Message: | I finally got around to trying C&M; on Friday night (it's the new Spanish place in Boxer's old location on Beverly). Glad we went early - apparently S. Irene reviewed it in Thursday's LAT and by the time we left at 8:15-8:30 the place was packed and a mob milled out front.
The unanimous verdict: Cobras & Matadors rocks. We picked up a cheap bottle of Spanish wine from Bicentenial 13, the liquor store next door; C&M; has no liquor license (I think b/c it's close to a neighboring synagogue?). They have wine and beer and their selection is small yet thoughtful. I wish I knew more about wine! It'd have been a great place to pair up a couple great wines with our food. Next time I'm bringing one of my winehound friends....
We made quick work of the olives and almonds they brought when we sat down. We ordered a slew of tapas, including crunchy roasted red lentils with ham, sliced meats and Spanish cheeses on bread (one of these, the sliced porkloin, was extra fantastic...it just melted in my mouth), marinated mushrooms, grilled peppery shrimp, very mild cod cakes and crumbly little chickpea pankcakes. All were very, very good. The bill for 4 was $25/person, including tip and wine. In keeping with the nice service we received, the owner comped us a desert, a vanilla caramel custard (flan, essentially), which was on the less sweet side and certainly enough for four - very full by that point - women.
I definitely recommend this place and can't wait to get back. The only off beat is the wierd blue wall I stared at through dinner. I know there's a special ring of hell reserved for persnickity folk like me, but the color is incredibly wrong. So go...but make someone else face the kitchen. |