Tres Gatos – Number 46

Here we are at Tres Gatos, but it’s been two weeks since we went to Fat Hen (no point going to a top 50 when you can’t taste a thing…or breathe, loving cold season) and I have to say I really missed it.  I hadn’t realised how much I looked forward to going somewhere new to eat every week.  It’s definitely a highlight of the week for both of us and we are loving the anticipation of what each restaurant will be like.

OK, onto Tres Gatos, here’s the deal:  You can only book this restaurant if you are 4 or more diners.  As we are two, we had to just rock up and hope for the best.  I decided to call ahead and find out what the deal is as it’s located in Jamaica Plain, not exactly on our doorstep (although the T only took 14 minutes, everything is so close in Boston).  Apparently, you turn up, put your name down and waiting is usually anything up to 45 minutes, so not too bad.  You can grab a drink from the bar (you cannot stand at the bar though, this is all laid out for diners) and hang out by the door, or go through to the back of the restaurant where there is a book and record store (yes, random and yes, you can take your drink).  We were lucky that there was one spot left when we arrived, so no waiting for us (one of those smug moments).

Food at Tres Gatos is Spanish tapas.  I have never been to Spain, but have been to tapas restaurants in the UK and Philly.  This was on a par with those with lots of small dishes and then a paella option.  My tip is to order just a couple at a time; the food here is rich and totally packed with flavour from spices and herbs, which makes it somehow quite filling.  We had fully intended to order a small paella, but after 5 small plates, were actually too full (if you want paella, order it early along with a couple of small plates.  The paella takes 40 minutes, so the small plates will keep you going, you can always order more after).  We tried a couple of unusual things; the bone marrow with snails (very rich, but really tasty), served with amazing bread, and a Brussel sprouts alla Plancha, which I ordered for something fresh, but this was also very rich and highly spiced (we could still taste the Brussels though, well flavoured).

The atmosphere was my favourite thing about Tres Gatos. It is totally buzzing.  It’s a really small restaurant and seating is anywhere that has a surface big enough to eat and drink from.  We had a shelf by the wall with two bar stalls and loved it.  Although it is snug, it never felt like we were on top of anyone else (or vice versa) and the atmosphere was alive.  

We were glad that we were seated straight away, as the waiting parties didn’t really have anywhere comfortable to stand, or much room.  The book/record store is quirky, but when you stick 6-8 people with drinks in there, it becomes very tight.  However, we would return (and this time order the paella first).  We couldn’t help but enjoy ourselves as the atmosphere was infectious, the service attentive (we were never left without food or beverage) and had we not felt guilty at holding a table, we would have stayed for more drinks.