THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Blanca Cafe

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Blanca Cafe Restaurant Review:

Grant Avenue near Green Street, the cutest block in North Beach, provides the perfect setting for this charming Spanish bistro. Owner Tanya Ristau, who lived and studied in Spain, wanted to bring authentic Andalucian café fare to a comfy spot that catered to the neighborhood and it seems to be working---after-workers happily sip sangrìa---munch on bocadillos and revel in the fact they don't have to shout to hold a conversation. Tall red Naugahyde booths and low-hung sconces enhance the intimacy while large windows in the front offer more outgoing diners a chance to people-watch. The simple menu includes traditional tapas like tomato salad, marinated olives and tortilla de patatas---a fluffy mix of potatoes, eggs and roasted red peppers resembling a cheese-less quiche. The meat and cheese plates are reasonably priced and ideal for nibbling between sips of Spanish wine. Bocadillos come on soft freshly baked bread with a crunchy crust and range from veggie to chorizo to chicken, but the jamón is the star---robust Serrano ham, manchego cheese, fresh tomatoes and red onions topped with crisp red leaf lettuce and spicy chipotle aïoli.