Photos courtesy of Bulla Gastrobar
Pan Con Tomate
We all have days that hit harder than others, when deadlines pile up, the phone won’t stop buzzing and dinner still needs to be figured out. When that happens, head to Bulla Gastrobar in Aventura and turn the day around. The festive Spanish restaurant makes it easy to unwind — especially once the tapas and sangria arrive.
Bulla got its start in Coral Gables in 2013 and has since expanded to seven more locations across Florida and Texas, with Aventura as the newest outpost. Next to Aventura Mall, the restaurant is in a shopping plaza with plenty of parking, taking one small headache off the table before dinner even begins.
Inside, Bulla is warm and contemporary, with exposed ductwork, black ceiling beams and pendant lights offset by cream banquettes. A sprawling mosaic reminiscent of Gaudí’s colorful trencadís work in Barcelona stretches across one wall, while blue-and-white patterned tiles run throughout the dining room. At the center, a bustling bar anchors the space, with drinks that nod to Spain, including Tinto De Verano, a mix of red wine, lemon juice and lemon-lime soda; Vermút served over ice; and Sangría, available in red, white or beer-based versions. The wine list leans heavily Spanish, with plenty of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, while beer lovers can sample lagers and ales from the Iberian Peninsula, such as Alhambra Reserva 1925 and Mahou.
Chistorra Con Patatas
The menu follows the tapas tradition of small plates meant for sharing, making it easy to sample a range of flavors. Traditionalists will want to start with Pan Con Tomate, toasted bread brushed with fresh tomato. The Tabla Mixta brings together Manchego and tetilla — a mild, buttery cow’s-milk cheese from Galicia — with Serrano ham, chorizo, caramelized walnuts and marinated olives. There’s also the option to add Paleta Ibérica de Bellota 5J, cured shoulder from acorn-fed, purebred Ibérico pigs; it’s worth the splurge.
The Gazpacho Andaluz is a refreshing place to continue. It arrives in a glass with a spoon, leaving you free to sip it or enjoy the bright, fresh, balanced flavors by the spoonful. Gambas Al Ajillo, a staple in tapas bars throughout Spain, delivers with its simple combination of sautéed shrimp, garlic, brandy and pepper flakes, while Pulpo A La Gallega, another beloved dish, comes brimming with tender octopus served atop creamy potatoes and is sprinkled with pimentón and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.
Bulla rotates seasonal dishes throughout the year, with the current lineup remaining on the menu through the end of October. Chistorra Con Patatas slathers Basque-style sausage with brava sauce and aioli, while Mejillones Con Chorizo features plump steamed mussels with blue cheese and white wine sauce.
Carpaccio De Res puts a different spin on the popular meat appetizer, arriving warm and topped with Manchego, croutons, kimchi aioli, extra-virgin olive oil and a honey-sherry vinaigrette.
Carpaccio De Res
Of course, there’s paella. The classic Paella De Mariscos comes loaded with calamari, prawns, clams and shrimp and is simmered with red sofrito and saffron. Paella De Pollo trades the seafood for chicken, artichoke hearts, cremini mushrooms and peas but keeps the same base. Each requires at least 30 minutes to prepare, so order early. “Platos Fuertes,” or main courses, include Salmón with baby spinach, chickpeas and a lemon cream sauce and Short Ribs served with tetilla cheese, caramelized onions, salsa criolla, homemade potato chips and potato foam. Both are available in small and large portions, depending on your appetite.
Paella De Mariscos
You won’t want to miss dessert. Passion Fruit Panna Cotta is the seasonal special, pairing creamy vanilla custard with tart passion fruit sauce. Churros Con Chocolate may not rival a late-night stop at Madrid’s legendary Chocolatería San Ginés, but it will certainly satisfy the craving. For one last taste of Spain, finish with a glass of sherry.
The new Bulla Gastrobar location is at 2747 N.E. 193rd St., Unit 10, Aventura. For more information, call 786-206-6539 or visit bullagastrobar.com.