Hola amigos, yesterday night I went to a favorite Spanish restaurant of mine, and I thought I would share the experience with all of you. Vamos:
Malaga
406 E. 73rd St.
New York NY
4.5 out of 5 stars
Ah, the wonders of garlic. It can be an incredible ingredient (in my opinion, but I’m right). Is it delicious? Yes. Is it good to eat while trying to be social? No, Listerine or scope would not have even done the trick. Nevertheless, I really enjoy garlic and that was the key element of the dish which I planned to order here. When I entered Malaga, I appreciated it’s laid back ambiance: it was crowded but not loud, the Spanish music in the background added to the atmosphere but was not overpowering, and the restaurant just felt very relaxed. For the record, I don’t think that you can go wrong here, everything on the menu is tasty, from the paella to the tortilla omelet, I have never had a bad meal at Malaga. However, I knew exactly what I wanted so I ordered shrimp ala chef grilled: the menu offers no description for this dish, and it is true that it is extremely difficult to describe the goodness known as shrimp ala chef. This dish essentially consists of sautéed shrimp and numerous pieces of crunchy and fragrant garlic. I could smell it coming and could hear the dish because it was served on a sizzling platter. My first taste was heavenly, my senses were in overload and therefore were going crazy. The succulent shrimp paired with the delectable garlic made an incredible combination of flavors. It was nice to have a side of broccoli but it didn’t really matter in the end, I was just there for the amazing shrimp.
If you are reading this blog, then you should be aware that I was also drinking sangria (a Spanish wine-based drink) at the time, but I believe that my positive review of this establishment is based on reality and not on the alcohol. I would wholeheartedly recommend that all of my readers visit this great Spanish restaurant. However, there are two issues which I must address. First, Malaga is not wheel chair accessible (there are two steep steps before you arrive at the front door). In addition, a meal can be a little pricy, so I hope you understand that your experience might result in good food and a big check. Restaurants in Manhattan can be expensive, but at least the Spanish food at Malaga which you pay for is high quality. Thanks for reading, adios!
Dan
For chicken I recommend:
Pollo Estremeño chicken cutlets sautéed with chorizos, peppers & onions
Pollo Riojana chicken in rioja wine sauce
Pollo Villaroy chicken breast coated in béchamel sauce & deep fried
Also try: Paella Valenciana scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, chicken & chorizo cooked with yellow saffron rice
Or
Mariscada scallops, shrimp, clams & mussels in green, ajillo, white, criolla, or diablo sauce
How does that sound?
what other dishes do they have other than shrimp that you would recommend.. thinking along the lines of veal, chicken or fish? great review!
Dan, Liked your review on Malaga…it's one of my favorite places. But you didn't mention anything about their great fried potatos (unless you didn't have any). It was fun dining with you.David