Brisa De Espana

Located in a mini-market that sells European ingredients and packaged foods, this no-frills eatery offers good-but-not-great Spanish food and hit-or-miss service. It is most popular as a takeout spot. A daily changing lunch menu consists of a potaje such as cream of broccoli or lentils and an assortment of appetizers such as chistorras fritas ($6), thin sausage that is fried, or sardinas a la plancha ($8.50), grilled sardines. Main dishes are heavy on seafood and can include zarzuela de mariscos ($25), a tomato-based casserole of seafood or paella for two ($16). Tapas consist of several types of tortilla Española ($3.75-$4.50), various shellfish and seafood sautéed in a garlic sauce ($7.50-$12), and a few more creative combinations such as artichoke and ham in a garlic sauce ($8) and piquillo peppers stuffed with codfish ($10). You can also order three different sizes of a tray of cold appetizers that include jamon Serrano, chorizo Cantimpalo, and Manchego cheese ($22-$45). And a counter display beckons with an assortment of empanadas and pastries that tend to look better than they taste. But takeout orders are usually processed quickly, making this a good stop for a quick meal on-the-go.