80 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM For dinner, enlist a friend (or two) and tuck into a platter of its renowned Paella Iberico, saffron-scented rice loaded with tasty bits of chicken, pork and seafood. Add a bottle of Spanish wine, some good conversation and—why not?—a few more of those delicious tapas to round out your Iberian evening. 740 El Camino Real. Closed Monday. pulpo tapas & wine bar BURLINGAME The next best thing to a beach chair overlooking the Costa del Sol? Pulpo’s grilled octopus, served with a tomato-based romesco sauce, roasted potatoes, chorizo and a lemony vinaigrette. (An obvious choice considering the restaurant’s name—and their logo of an octopus in a diver’s mask.) Add to this a fan broma MOUNTAIN VIEW For imaginative twists on time-honored classics, Broma keeps things fresh. Appetizers like the sourdough speckled with bacon and topped with tangy tomato puree, and the deep, dark red jamón iberico start the meal strong. The bass crudo, like many of Broma’s dishes, is a sensory symphony, as different textures and flavor notes wake up every part of your palate. The crunch of candied nuts contrasts with the supple slices of buttery bass, while the sweetness of plum and tart calamansi fruit hit before the darker notes of the ají panca chili hoisin sauce—followed swiftly by the kick of serrano pepper. Not looking to compete with the paellas popping up at many Spanish spots, Broma offers a fantastic fideua negra: subtly sweet squid ink pasta cooked in a paella pan with mussels, shrimp and linguica, enlivened by a zesty green garlic aioli. 1625 North Shoreline Boulevard. Closed Sunday. iberia restaurant BELMONT This is not the place to grab a quick meal. Settle into the cozy, clubby restaurant for a convivial and leisurely dinner in true Spanish style. Arrive early for the “Vermut Hour,” from 4 to 6PM Tuesday through Friday, and whet your appetite with happy hour specials on tasty tapas like grilled prawns, pintxo de atún (toast topped with yellowtail tuna crudo, olives and tomato marmalade) and chicken empanadillas. Pair your small bites with a glass of vermouth or fruity sangria. {food coloring} favorite: sauteed shrimp bathed in garlic olive oil and served with crunchy croquettes. Sample a Spanish wine flight with sips of rioja, crianza and albariño. Carry the whole seaside theme to the very end, with the salted caramel gelato that conjures up a briny ocean spray. 1184 Broadway. Open daily. Stunning Spanish cuisine the beat PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: BROMA / IBERIA RESTAURANT on your eats
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