Boqueria: Bringing Barcelona to Dupont Circle

By Punch Palate Correspondent Megan McGrath

I love to travel and one of my favorite places in the world is definitely Barcelona.  The city’s energy is infectious, the architecture eclectic, and the food, well let’s just say I’m still dreaming about that paella.  Thank goodness Boqueria recently brought Barcelona to me.  Right in the heart of Dupont!

Restaurant view

The Boqueria menu features many of the traditional tapas from Barcelona, and recipes cooked by the chef from childhood memories.

the tapas menu

Our first plate was the Pintxos Morunos.  This dish combined succulent seared Colorado lamb skewers with pickled shallots and a fresh salsa verde.  The skewered meat was tender and delicious.

Pintxos Morunos

The next plate was the Datiles con Beicon.  Plump, juicy dates stuffed with almonds and wrapped in bacon.

Dátiles con Beicon

We also ordered the Carne a la Plancha.  Hanger steak with fingerling potatoes and delightful blistered Shishito peppers and that awesome mojo verde again.  That stuff is addictive!

Carne a la Plancha

We decided to go with something light and fresh after ordering mostly meat and went for the Espinacas a la Catalana.  Barely sautéed spinach with garbanzo beans, garlic, pine nuts and raisins.

Espinacas a la Catalana

After all the savory treats we were in need of something sweet.  But how to choose?  When in doubt I say order both . The beauty of tapas.  So for our first dessert we tried the Mel i Mato.  This airy dessert started with whipped ricotta, candied walnuts, fresh berries, and local honey.  This was the perfect summer dessert!

Mel i Mató

The final plate was Churros with a cinnamon chocolate dipping sauce.  Also delicious.  Frankly, the whole meal was wonderful.  I’m so excited to go back this week and try out the rest of their menu.

Churros con Chocolate

Bouqueria is located at 1837 M Street, NW.  For more info on the restaurant and their menu, check out the website at www.boqueriadc.com.