**UPDATE – La Tasca is now completely gone from Newcastle, and Las Iguanas Quayside now sits here**
Last week we were invited to another new menu launch – this time at La Tasca Quayside. “Paella to the People” was an event with La Tasca’s exec. chef Antonio Bennetto showcasing the autumn/winter menu and giving us a bit of a paella masterclass. Admittedly, the last time we ate at La Tasca it was pretty damn disappointing, so we went into this with some trepidation…
Greeted with some sangria, which was unfortunately, more lemonade than wine, it was the first time we’d been in this particular branch – La Tasca is of course, a chain restaurant with 40+ locations in the UK. The Quayside branch looks as you might imagine, identical to the others. Note to chain restaurants – a bit of variety goes a long way to bring out some personality.
Soon enough the local head chef was joined by Antonio, who is somewhat amusingly, of Italian descent. He took us through the “classic” way in which La Tasca makes paella valenciana. Interesting to watch, and he seems genuinely passionate about food in general, which is good to see. Chicken, squid, saffron, pimenton – all the usual stuff goes in. Smells pretty good though.
We are assured that the recipe is authentically Spanish, and given some pro tips – don’t stir the rice – before we are also joined by the quite animated resident buyer for Don Jacobo wines, who give us a taste of their reds and whites. which are actually spot on. The six litre wine bottle “for parties” interests…
As we waited for the paella to rest, a whole load of tapas came out – ranging from meh (Cataluña beef burgers), to pretty unexpected/interesting (slow cooked pork cheeks). A pretty varied mix but as you might expect, hit and miss. Flatbreads are good, as is the black pudding; chorizo could be way better, ditto the duck. On return I think we’d stick with the paella, which was honestly, surprisingly good – a great consistency, with perfectly tender rice, prawns and chicken. Totally didn’t expect it to be so good. We also get to try arroz negra which just doesn’t have the satisfying depth of flavour as the main paella, but is a bit of a different experience nonetheless.
We were sent away with one of the best goodie bags of all time – a paella pan with calasparra rice and a few other deli items – and unexpectedly, a bit more of an open mind on large chain restaurants. Immediately inspired, we have tried the paella recipe already; it is simple, and satisfying. All the same, would definitely still like to return to La Tasca to see if the common customer gets paella as good as we did.
What do you make of chain restaurants? Will they always have a place?
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