Mark’s Score 9.0
A while back, friends whom I hadn’t seen in many years, rented a beach house in Ocean City. The last time we saw each other we were living in Beijing, which was nearly 15 years ago. They were on a road trip from New England to North Carolina so they were only in Ocean City for a couple of nights. This was also their first visit to Ocean City. I wanted the occasion to be special and joyous. So, I booked a table at Spain Wine Bar. The communal tapas format, fantastic views of the bay, and Spain’s high rating on Yelp (# 5 in the state) made Spain a natural choice. I had not yet had an opportunity to eat at Spain, so this occasion was the perfect opportunity.
Spain Wine bar is located on the top floor of the Cambria Hotel, in downtown Ocean City. They seek to showcase regional cuisines from around the Iberian Peninsula, offering diners an authentic introduction to Spain’s culture and its cuisine. The restaurant’s owner, Peter Elias, envisioned a restaurant that would use the “most exceptional” ingredients, while embodying Spain’s passion for bold flavors and hospitality. His vision seems to have paid off given its high rating on Yelp. Only one other restaurant on the Eastern Shore, Liquid Assets (see previous review), rated in the top ten.
It was a cold rainy night in early April when we visited Spain. I had made a reservation for 6:30 in the hope we would see one of Ocean City’s fabled sunsets over the bay. It looked like we might get lucky as the clouds began to break around 5:30, but by sunset the clouds had once again closed in. Never-the-less we had a table by the window with a lovely view of the bay.
They claim that their décor is evocative of Spain itself. I have travelled extensively across Spain. I am not sure I agree that the décor evokes Spain. I like the décor it is warm and inviting, but I am not sure I would call it particularly Spanish.
This was our first meeting in years so we decided on the communal and convivial intimacy of the tapas menu. Sticking with the Spanish theme, we ordered a Spanish Albarino wine and combined the wine with a series of traditional tapas dishes; octopus, pork bellies, Brussel sprouts, Patatas Bravas, and asparagus. Though it was early April and therefore the height of white asparagus season I was slightly disappointed that they were only serving green asparagus. Spain is famous for its white asparagus.
The beauty of tapas is the small servings of many foods so you can get a well-rounded sampling of Spanish cuisine. I can most see why this restaurant is rated as one of the best in the state, the food was spectacularly authentic. If you have a special occasion with old friends, this is indeed the perfect place to celebrate a reunion and showcase the best of Ocean City.
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