Small plates of deliciousness with a glass of chilled wine at sundown. We’re massively envious of this Spanish tradition. So huge excitement when we heard about Bocodillo, the new tapas pop-up restaurant.
Bocodillo is, it’s promised, where great food meets great art … the inspired brainchild of chef Glenda Lederle and bon vivant Kevin Collins, a renowned artist and extraordinary cook in his own right. Bocodillo, which means snack or sandwich in Spanish, has an exciting tapas menu, with dishes like chilled gazpacho, grilled sardines and calamari, layered tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette); chorizo sausage and wonderful pork belly, and our favourite Patatas Bravas – roasted lemony potatoes on a base of rich and spicy sauce.
There are the sweet and sour carrot pickles, first served at the Polana Hotel in Maputo, and Pan Con Tomato is served on holy crystal bread (famous in the sidewalk cafes in Barcelona). Although it’s not traditional, Bocodillo has added a sweet component to the tapas menu – a packed with flavour, cooling blood orange sorbet to finish off your evening and a glorious Crema Catalana. And to drink … a crisp, icy glass of Cava or a jug of blood orange sangria.
To add to the experience, peak through the hole-in-the-wall kitchen and watch the dishes being made … basically a masterclass can learn while you eat. And the dishes are all served on artistic fishy small ceramic plates created by Kevin, and which you can (and we bet you do) buy at the pop-up.
Bocodillo is open from 4pm to 8pm from Thursday to Saturday from now until December 17, in the courtyard of Glenda’s Restaurant, Hyde Square Shopping Centre, 285 Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park.
Details: Bookings on 011-268-6369
