Zarzuela – Russian Hill
2000 Hyde St
San Francisco , CA
(415) 346.0800
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VdV Rating: 4
Food: Spanish/tapas
PRO: Excellent tapas, good service, tasty sangria, nice casual vibe
CON: Paella is so-so, no reservations accepted, parking sucks ass
So let’s get this out of the way right now: Zarzuela is the best mother f’ing Tapas in ‘Frisco. Word. And no, I may not be a tapas bitch as much as I am a pizza or taco bitch, but tapas is right up there.
Yeah, yeah I can hear ya now: “But VdV, yada yada in The Mission is soo good”…“How can you say that? Blah blah in the Sunset rocks my world”…Shut Your Paella holes and just listen to me for once. What? Did I just hear you say “Cha Cha Cha” is the best? Get over here so I can give that noggin’ of yours a good knuckle scrubber.
So we came here Saturday night with our friend Candida. She had given the other J a generous gift cert from this place, so we were there to cash in. And I guess I’m conflicted. She gave us the $$, but we decided to take her. So whom really took whom? Hmm. Worth pondering. Don’t worry – at a future date.
Anyhoo, we used to come here LOTS, like in 2001-2004 B.V. (Before VdV for you slowskis). So this wasn’t our first rodeo, bitches. I mean, like I (is that mixing prepositions or something, ‘Our’ and ‘I’?) KNOW this place, love it’s food and am hooked.
As always, the same cool people are still working here. After years and years. That’s the sign of a healthy establishment. Or forced slavery. I dunno. But if these people are slaves, they’re puttin’ on a good act ‘cuz they seem genuinely happy.
So, we had the obligatory 45 minute or so wait, which if you consider a Saturday night isn’t too shaggy. I mean shabby. Sorry. And while we waited, kittens? Yes! Sangria. By the carafe. Bam. Seriously, you’re not really waiting if you’re imbibing on some killer Sangria, no?
So here we go: Back to that killer Sangria. First off, sorry but I can’t remember the prices and for all that I love love love this spot GET A GODDAMN WEBSITE WOULD YA?! So I can reference and remember WTF I ate and not having to guess the prices, OK? Anyhoo, the Sangria is awesome. No, I do not know for sure what they put in it, but I suspect some pretty cheap red wine, apples, and random fruit but some righteous brandy. Just the correct ratio, my kittens. The brandy gives some nice warmth and caramel tastes to go with the fruit. Bingo!
So, what’d we use that sangria to wash down? A virtual cornucopia of tasty tapas. Read on:
First, an order of Patatas Bravas ($4.25), these guys do them right. The spuds are just crisp enough on
the outside, with tender tot potato meat on the inside with a very nice, slightly spicy tomato sauce on top. Next, the Cazuela De Queso De Cabra ($6.75), which is Goat Cheese in Tomato Sauce. The tanginess of the creamy goat cheese along with the sauciness of the tomato sauce. What more can I say?! It’s good! It’s fresh, a nice blend of flavors and served with bread. Then, we had the Gambas Ajillo ($6.95), Shrimp sauteed in Garlic & Olive Oil. This puppy comes in a mini skillet, and is just good clean fun. The shrimp are sizzling (or is it screaming in agony?) in the hot garlicky oil, and the combo rocks it.
Next! The Champinones Plancha ($5.25), Mushrooms Grilled with Garlic, Serrano Ham and Olive Oil. Yee haw! $5.25?! R U Kidding Me? I mean, look at these prices, it’s like a fire sale. And the ‘shrooms were, as with everything else, damn good. Again, simplicity is the key here, with nice paper-thin slices of ham.
And not last, and not least, the Croquetas De Jamon Y Pollo ($5.25), Chicken & Ham Croquettes. They should mention there’s also Queso in these puppies. We are semi Croquetas bitches, and it pisses me off to no end when they disappoint. Some places serve ‘em kinda wimpy, not crisp enough. But Z does it right, again. This is almost getting boring! Anyhoo, these are nice and crisp, tender on the inside with just enough cheese, but not enough to hide the taste of the meat. Bravo!
OK, now. Last AND least. We also had the Paella a La Valenciana ($15), Seafood, Chicken & Veggie Paella. Maybe I’m just paella-hater, but I’ve
had lots of it and I’ve never had my world rocked. Hey, the Mussels
were good, but other than that, I’d skip it. But consider the source;)
Unfortunately the Padron Peppers ($5.50) were outta season, but if you’re here when they’re here, get them. They aren’t ‘pepper’ hot, if ya get my drift, lightly grilled and served hot with lots of sea salt. A very good appy. Make sure everyone at the table’s in on it though, or there’s no make-out session after.
Bottom line, kittens? Just like the top line. Zarzuela is the best tapas in SF. I mean Frisco.
Hours:
Tue-Thus 5:30p-10p
Fri-Sat 5:30p-10:30p
Zarzuela Restaurant
2000 Hyde Street (@ Union)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 346-0800
