World Food Thursdays

Country No. 29: Spain

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El Parador, Camden

Attendees: Ben, Ellen (venue chosen by Kim)

£55 for two

 

Scandal circumnavigated the latest edition of World Food Thursdays like a group of office workers around leftover sandwiches. Both leave an unsettling aftertaste. I fear that this episode was tainted from the get-go when, and I am embarrassed the admit this, the selection process was compromised and Spain was thrust into our gaping maws, removing lady luck from the equation altogether.

 

Perhaps the WFT gang were disgusted by the stink of corruption as it proved to be a challenge to get people together to attend what promised to be one of the finest dining experiences so far. At one point the only confirmed attendees were Ben and Ellen, who were so desperate for another gastro-adventure that they even considered bringing in ringers from another group. They even went so far as so book a venue in Marylebone before the regulars emerged from the woodwork and stated their intentions to attend. Reservations and arrangements were hastily cancelled and a new venue, in baby friendly North London was selected. El Parador holds a place in the hearts of both Ben and Kimberley, and their families, so often is it frequented. A table for 6 + 1 infant was secured and Thursday approached.

 

Sadly, as the event edged closer, sickness and the impossibility to find good staff reduced the number of attendees to two. Frantic attempts to resurrect arrangements, or to draft in scabs, proved unsuccessful and so Ellen and Ben made their way to Mornington Crescent to dine alone.

 

A suitably sized table was found in the basement of the restaurant, not prime seating. Red wine and cider was ordered, alongside a starter of pure de habas and some disappointingly stale bread. After a considerable amount of deliberation, and no little cursing of the absent friends (mainly due to the impact on ordering) a selection of tapas was chosen. Vieiras salteadas (scallops), jamon Iberico de Jabugo (ham), albondigas (meatballs), tortilla espanola (omelette) and salteado de hinojo asado (grilled fennel) all arrived at approximately the same time.

 

Unfortunately El Parador did not deliver its usual blend of excellent but homely cooking. The tortilla was dry, the grilled fennel slightly grey, the jamon promised more than it delivered and the scallops were particularly small. The meatballs were tasty but on their own could not rescue what was quite a disappointing meal.

 

To complete the fairly shambolic evening neither Ellen nor Ben had researched any facts.

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