March 19, 2007

In Good Spirits

Sangria Tapas y Bar Opens

Turf wars are so messy.

Take Jets vs. Sharks. Hundreds of dance shoes were ruined while they settled their differences.

And the bout between Knox/Henderson restaurateurs Alberto Lombardi (Knox siiiiide!) and Tristan Simon (shout out to Henderson!) has already destroyed more than a few linen napkins.

The latest restaurant to join their foodie front lines: Sangría Tapas y Bar. Opening today, Lombardi’s newest creation has rustic wood beams and wrought-iron chandeliers. But the decor’s not the only thing that’s authentic. The ingredients used to make each dish (tons of Spanish tapas) are imported directly from the mother country.

Our recommendations include calcots a la parilla con jamon serrano (grilled spring onions with cured serrano ham), confit de pato (duck leg confit with glazed preserved cherries), and calamares fritos (crispy calamari with harissa aioli and lemon).

Don’t worry: Lombardi’s not asking you to take sides. He’s just claiming his territory.

Because when you’re a chef, you’re a chef all the way.

Sangría Tapas y Bar, 4524 Cole Avenue, Knox/Henderson (214-520-4863).