Ever since living in LA – and being of Portuguese descent – I've had a love for Spanish Tapas. It all started with Steven Arroyo's Cobras & Matadors on Beverly Blvd near The Grove in LA. Since, it's closing – and moving back down to Orange County – I've been on the hunt for a comparable place from atmosphere to taste.
First, I found Pueblo at SOCO. It's intimate and authentic, and each time I go, I find a new dish to fall in love with.
Then, I discovered that Top Chef finalist, Amar Santana – also of Broadway restaurant in Laguna Beach – had just opened a nod to his heritage, Vaca.
Translated as "Cow' in Spanish, Vaca really is the whole 'holy' shebang. First of all, it's location near the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, makes it the perfect place to park & dine before a show.
Upon walking in, you're greeted by a stunning 'beverage' bar glistening with black marble & gold on the right. On the left, is a 'delicatessen' bar filled with nutty Manchegos and 5-year aged Jamon Imbericos imported from Spain.
Continue on, and to your left is the open kitchen, where you can see Chef Amar Santa in action, along with a refrigerator stocked with premium dry-aged 'Vacas'.
Finally, to the right is the high-ceiling dining room with close-knit tables, so you can envy what your neighbor is ordering and follow suit.
The Grubdown:
- the best thing on the menu, authentic, creamy, smokey 'n sweet, La Bola crispy Potato Balls with Ground Beef, Aioli & Spicy Tomato Sauce $9
- buttery 'n earthy, Jamon Iberico aged 3 years and hand-carved to order $28 per oz
- rich 'n buttery, but served lukewarm, Higado de Pata Con Pera Seared Foie Gras with Toasted Pistachios & Pomegranate Puree $16
- overflowing creamy cheese, Piquillo Relleno with Goat Cheese, Ricotta, Roasted Peanut Romesco, Honey & Green Grapes $12
- my 2nd favorite dish, smokey, sweet 'n sesame, Canelon de Pollo Ahumado Smoked Chicken Canneloni with Foie Gras Sauce & Sherry Reduction $14
- tender 'n fatty in a good way, Rabo de Toro Red Wine Braised Beef Oxtail with Wild Mushrooms $14
- prominent garlic 'n lemon, Gambas a La Parrilla large Grilled Prawns with Salsa Verde $16
- too crunchy and a little dry, Fiduea Paella with Squid Ink, Vermicelli, Almonds & Aioli
- simply delicious with great char, Esparragos Verde Grilled Asparagus with Romesco & Almonds $12
- rich 'n red peppery, Patatas Bravas Spicy Potatoes with Tomato Sauce & Garlic Aioli $8
- indulgent, but bordering gummy texture, Olive Oil House-made Ice Cream $9-$12
- crispy 'n complimentary, Corn Nuts
- sparkling, citrus 'n floral, La Turista Sangria $14
Believe it or not, I didn't even cover half the menu. Vaca offers so much more comida to go back for. Must-orders include La Bola, the Grilled Asparagus with Romesco, and the beautiful Chicken Canneloni – the refined twist of Fois Gras Sauce is really everything.
Vaca's service is spot on, too. Friendly, attentive, patient, and filled with suggestions.
They also serve Fiji water on tap vs. regular tap water – be prepared to pay for it.
695 Town Center Dr., Ste 170, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 714-463-6060.
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