better than dinner with an old friend at an old favourite? I first went to Encasa in 2004 - asked to organise a work lunch for our team of about 12 people (my gluttony was infamous even back then) I thought Encasa would make a good choice. The logic? More people equals more tapas! We ordered 2 of every tapa on the lunch menu and it was ALOT of food and all delicious. It's since been a favourite of mine, the tapas are authentic and the prices are good value.

But back to my dinner with Lost Girl - we didn't want anything too heavy or meaty so we decided to choose two seafood and one vegie tapa. The first was "Pulpo a la Plancha" (grilled fresh baby octopus, $13.50). The taste was nice, although a teeeeeny bit on the chewier side. We still ate it all, but I probably wouldn't recommend it for those with dentures heehee!

We also wanted to get the "Sardinas en Vinagre" (Sardine fillets marinated in olive oil, vinegar and garlic, $9.50). When ordering we were told they don't have sardines but they do have "Anchoas" (anchovies). No complaints from me. These are so good. They go so well with the lightly toasted bread that comes drizzled with a touch of olive oil, the vinegar is refreshing and the olive oil and garlic add loads of flavour. I could eat this all night.

Pulpo a la Plancha. Anchoas en Vinagre - goes perfectly with the lightly toasted bread.

As for the vegie choice... if I could only order 2 dishes when eating at Encasa, these would probably be it because I always order them when I come here. "Champiñones al Ajillo" (Sizzling garlic mushrooms, $9) and Patatas Bravas (Fried potato w/ garlic mayonnaise and spicy tomato salsa, $9). The mushrooms are so garlicky that you probably won't make any new friends but you won't care cause it's more than worth it. And the potatoes, talk about a perfect combination. And it's a huge plate so it's excellent value too.

I'll take Patatas Bravas over chips any day.
And Champiñones al Ajillo - the tastiest defense against vampires and hot dates!

I'm looking forward to my next catch up with Lost Girl. I'm also looking forward to catching up with Encasa again too.

What: Encasa restaurant
Where: 423 Pitt St, Sydney (02) 9211 4257 (check their website for hours and menu)
How much: Tapas range from about $7-$15, they also have main dishes as well as pizza and pasta
Need to know: You should definitely book for dinner, it's always busy at night time. I don't know about you, but I don't like missing out when I have my heart set on Spanish....