Escape to Urdaneta

When the world is on edge, and we aren’t sure what’s coming next, we can all use a bit of an escape. This isn’t to say that we should ignore what’s happening around us. Instead, I espouse the opposite. Yet, with the higher stress levels we are all experiencing, we have to find ways to stay balanced. And while there are many things one can do to take a break from the pressures of the unknown, one excellent and achievable option is to enjoy a great meal. Enter Portland’s Urdaneta, a bastion of amazing Spanish tapas that will not only leave you satiated, it will take you to another place, even another time.

Looks a bit like a grilled cheese sandwich and a salted corn dog, right? Well…that’s kind of like comparing a bicycle to a Ferrari. Picture here from left to right are the “Bikini,” which is made up of jamon Serrano, American cheese, sofrito béchamel, toasted brioche and truffle honey, and then the “Bunuelo de Txistorra,” which is composed of house-made Basque chorizo, Estrella tempura, molasses, and corn nuts. So outstanding both of these! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

With a reservation in hand, my date and I showed up at Urdaneta at the set time. To our initial dismay, one of us had forgotten our vaccination cards. A problem for Urdaneta? No. While requiring the vaccination card, Urdaneta held our table and gave us as much time as we needed to leave, retrieve our missing card, and return…nothing missed. The patience shown by Urdaneta was indeed impressive, especially since there was a clear line of walk-ups trying to get in. I’m sure glad we made the journey back.

For one seeking a wonderful, vegan plate, well, the Ensalada de Remolacha was a great choice. This dish is composed of smoked beets, Spanish peanut brittle, whipped valdeon cheese, endive, and breadcrumbs. Yum. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Upon entry into Urdaneta, you are immediately struck by its quaint and cozy atmosphere and the complex aromas coming from the open kitchen. Having never experienced authentic Spanish tapas before, I had no idea of the exotic and exciting flavors to come. Long a patron of the now-closed Andina, which featured Peruvian tapas (excellent), I thought I knew a bit of what to expect. I was wrong. The small, sharable plates were the only similar element to Andina’s take on tapas. Urdaneta proceeded to blow our minds.

Each dish at Urdaneta was so new, beautifully plated, and delectable. And the service? Almost unreal. First, it was the permission to leave and return (45 minutes later) with our table still waiting. Second, it was the warmth with which we were treated. We let our server know that we had a trip planned to Barcelona in April…and wow, did we get some great tips. But wait, let’s get back to the food. The food! Each tapas plate came out in perfect cadence, about 10 minutes apart. And each time a plate landed, we couldn’t believe our eyes. It was like eating art. And the tastes were so well-balanced. Firmly exotic yet somehow well-rooted in the familiar. What a combination. Do what you can to get a reservation at Urdaneta. Think of it as a chance to escape the pressures of tomorrow and dine with exuberance in another culture.