Amada: Porcine Bites, Unreal Pernil Asado, & Bodegas Muga Wine

It's been awhile since I last posted about Amada, but when I heard about the unreal pork dishes on the menu, I had to stop by. One of the stalwarts from Iron Chef Jose Garces' restaurants, Amada consistently remains a popular tapas hot spot, nestled in Old City. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Croquetas de Jamon, Jamon Iberico de Bellota, Cana de Cabra, Coca de Alcachofas flatbread, Champagne

The wife (yes, I finally upgraded from GF!) and I started off with a champagne toast, which provided a nice effervescent acidity from the luxuriously rich and nutty Jamon Iberico de Bellota. Perfectly sliced, and gossamer-thin. Being the cheese nuts that we are, we couldn't help but melt at the Cana de Cabra. The tang from the goat cheese gratin was paired with sweet membrillo and gooseberries, along with some texture from the nuts. And a JG flatbread is always a must - nice salty sharpness from the manchego, with earthiness from the truffles and mushroom. 

Pernil Asado & Bodegas Muga Gran Riserva Rioja

Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for special events at Amada. In conjunction with Victor Ordonez of Jorge Ordonez selections, Amada recently hosted a Spanish wine experience where guests enjoyed tapas and generous pours of wines from Rioja by powerhouse Bodegas Muga, Sierra Cantabria, Ramirez de la Piscina, and Vinedos Llurch. GM Joseph Quintela was kind enough to save us a bottle of the 2011 Bodegas Muga Gran Riserva - black fruit, medium-bodied, easy to drink, with an extremely smooth mouthfeel. 

This went nicely with what is probably the best pork dish I've had in recent memory. The pernil asado is a must for any porcine palates out there. Redolent with plenty of garlic and citrus, the texture on this dish was spot on. Crisp skin on the exterior and juicy within. The savory white beans gave extra heft to the dish, with the citrus supremes providing that connection to the underlying marinade. I highly recommend this dish! 

So if you're in Old City or simply looking for that next pork bite, be sure to stop by Amada. There's plenty to be enjoyed, along with exceptional service.