Dos Paella

T and I somehow managed to dine at two different Spanish eateries on two consecutive evenings this past weekend. On Friday, we found our way to Esperpento down in the Mission and enjoyed a number of authentic tapas including a tasty grilled mushroom dish while we patiently awaited the sizzling signature pan of seafood paella. When it arrived, all was right with the world. The saffron rice was divine. Must come back to this place more often. There were six other parties in the restaurant, all Spaniards... a definite endorsement of the quality and authenticity of the food. The next evening, we took the group out to Thirsty Bear near downtown. While the Bear is a tapas place, the food and the crowd are a stark contrast to those at Esperpento. Think Ivy-League frat guys drinking microbrews, watching the game, and enjoying some "exotic" fare in between gulps. I have to admit the beer is great and the crowd is lively. But the tapas is less Basque and more Chili's. T did enjoy the paella though.