An occasional column by Rodger on dining in Raglan
We had heard that Zaragoza had started opening in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. So Virginia and I decided to see what new chef Richard was creating at Zaragoza.
Zaragoza has always had a Spanish theme so it was no surprise to see a tapas menu. Tapas standards like patas bravas and meat balls are on the menu complemented by treats like boiled eggs stuffed with olives. Other tapas items included salmon fish cakes and spicy calamari. The tapas menu is grouped by price so it is possible to have a lower cost meal if that is what you are after. And for those wanting a full meal, the menu also has sirloin steak and chicken on offer followed by desert options.
Tapas Special
The special of the day was a choice of three tapas items and a glass of house wine. All for $30, which seemd a veyr good deal, so we went with the tapas special. I always think that a test of any chef is how well the calamari is cooked. At Zaragoza Richard had cooked it superbly in a light batter spiced with chilli. I had the house red and it was an excellent companion for the tapas. The tapas servings are a good size so the special is more than enough for a whole meal.
For dessert I’d recommend the trifle with poached fruit.
Overall on Value for Money I gave Zaragoza a Nine out of Ten for an excellent meal and service.
By 8pm, the restaurant was almost full. It looks as if you’ll need to book for Friday and Saturday nights at Zaragoza in future.
Zaragoza – Restaurant and Cafe. Open Wednesdays to Sunday, 9am to 6pm and now Friday and Saturday evenings.
23 Bow St, Raglan. Phone: 825 0205
We also went for a meal last weekend and Justine, Kathy & I all thought it was amazing, well worth it 🙂