A Bad Review - Aglassto Leeds

I'm looking forward to this weekends food even more than usual as we had a disappointing Friday night out last weekend. I'm not one to write a bad review but on this occasion I have to.

After seeing Aglassto on Twitter and looking at the website I was really looking forward to visiting. I  decided to take Mr Ward out as a payday treat and for our first glass of wine of the year.

Upon arrival we were told that there would be a 30 minute wait for food due to them having a large party (of 10) and only being able to serve four dishes at a time. We were surprised that a business would be able to survive just serving 4 dishes at a time. . What are they cooking on a camping stove? The party of 10 seemed to be enjoying their food (they were the only other people eating) so we thought we'd wait. 

After 45minutes the waitress gave us a food menu, probably promoted by the sound of our stomachs rumbling and we chose our dishes. After seeing the tapas menu of maximum 20 items we again struggled with how they could only be producing 4 dishes at a time, most of which could be part prepared in advance. Maybe the chef was off sick or the oven broken? 

Anyhow the waitress said 20minutes, good because were quite hungry. 

After 40 minutes and no word from the waitress we left money for the single glasses of wine we had each nursed and walked out.

It was very disappointing to say the least. 

¡Feliz Cumpleaños! A Great Birthday Treat!

For my birthday this year me and Andrew celebrated at our local, no not the Toby Carvery, but El Bareto a gorgeous spanish bar at the top of Gledhow Valley Road. Close enough to walk (slowly) in the snow which meant we could indulge with a bottle of Spanish Sauvignon Blanc which was delicious and very fruity, better than any wine i've ever drank in Spain!

Then we feasted, ordering far too much as usual. There is a massive choice and the portions aren't English size tapas, they are big. Really you only need two plates per person, but with the great menu it's hard to resist getting more.

Here are a few highlights from my latest visit;

 Squid - a must have at El Bareto, the best cooked squid whether fried or grilled. Just delicious!

Chicken - tender and lovely with tasty dips

Chorizo cooked in cider - mmm...

Potatoes - There are so many to choose from but all delicious - this time it was Papas Arrugas Canarfias Con Mojo Picon - which comes from the canary islands

El Bareto is definitely worth a visit, a small bar that feels authentic and warm. Great to sit out in summer and have a frosty beer, but during winter it's like you're transported to somewhere a few degrees warmer. The spanish proprietors and staff are really friendly and if you're lucky on a weekend you might get some live music too. It is only a small restaurant so I would recommend you give them a call and book a table www.elbareto.co.uk/ 

Enjoy x