I have no idea how I did not guess this location for Mystery Meet sooner. The 5 clues were dead on. I didn’t get it until I had talked to Meesh and Jackie of Just Add Cheese, organizers for MM#10 , and worked on the clues with 2 other people. I admit I can be dumb sometimes.
But low and behold we guessed correctly with Tres Gatos in Jamaica Plain.
Tres Gatos is a new Tapas restaurant in a book and record store. This is a 3 trick pony! The bar is set up under 4 old doors- I totally loved the look. Winding yourself past the bar and small seating area you arrive at the small kitchen, which is open to some high tables. Just past the kitchen is the store section. I didn’t wander around the store much since I was interested in meeting other bloggers and enjoying a glass of rosé.
So two weeks ago, Price and I got settled at another table with another couple, who had come up from Rhode Island. I think they win the prize for the people who traveled the furthest. Ilesha makes elaborate costume head dresses, but also sells handmade evil sock monkeys in her etsy store. I love going to these events to be able to have great good food, drinks, and meet new people.
-Tapas-
Salsa Negro, Piparras, and Manchego– This was a small bite that you definetly smelled before tasting. The cheese was pungent, but is a nice way.
Breakfast Radish, Moses Sleeper Cheese and Chervil– Keep is simple stupid. Really the chef kept this simple and is was amazing. The salty cheese helped bring out the subtle crisp flavors of the spring radish.
Pork Stuffed Cerignolas and Boquerones– I skipped this entirely because I don’t like olives
-Gambas A La Plancha-
Grilled Prawns with Spicy Garlic and Cilantro Coulis– 2 prawns were not enough! I could have eaten a bucket of these. The prawns were garlicky and grilled perfectly. The sauce was flavorful. I wish that we ere served more prawns and a slice a bread to sop up all that amazing sauce.
– Fideos-
Chorizo, Chicken Liver, P.E.I. Mussels and Piquillo Pepper-
While I spoke to the chef about a gluten free option for this plate, I decided to have it normally since he explained the quanity of pasta given. I figured that I would be fine with that amount, and I was, but it was nice that he said he would substitute a rice/risotto for me. I really enjoyed the flavors of this dish. I’m not a fan of chicken livers because of their texture but I had some anyway, further cementing my opinion of them. I loved the PEI mussels in the sauce. Unfortunately, I did not get any chorizo on my plate.
-Queso-
Torta De La Serne, Sheep’s Milk, Spain
Chevrin Goat’s Milk, Belgium
Machego Curado, Sheep’s Milk, Spain
As much as I enjoy cheese, I really wished that we has something sweet to end the meal, especially since we already had 2 bites of cheese with the Tapas plate. That being said I liked the cheese plate with the accompaniments, which were quince paste, fig, and honey. The Chevrin was my least favorite cheese since it had an after taste, and as our table mate said, was ‘borderline offensive’.
I certainly enjoyed the meal at Tres Gatos because I loved the whole experience. I think that the food was fantastic because it was well planned, balanced, and well executed. That being said, I was disappointed with the portions of meal for the price that we paid. Each of our meals were $40, including tax and tip. Price bought drinks in addition to this. Sure, argue that quality costs, but I have had plenty of really nice meals for that amount of money with much larger portions. I am interested in going back to see how their regular menu prices and portions compare to the dinner we had, as well as comparing it to Tasca, another Tapas places I’ve been to in Boston.
Tres Gatos 470 Centre Street Jamacia Plain, MA 02130 Tapas Bar: 617-477-4851 Book & Record Store: 617-477-9209
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