Taberna de Haro

Taberna de Haro Restaurant Review:

Taberna de Haro would fit just as well in Madrid as it does in its current home: leafy, suburban Brookline. That's not surprising, since chef-owner Deborah Hansen once operated a restaurant in Spain. At this intimate Spanish wine and tapas bar, an open kitchen sends forth dramatic flames to wow couples at small wooden tables or out on the popular patio in warm weather. The menu of Spanish wines, tapas and larger dishes like roasted suckling pig is fairly extensive and heavy on classics done with flair. Beef meatballs take on new flavor when served in a brandy-pepper sauce with fries. Codfish balls are made with aromatic saffron; haddock is marinated with lemon and paprika; tomato bread is topped with warm goat cheese. The traditional Spanish-style potato salad is justly renowned. Even the desserts have taken on a tasty twist --- think flan made with milk caramel custard and dark truffles topped with EVOO and sea salt. Hansen is particularly proud of her all-Spanish wine list for its unusual range; if you're ready to move beyond Rioja, this true taberna is for you.