Los Angeles - August 20, 2007

The Nina, the Tinto, the Santa Maria

Tinto Opens

A good paella always makes you wonder why Chris Columbus ever left the shores of Barcelona.

But a perfect pitcher of sangria at Tinto — the new (and only, say owners Reg McDonald and Juan Sola Jr.) authentic Spanish restaurant in West Hollywood — and you’ll be floored he was able to set sail at all.

Enter the antiquified spot full of brick archways, surprisingly cozy bar chairs, and cush banquettes and say hola to Mr. Sola Sr., who’s also responsible for the 100-deep wine list.

Eat tapas made the old-fashioned way: vieiras al ajillo (jumbo scallops in garlic, white wine, and chili flakes), guiso de calamar (squid with onions and potatoes in saffron broth), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with paprika emulsion and aioli), and albondigas sorpresa (uh, meatball surprise). For something a little bigger, go with the signature dish, Magret a la Manera de Tinto — duck breast with poached pears.

So though you might think there’s a lot of Spanish food in L.A. …

Tinto’s a whole new world.

Tinto, 7511 Santa Monica Boulevard, at Gardner Street, West Hollywood (323-512-3095).