The team behind Mount Pleasant’s award-winning Spanish tapas bar ¿CóMO? Taperia recently visited Barcelona and Madrid for an eating trip, where they’ve come back with some delicious ideas. Guests can now experience executive chef Rafael Racela’s exclusive Taste Our Travels seven-course menu for two, available for only 20 days, from January 16 to February, 4 2024, as part of Dine Out Vancouver’s Tasty Events series. All seatings take place at one of Como’s two bars. Bookings are now available at comotaperia.com.
“We try to visit Spain at least once a year for inspiration, and it was great to be back with my business partner Frankie Harrington, our executive chef Rafael Racela, and wine director and manager Ashwan Luckheenarain,” says Shaun Layton, co-owner of ¿CóMO? Taperia, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. “It was a quick one week trip, and we ate at as many places as possible, from new bars and restaurants to old favourites.”
The Taste Our Travels menu ($160++ per pair), features tapas-style dishes inspired the team’s favourite eats from their recent trip to Spain. Optional beverage pairings are also available for additional $60 per person.
Taste Our Travels Menu
Snacks
Foie Gras Torchon, Chestnuts, Pickled Mushrooms, Cracker
Inspired by Quimet y Quimet, Barcelona
Duck Chorizo Spring Roll, Bravas Emulsion, Mint Gazpacho, Side Stripe Prawn
Inspired byStreetXO, Madrid
Anchovies, Masa Frita, Alioli Picante, Mazago
Inspired byArima, Madrid
Lasagna
Single Layer Lasagna, Crab Bolognese, Chili, Garlic Crumble
Inspired byRestaurant Sacha, Madrid
Bacalao
Seared Bacalao, Pil Pil, Garlic, Herbs
Inspired byLa Cova Fumada, Barcelona
Beef
Wagyu Striploin, Herb Beef Butter, Mojama
Inspired bySala de Despiece, Madrid
Dessert
Milhojas y Crema, Cherries, Crema Inglesa
Inspired byEl Xampanyet, Barcelona
“Seeing the energy of a tapas bar in Spain in-person really shows how Como has been able to capture some of those same vibes in Vancouver,” adds Racela, who joined the team as sous chef in 2021, before being promoted to executive chef this spring. “There were so many great dishes, it was definitely hard to decide what ideas we wanted to try on our menu. These are just some of our absolute favourites.”
On the beverage side, Luckheenarain has selected a pairings menu, highlighting wine, sherry, and vermouth from Spain, including the 2018 Gramona ‘La Cuvee’ Corpinnat Barcelona, La Rioja Alta ‘Lagar de Cervera’ Rias Baixas DO, 2018 Clos Dominic ‘Clos Peto’ Priorat DOQ, and Heredad de Hidalgo Medium Sherry Jerez DO.
Taste Our Travels can now be booked online.
Como Taper’s full menu will also be available for regular diners as well as those experiencing the Taste Our Travels tasting menu. Regular reservations can be booked through Como’s website at www.comotaperia.com.
