5th December 2007
A Special Spanish in Herne Hill
Going to a restaurant a second time is always instructive as the first occasion might have been an aberration - good or bad. Number 22 was already high on my return list, but as I am rarely in the Herne Hill area the need to entertain an old friend who lives on Half Moon Lane gave me the opportunity I needed. Booking on-line elicits an e-mail from the owner and the cheery open fire which greets you on a dark winter lunchtime raises one's expectations still more. The menu is tapas-orientated with a few more substantial plates. We nibbled on perfect breads and olive oil and had manchego and quince toasts (which were a little light on the quince), succulent pan-fried bass with mediterranean vegetables, clams in saffron sauce and a most delicious paprika and oregano pork dish. The only disappointment is that they only serve rather ordinary Serrano ham and not the beautiful - but admittedly very expensive - Gran Reserva ibérico ham - which would be worth coming to Herne Hill alone for. Number 22 has a pretty garden / terrace which would be a delight in the warmer months. There is a short but impressive wine and cocktail list from which we chose a beautiful Finca Valpiedra Reserva from the friendly and knowledgeable waitress and which kept out the chill wind on the walk home.
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