Review: Cava, Tapas and Wine Bar

 Brand new to a beautifully bricked commercial alley in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Cava, Tapas and Wine Bar had two cozy levels of three bars with tables scattered in nooks and crannies with one bar overlooking the busy open kitchen.

The menu featured delightful wines and ethnically assorted tapas and small plates in modern and traditional fare.

We opened with the traditional Mezze, a mosaic of marinated feta, black olive medley, hummus, tabbouleh, salsa, and Baba Ganoujh delicate with eggplant-all accompanied by toasted pita---and each outstanding.

The recommended Royal Medjoul Dates with Manchego cheese were wrapped in a paper thin slice of crisp ham that curled around the dates.

They were incredible.

Poured at our table, the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup over crumbled cacao pieces and spiced marshmallows---all next to a streak of chocolate----was dazzling in taste and fun!Paella de Cava with Chicken and Chorizo lingered on the palate with a gentle heat and the essence of saffron.

It was satisfaction supreme. Resting on sauteed chanterelle mushrooms, tender slices of Grilled Beef Sirloin capitalized on flavors of chive and citrus. Absolutely wonderful!

The streak of choc appeared again with the Churros.

Served warm with a pot of also warmed silky chocolate, the distinct taste of cinnamon lasted through even all the dunking!