Enjoy a taste of Spain at Pamplona Tapas Bar | Food Finds
Packing Spanish flavor in every bite is essential at Pamplona Tapas Bar in downtown Lafayette.
Bringing traditional Mediterranean-style cuisine to your table, this small plates restaurant is delivering big flavor.
Pamplona brought a new energy to Lafayette when it opened in December 2007 and has been doing so proudly ever since.
Entering its 14th year in business the iconic restaurant has introduced a new head chef who is ushering in a new era for the restaurant.
Julliano De'Bride, who was reared in a family of professional and home cooks and has been cooking for as long as he can remember, was brought on as the executive chef in November.
"We're not just selling food; we're here to sell experiences," said De'Bride. "We're bringing the best quality of ingredients, the best wines and the best of whatever that these beautiful people want to consume. We want to make sure everything is beyond standard. They say nothing is ever perfect, but I can try for it."
Speaking of wines, Pamplona has a vast selection of both foreign and domestic choices. Sherry is a wine featured prominently because of its Spanish origin. De'Bride hopes to introduce more people up to the versatility of sherry on its own and with food.
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Atmosphere plays a major part in building a unique experience at Pamplona.
During certain times of the year you can find Pamplona transformed to fit a seasonal theme, a tradition that started over 10 years ago, according to general manager Andrew Payne.
"Our two biggest popups happen during the months of October and December," Payne said. "They are centered around Halloween and Christmas.
"We also have an absinthe party that we do; it lasts for one week in the beginning of March because March 5 is National Absinthe Day. That's our longest running popup. This will be the 11th year.
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"For Valentine's Day we decorate with a bunch of flowers and things like that; we make a wall for people who want to take pictures with their significant other."
Another key aspect Pamplona's experience is a menu that changes with the seasons.
De'Bride recommends pan con tomate, bacon wrapped dates and the arugula and manchego salad for new guests. He hopes to make tweaks to some of Pamplona's classic dishes as well as introduce new ideas. This spring De'Bride hopes to add paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish, to the menu.
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If you are an avid Spanish food fanatic or sampling the cuisine for the first time, Pamplona has something for you.
It's located at 631 Jefferson St. in downtown Lafayette. Pamplona Tapas Bar recommends reservations to assure the best dining experience. For menus, hours of operations and reservations visit pamplonatapas.com
Connect with WaTeasa Freeman by email wfreeman@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @wateasaf
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: This week's Food Finds: Pamplona Tapas Bar in Downtown Lafayette
