The Posse Goes Tapas At La Bodega

It was time again to hit up a new eatery with our Dinner Posse group and this time around happened to be my turn to pick the destination. I went with a local joint that I had been itchin' to get back to: La Bodega! This little Spanish tapas restaurant is one of my fave KC restaurants and yet I hadn't been there forever. La Bodega is long overdue for a little blog lovin' from me...

We gathered in a primo spot inside, although the ever-busy outdoor patio was seriously hoppin'. Mike brought his brother and sister-in-law in place of wife Deb this time around (she was out of town). They dig food like I do, so it was a kick to have them there. I truly love everything about La Bodega, from the creative and whimsical decor to the friendly, attentive service. And, oh, do I love the food. Tapas is a traditionally Spanish way of eating, particularly in the Basque region of Northern Spain. When we first came here with our friends Chris and Kylee, they guided us through a parade of small plates that had us emitting a nonstop chorus of oohs and ahs. Most of us went the same way on this visit and ordered up multiple dishes to try.

We kicked off with a pitcher of La Bodega's famous Sangria to get us in the mood, so to speak. Once the mood was duly established, courses started to materialize: first up were the Plato de Embuditos; a platter of assorted Spanish meats and cheeses and the Queso de Cabra Al Horno; a warm, creamy goat cheese baked in tomato sauce and crusty garlic bread. One by one, they arrived...the Champinones a La Plancha (roasted mushrooms in a white wine-garlic sauce); the Pan Plano Con Salmon Ahumado (yet another concoction involving goat cheese, smoked salmon and capers - clearly a Holy Trinity in my food-lovin' heart); and thanks to Carey, Kiko's brother, a big highlight...the Solomillo Con Cabrales; a grilled beef tenderloin with Spanish bleu cheese. Mike and his family went for the entrees in the form of a heaping and delectable-looking platter of seafood paella full of mussels, shrimp, Chorizo sausage and saffron rice. These folks did it up right, finishing up the night with some sweet churros for dessert. Carey went for the house specialty for his dessert: La Bodega's Spanish coffee. The server mixes the drink up tableside by lighting 151 rum with cinnamon and sugar and then adds specialty blended coffee with Kahlua and cream. I ordered this last time and that drink's a wow in both taste and presentation.

La Bodega...I'd missed you so. It was good to be back.