I’ve been on a whirlwind of farewell dinners this week, my diary packed from last Saturday all the way through to this coming Sunday. For a wee little homebody like myself, this is tiring. Luckily, with the barrage of dinners, I’ve also had a huge array of gastronomic delights to power me on.
Monday night I caught up with my friend, Michael, who towers over me but thankfully the theme of the night was all about smallness. I’d picked Opera Tavern for dinner because I couldn’t leave these shores without trying one of their mini Ibérico pork & foie gras burgers… mini? Yes. Awesome? Definitely.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, awesomeness comes in small packages.
I wondered why they didn’t make the burger in regular size but I think part of the awesomeness is not getting enough. It’s about savouring that last tiny bite of burger, licking your fingers and wanting more. I sure wanted more. I contemplated ordering another – I mean they are tiny – but hell hath frozen over because I moved on and perused the rest of the menu instead.
The theme of mini deliciousness continues at Opera Tavern with their tapas menu. Created by the same guys behind the genius of Salt Yard, we knew we were in for a treat. Every dish we had was delicious and just look at the pork belly. LOOK AT IT.
crispy Ibérico pigs ears
pinchos: moorish marinated Ibérico pork; Gressingham duck with fig
courgette flowers stuffed with goat’s cheese & drizzled with honey
steamed sea bream with confit salsify, sea aster, capers and smoked anchovy dressing
confit of old spot pork belly with rosemary scented cannellini beans
chargrilled beef sirloin with bone marrow, Ibérico pork fat chips, new season garlic & thyme aioli
warm hazelnut cake with lemon thyme ice cream
I’m going a bit weak at the knees just looking at the pork belly again. Thick, soft, sweet… Jesus. So good. And the steak? See those little globules that look like they might be garlic or something? Bone marrow, baby.
I love eating this way. Shared dishes. Tiny bites. Awesomeness in small packages.
Opera Tavern
23 Catherine St
Covent Garden, WC2B 5JS
0207 836 3680
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