In a city famed for its beaches, you will also find a fresh new dining trend. Nestled in the outskirts of Oakland Park is EATapas. Located at 4140 North Federal Highway, EATapas is a traditional new Spanish restaurant with mediterranean flavors where the atmosphere is fun and casual, yet sophisticated. A place where tapas, paella and crafted cocktails meet live music and flamenco dancers.
EATapas: Mediterranean Flavors in Oakland Park
Owners Nuccio Giannino and Jay Olivera, two veterans in the restaurant business started by opening a unique italian market named Paisanos right here in Oakland Park, a successful market with a new concept which was well accepted by the community. This venture led them to open another flagship restaurant in our community, a charming italian restaurant named Dal Contadino Trattoria located on Oakland Park Blvd. Their continued success, reputation and loyal customer following allowed them to venture yet again. Nuccio and Jay felt there was still room to bring a new concept like no other in dining to the area, a new place for people to savor a new palate with live entertainment. This time they opted for spanish gastronomy.
A Journey to Spain
Last September Nuccio and Jay opened their door to their new restaurant, EATapas. A place they want you to feel transported to “La Madre Patria” – The Motherland Spain. The first thing you’ll notice as you walk in is the traditional cured meat stand, La Jamoneria, Charcuterie and Cheese. Here you will find typical spanish ham shoulders hanging over a refrigerator filled with a variety of cold cuts and cheeses to choose from. It is worth knowing that ham is hung so is well aerated this allows the fat to slide towards the tip when the pieces sweat.
Great food and special drinks are the key ingredients for a memorable and repeated visit. Nuccio and Jay’s goal is to continue to provide a combination of delicious authentic Spanish food, great ambiance and excellent service. With a staff of twenty dedicated employees, they go far and beyond to ensure everyone’s experience at EATapas is a memorable one. After all, much of their success is attributed thanks to their loyal customers and followers that over the years have spread the good word.
What’s in a Paella?
From vegetable to seafood or meats, at EATapas paellas are one of the house specialties. Chef Alberto Roche, a native of Spain and a pro at paella making, is the mastermind behind this sumptuous and delicious plate you will enjoy. Nothing here is pre cooked or heated. Each and every paella made by Chef Alberto is created from scratch with nothing other than fresh produce and traditional products from Spain.
Be sure to sip on those refreshing and tasty crafted drinks, enjoy great conversations with your friends, family or your date, while you wait for your paella. Paellas can be customized to everyone’s taste. You may pick and choose your ingredients of choice. Paella making can take up to forty five minutes.
Drinks to Enhance the Experience
A side table Sangria, this is like in the old days of first class travel. With fourteen different fresh fruit options, preparing a Sangria at EATapas is a show on its own. Your server pulls up to your table with a cart supplied with all of the fruits options for you to choose from. Once you select your fruit options, the server right there and then will make your own personalized signature Sangria.
Besides sangria the bar drinks options are endless. From cocktails to beer or your CAVA, sparkling wine, EATapas is a full bar restaurant where you may also choose from a variety of cocktails, beer and fifty different wines from Spain as well as fifty others from around the world.
Flamenco Dance: Passion in Form of Art
Dining and entertainment goes hand and hand. As difficult as it may be, Flamenco is a form of art which transmits passion in each of its components: song, dance and music. While your paella or favorite dish is being prepared, and your signature sangria is being made and poured by your courteous friendly server, you will be delighted with the sounds of Spanish guitar players and entertained by fabulous Flamenco dancers in their full attire. It is a show stopper. While Spanish guitar players perform every night the restaurant is open, Flamenco dancers perform during weekends only.
With a seating capacity of one hundred and eighty people inside and about forty to fifty people al fresco, the restaurant has a large comfortable open concept setting making it a great place for a night out with friends or just a romantic dinner date or any celebration. Keep in mind that during this unprecedented time the capacity is limited and reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant also observes all of the CDC guidelines.
EATapas is the destination restaurant that is more than a great choice for a great meal. It is a place where locals and tourists alike can come and enjoy a traditional Spanish dining experience, with great ambiance, friendly courteous service topped with superb live entertainment. Be sure to call to make your reservations: 754-779-7554
