Isabella's Tavern & Tapas Bar

44 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Telephone: 301-698-8922
Fax: 301-698-5496
Map


http://www.isabellas-tavern.com/


Highly Recommended


In the middle of downtown, historic Frederic, MD is Isabella's Tavern and Tapas Bar. If you are unfamiliar with Spanish Tapas you have something to look forward to. Tapas are essentially appetizer selections, served either hot or cold, typically with beer or Sangria. The word tapa means "lid" or "cover" in Spanish and there are some interesting theories on how the word was adopted to describe these small servings. My favorite is the idea that because tapas bars are so popular patrons would place their plates on top of their drinks (like lids) to accommodate others.


Isabella's is a great example of a Tapas Bar. Crowded and noisy it is a great place to go with friends after work or maybe on a first date. It is very informal and the extensive menu gives you a lot to talk about. Do not feel the need to order everything at once. You may order a beer and one or two selections and then switch to wine and enjoy a few more. Also, tapas is meant for sharing and at Isabella's the portions are generous so sharing is easy. I don't think you would need to order more than 3 or 4 tapas each. The variety of the selections is impressive. My first visit I had the Fritos de Datiles Y Chorizo (Crispy Bacon Wrapped Spanish Dates Stuffed with Chorizo on Mild Goat Cheese Cream), Ceviche (Citrus Marinated Seafood Salad) and Short Ribs. The first two tapa were wonderful! The combination of smokey savory bacon and rich, sweet dates was amazing. The ceviche of shrimp and scallops was tart and spicy without overwhelming the delicate seafood. The disappointing selection of the evening was the short ribs. The ribs reminded me more of thin, dry pork chops than the succulent short ribs I expected and were served with a thin and useless gravy. They were a major disappointment, especially since short ribs are one of my favorite foods. On my second visit I went with a large group of friends and had a chance to try a large number of items. The memory of the Chorizo a la Parrilla con Pure de Papa y Ajo (Grilled Wild Boar Chorizo on Garlic Mashed) leaves my mouth watering. They were rich and gamey with a spicy after note, topped with a perfect reduction sauce. The Gambas al Ajillo y Tomate (Tiger Prawns in a Tomato, Garlic, Herbs, Wine, Lemon Sauce) were perfectly cooked and the sauce was exactly what crusty bread was made for. The Esparragos Fritos con Salsa Alioli Tomate (Crispy Panko Crusted Asparagus "Fries" with Smoked Tomato Alioli) were served upright is a wine glass, with their bases tucked into the alioli. One of my favorites of the night were the Boquerones en Vinagre (Marinated Anchovies on Shaved Red Onions, Capers, Olive Oil and Fresh Parsley) though the capers had been replaced with large green olives and then the whole lot skewered. This tapa is one of the classic examples of how quality ingredients, creatively paired and presented can transcend the sum of the parts. The salty, sour, spicy combination made me very happy. For dessert I had the Flan de Asturias (Classic Spanish Custard Dessert with Caramel Sauce). This creamy, sweet custard with a slightly burnt (on purpose) caramel sauce was the perfect ending to the evening.


There were many other tapas being passed around that evening, paired with wine, beer and good conversation all orchestrated by helpful, informative servers. I cannot describe all of them but there was not a disappointing plate on the table.


Prices for tapas run from around 3 to 10 dollars and desserts were all around six bucks. From what I saw and ate it is all a bargain. Isabella's also has full entrees including selections of paella. Those will have to wait for another visit.


If you have never had tapas you owe it to yourself and Isabella's would be a great place to start. If you are a fan of tapas already you will not be disappointed. I look forward to my next visit; there are many, many other tapas I am looking forward to.