When we visited the Nook Supper Club, we took the opportunity to mention our trip to Chester and in the presence of those based a little more locally, ask opinion on where we should go for dinner.
Aside from those suggested we go to Sticky Walnut for both dinner and lunch (tempting), there was a resounding response from the guests at the table. Porta Tapas.
With such a unanimous reply, we weren’t going to ignore the recommendations, and, once we’d checked in and freshened up (and following a brief visit to Gin Rickey’s), we headed over to Northgate Street to see for ourselves.
Porta is situated next door to the restaurant Joseph Benjamin and both are owned by the brothers Ben and Joe Wright. But, whereas Joseph Benjamin is a little more formal, Porta is all about relaxing. Good food, good wine in a casual atmosphere, perching on a stool, or seated at a table – you can grab a lazy glass of wine and a nibble with a good book, or sit with a group of friends and a bottle or two.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular place to go, and as we wandered in, we were worried there wouldn’t be space. Luckily, Mr GFB and I managed to get a small table and after selecting a cracking bottle of wine to sip between us, then began the arduous task of selecting nibbles.
And it was hard. There are a lot of beautiful sounding small plates to sample, including the special we’d spotted on the board outside, frogs legs.
Whilst Mr GFB is less of a fan, I love the almost scallop flavour to them with the hint of earthiness, and they were treated with a little spice, and soft round flavours.
There were, of course, my favourite padron peppers (still no fiery one), with their crisped skin, softened flesh and a dusting of sea salt.
While I was distracted with peppers, the plate of Andalucian style squid – crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with a good serving of aioli arrived, much to Mr GFB’s delight.
The jamon croquetas kept us fighting over the last one (three between two is downright cruel). But then the ox cheek arrived.
I never understood my dad’s obsession with picked walnuts. However, after sampling them on this tender slow roasted beef, I get it. I really, really understand.
We both did. So much so, we had to order that one again.
Oh yes we did.
In a nod to carbs (and to absorb some of the wine), we opted for the ubiquitous patatas bravas, with a perfect tomato sauce sitting ontop, lots of flavour, a little acidity.
And two other traditional favourites, boqerones – the softer less salty anchovy and no, not jamon, this was beef cecina, a cured beef that had a rich umami/buttery flavour, served with pickled chillies that cut through the richness perfectly.
Happy, full, lightly tipsy, there was room for just something a little sweet.
Custard tarts are my weakness. Crisp flaky pastry, soft squidgy custard – all warm soft creamy flavours. Comforting.
Porta Tapas blew our socks off. And we still had Sticky Walnut to visit.
Blimey Chester. You’re a little corker aren’t you?
All food and drink consumed on this visit was paid for by ourselves.
Hi Charlie, we enjoyed dinner together at the Nook and I was one of those that recommended you visit Portas; thrilled you enjoyed the evening – a little gem. Mo
Thanks Mo – was lovely to meet everyone, and thanks for the recommendation. We loved it at Portas, and at The Nook. April involved lots of incredible food!