An Edible Voyage

October 2021 Wherever I am, I'm all for living off whatever is locally produced or foraged, and if there's a sign for something homemade, I'm sold.  That's why I was a little apprehensive when my friend told me she had booked a tapas restaurant for our first night in the Scilly Isles.  As it turned out, it was a wonderful thing - the fresh from the sea fish I craved with a Spanish twist, and the added bonus of Mediterranean inspired mosaic tables along the beachfront.  What could be better than devouring a large slab of freshly caught flaky hake cooked with white wine, saffron, olives and almonds, whilst the sun warmed my face and boats bobbed on the sparkling turquoise sea mere metres from me? Other fish offerings include chermoula mackerel, and fried cod balls, and there are plenty of tapas classics, as well as twists on classics, to satisfy both carnivores and alternative diets.  Anchovy stuffed tortilla was another highlight for me.  Initially unsure whether...

June 2020 Often on tapas menus one finds the same dishes over and over again so I found it refreshing to come across the creative dishes of Arbequina.  Think spicy, melt in the mouth nduja spread on to toast with sweet honey and earthy thyme, or rich and tender chicken thighs contrasting with the crispest skin, the zing of romesco and the sweet bite of spring onion.  There are also plenty of old time favourites making an appearance on the menu too, with patatas bravas and an exceptional onion tortilla.    For dessert, their custard tarts are famous around Oxford, and their Santiago tart is gooey, almondy and paired with poached apricots and cream. Beverages haven't been left behind either, with an inspired drinks menu.  My favourite thing to do is order a White Negroni as an aperitif - more subtle and balanced that it's traditional counterpart, the citrusey, aromatic flavour of the bergamot really shines through. Find Arbequina on Cowley Road...