Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1225776
FROM ALBARIÑO TO T h i s s p r i n g , Barcelona Wine B a r , t h e f i r s t Texas outpost of a small national c o l l e c t i o n , o p e n e d n e a r Henderson Avenue in a historic former tin factory transformed into a stylish, raucous restaurant. Gretchen Thomas' wine list covers a range of Spanish regions, grape varieties, and winemaking styles and includes flights of aperitivos, natural wines, and Grenache. The servers make good guides to the lesser-known grapes, comparing, say, Txakolina to Sauvignon Blanc. Chef Chad Starling's menu offers tortillas, croquetas, and patatas bravas alongside more standard small-plate fare. We spotted two wine pros sipping on the patio — no surprise, when you're pouring Raul Perez Mencía by the glass — and made a mental note to add it our warm-weather go-to list. Don't overlook the grassy Arbequina olive oil poured alongside the shatteringly crisp bread. Made by La Boella, it's delicious and, at $18 a bottle, well worth taking home. Barcelona Wine Bar, 5016 Miller Ave., 469.862.8500, barcelonawinebar. com. While Dallas dining rooms closed because of COVID-19, the restaurant is offering an extensive menu for takeout and delivery. I n January, the team behind The Wild Detectives bookstore in Bishop Arts opened Sketches of Spain nearby in a pretty converted bungalow. Of all the new Spanish spots, this one comes closest to TXAKOLINA BY MICHALENE BUSICO RIGHT NOW, SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING WINEMAKING IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING IN SPAIN — AND IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, TWO NEW SPANISH-STYLE WINE BARS HAVE MADE IT EASIER THAN EVER TO ENJOY THESE BOTTLES IN DALLAS. Sketches of Spain, 321 N. Zang Blvd., 214.484.6006, sketchesofspain.com. While dining rooms are closed, Barcelona will sell wine and paella ordered by phone or at its pickup window. the real thing, with a laid-back mood, personable owners, and a chef from San Sebastian, Iñaki Betrán, who worked at Arzak, the Michelin three- star restaurant. An enclosed glass case of pinchos along the bar displays Gildas — delicious skewers of pepper, green olive, and white anchovy — along with other small bites. Bertrán's menu is anchored by four types of paella, and the tight wine list was put together based on personal relationships with winemakers in Spain. You'll have a hard time finding delicious selections like Narajas Azules Rosé outside this restaurant — but I couldn't resist the aromatic herbal gin and tonic, with Mahon gin and pristine sprigs of rosemary and mint. Sketches of Spain Barcelona Wine Bar 106