"Something about it felt so cool and trendy, just sitting there and being a part of the atmosphere," I said to my girlfriend as we stepped out on Main Street into the chilly evening air. My first visit to Mateo Bar de Tapas, and I doubt it will be my last.
The most memorable dining experiences I've had are remembered not only for delicious food, but also for creating an authentic environment in which to enjoy the act of sharing a meal with friends and family.
Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham does this to perfection.
From the giant antique light fixtures hanging above the bar, to wall art that includes an original Spanish language Star Wars movie poster, you feel like you've been transported across the Atlantic Ocean into a restaurant nestled somewhere in the heart of Spain.
The lighting is dim with candles aplenty. Most of the tables are packed in tight, but rather than feeling claustrophobic, the layout enhances an already intimate eating experience. It truly captures the essence of tapas: ordering round after round of food and sharing with your dining-mates.
The food was spectacular. Basically everything on the menu was calling out to be ordered, but a few things pushed their way to the forefront.
We took the approach of ordering dishes one at a time, savoring their different nuances, and then just when the last bites were about to be polished off, replenishing our table's supply of tasty morsels with another order. If you've never experienced tapas this way, I highly recommend it.
We took the approach of ordering dishes one at a time, savoring their different nuances, and then just when the last bites were about to be polished off, replenishing our table's supply of tasty morsels with another order. If you've never experienced tapas this way, I highly recommend it.
