Every Monday evening, the space that houses Tasting Social’s Mountainbird in East Harlem, transforms into a delicious little slice of Spain. Chef Cedric Durand offers an eclectic menu of Modern Spanish Tapas at Tastings Social Gaudir, which transported me back to my trip two years ago.
Having grown up with food, family and friends being a deep part of his childhood, Durand carried this passion with him as he trained in the culinary arts and worked with his mentor, the two-star Michelin Chef Yannick Delpech.
Durand cooks with the core belief that “tapas simply is a celebration of life”. This flows into his creations, which have a home-style touch and presented with a modern flair.
We started off simply with the “Pan Con Tomate” and some “Iberico Ham” – both melt in your mouth good!
Each plate of tapas we tried had twists of flavor that kept our palates dancing and wanting or more. I loved the “Setas a la Vasca” a medley of mushrooms such as chanterelles, shitake and more topped off with an egg yolk.
The “Pulpo a la Plancha” was cooked to perfection and placed on a soft bed of mashed potato, topped with crispy matchstick ones.
And then there was paella….need I say much more.
Do leave room at the end. Durand has created a knockout goat cheese and apple dessert that you really don’t want to miss.
Durand also offers his bespoke gin & tonic experience, cocktails and wines at the bar, which are a perfect accompaniment to this fabulous meal.
Tastings Social Gaudir is a pop up every Monday night from 6 pm to 10 pm. I think this is one experience you don’t want to miss.
Here’s what we ate:
Pan Con Tomate
Iberico Ham
Patatas Bravas
Setas a la Vasca
Pulpo a la Plancha
Paella De Mariscos
Goat Cheese and Apple
Pastel De Chocolate
Disclaimer: I was invited to this establishment as press for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
