Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
Just when you thought it was safe to listen to music or dance at a wedding, “It’s Baaaaack….” I’m referring, of course, to the Macarena. It’s latest incarnation is the Macarena Tapas Restaurant in St. Charles.
And now for a Dining Duo History Lesson: The tapas tradition began when King Alfonso X of Spain recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small plates of food. After regaining his health (and sobriety), he ordered that taverns would not be allowed to serve wine unless it was accompanied by a small snack or “tapa.” See, Jim and I aren’t just gluttons, we actually learn things!
Surprise, surprise, the restaurant is in a strip mall with indoor and outdoor seating. The interior has a beautiful contemporary style, while the tables are reminiscent or old world Spanish rough-hewn varnished wood.
I ordered the special “Sangria de Durazno,” which was Spanish Chardonnay with peach puree ($7.99). Jim had a Tonic with lime for a change ($2.99).
For our first tapas, we ordered the “Combinado” ($14.99), which consisted of Spanish cured Serrano ham, sausage, salami, Manchego cheese and olives. Call it what you want, in our world it was an Antipasto Platter for two.
I sipped some Sangria, and Jim and I decided on the “Gambas al Ajillo,” my favorite garlic shrimp (6 for $9.99). They fried the bits of garlic and made them crunchy, which was right up my alley.
Nancy gulped more Sangria, started singing “O Sole Mio” in Italian and accidentally ordered the “Solomillo en Tostada” ($12.99). In laymen’s terms it was (4) beef tenderloin slices over crostini, topped with roasted red peppers and Manchego cheese.
I ordered dessert since Nancy was chugging Sangria and, at this point, couldn’t pronounce “Profiteroles como los hace Violeta.” This was a pastry cream puff for $7.99.
As you can see, ordering food here is not like ordering at a conventional restaurant. You sip a little Sangria, share a tapas, sip some more, order again, sip some more Singria, order a tapas and on goes the night.
If you’re looking for a full meal, this isn’t the place for you. However, if you want to go out with friends, casually sip some wine and have a couple of snacks in a relaxing atmosphere that is totally different, give this place a try. A good rule of thumb is one or two tapas per person.
WARNING: The cost of these “small plates” has a tendency to add up, especially after a few Sangrias. Keep that in mind or your bill may approach the National Debt!
El costo total for our light supper was $61.66. Hey, Macarena! Also, this restaurant is handicap accessible even if you have too many adult beverages.
Jim’s take: I always wanted to try a tapas restaurant and Nancy humored me this evening. I think the tenderloin was the best of the tapas, and I enjoyed the “Antipasto Platter.”
Nancy’s take: I have to agree with Jim on his take, the tenderloin tapas was outstanding. I loved the Sangria, but I don’t remember having dessert!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
Macarena Tapas St. Charles
1890 W. Main Street
St. Charles 60174
(630)945-3458
www.macarenatapasstcharles.com
Directions: Take 47 South to BigTimber East to Randall Road South to Rte. 64 (Main Street). East to restaurant.
Travel Time: 33 minutes
