Cafe Ba Ba Reeba has been dishing out tapas for over 16 years at a location in Chicago, under the direction of Gabino Sotelino, the proclaimed American "Godfather of Tapas”. Gabino was tapas before tapas was cool. The original location of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba in Chicago proved to be a difficult place to find a seat, as people quickly discovered the variety of dishes and different wines and sangrias offered by Chef Gabino and his staff.
Another location was in order! What better place to open the window to everyone, than from the world’s most famous thoroughfare, Las Vegas Boulevard!
Tapas originated in Spain many years ago. The idea was to bring small portions of various dishes to the table, just a little at a time, in order to keep bar patrons interested in sticking around and drinking more. Many of the tapas bars were outside back then, so minimizing the time that a dish stayed on the table was just common sense.
Since then, thanks to Chef Gabino, the tapas concept has transformed into something else entirely. While they have adhered to the original miniaturized plates and friendly style of sharing dishes, the dishes themselves have elevated to that of fine dining quality.
Now diners can enjoy exquisite nouvelle cuisine prepared in grand style at a top-notch destination, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba Las Vegas.
Entering Cafe Ba Ba Reeba right off the Vegas strip, on a rare cold Las Vegas evening, we were welcomed warmly by the sight of imported cheeses, Serrano ham hanging from the ceiling, the tinkling of ice as Sangria poured freely, and a most beautiful interior.
Three different private rooms of varying sizes allow for groups to gather, the bar is large and rectangular, up front in true tapas style, the restaurant spreads out behind it in a most grand display. Dark cherry wood and oversized light fixtures that differ from room to room are evidence of a design team with a lot of inspiration.
There are wide open tables or high back booths for those who wish for a little more privacy. The patio, unused this chilly December day, spills right out onto "the strip”.
If you like to people watch, there is no better place!
The food is a fine representation of traditional tapas, complemented by plenty of spectacular delights and diversions.
We started with three dishes. First, a salmon and scallop ceviche in citrus that pinged the taste-buds with bright explosions of flavor that change with each bite. A tasting plate of Serrano ham, chorizo, sausage and Manchego cheese gave us something to really sink our teeth into. There is a lot of flavor here, grab the bread, pour yourself some Sangria. You are in Spain now, if for a brief moment in time. My favorite dish of the day, the one I will order every time I go regardless how adventurous I am feeling? The chicken salad with curry. An indescribable combination of a velvet curry sauce and tender chicken pieces serve chilled, I had trouble sharing this one.
My friend ordered shrimp and garlic, I was surprised at how the garlic was toasted and intense, the shrimp delicate, not overcooked. It’s nice to be spoiled. The calamari was separated into two; the top sauteed in butter, the tiny tentacles fried to a crispy crunch. When the beef rioja short ribs arrived, I thought a fight would break out. Fortunately there were two, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes topped with flakes of Manchego cheese. I actually cut the beef with a tiny tapas fork. The sauce that came with it made it simply melt in my mouth. Lastly, a real surprise, a beef tenderloin slathered with a piquant blue cheese that exploded with flavor. This is something I will try to duplicate at home, never would I have thought this combination could be so pleasing.
The whole idea of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is to enjoy yourself. There are so many items on the menu that inspire, you will need to go back several times to get a real feel for the vast selection. At a cost of 5 or 6 dollars average per item, this should be easy to do. If you like Paella, theirs is some of the best.
I get the biggest kick, however, out of the eye popping, flavor fantasia dishes that are Chef Gabino’s signature, many picked up from frequent journeys to his homeland of Spain.
When dessert comes to the table, you will have to make room. Like the other dishes, there is a great deal of attention paid not only to the flavor, but the textures and overall appearance. Bananas and caramel are sprinkled with a crunchy nut crumble. The velvet chocolate truffle was amazing, rich and creamy. The lemon cake with tangy lemon sauce went the other direction, sweet and tart. Hints of lemon meringue memories, warm summer fresh-cut-grass Sundays, flowed over my palate and through my mind.
It is no wonder this restaurant has enjoyed the success it has in the short time it has been open.
There are dishes at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba that everyone can enjoy. No one will leave hungry, regardless of their dietary needs or peculiar culinary quirks. The wine list offers close to 200 varieties, there are 6 kinds of Sangria, and complete bar selection. There is an abundance of classes and tastings that you can attend, whether to learn how to prepare awesome dishes or to pair wine.
I had three different people recommend I try Cafe Ba Ba Reeba and tell people about this place, that it simply must be shared. I might suggest you get over there before the word gets out.
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Tapas originated in Spain many years ago. The idea was to bring small portions of various dishes to the table, just a little at a time, in order to keep bar patrons interested in sticking around and drinking more. Many of the tapas bars were outside back then, so minimizing the time that a dish stayed on the table was just common sense.
Entering Cafe Ba Ba Reeba right off the Vegas strip, on a rare cold Las Vegas evening, we were welcomed warmly by the sight of imported cheeses, Serrano ham hanging from the ceiling, the tinkling of ice as Sangria poured freely, and a most beautiful interior.
My friend ordered shrimp and garlic, I was surprised at how the garlic was toasted and intense, the shrimp delicate, not overcooked. It’s nice to be spoiled. The calamari was separated into two; the top sauteed in butter, the tiny tentacles fried to a crispy crunch. When the beef rioja short ribs arrived, I thought a fight would break out. Fortunately there were two, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes topped with flakes of Manchego cheese. I actually cut the beef with a tiny tapas fork. The sauce that came with it made it simply melt in my mouth. Lastly, a real surprise, a beef tenderloin slathered with a piquant blue cheese that exploded with flavor. This is something I will try to duplicate at home, never would I have thought this combination could be so pleasing.
The whole idea of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is to enjoy yourself. There are so many items on the menu that inspire, you will need to go back several times to get a real feel for the vast selection. At a cost of 5 or 6 dollars average per item, this should be easy to do. If you like Paella, theirs is some of the best.
When dessert comes to the table, you will have to make room. Like the other dishes, there is a great deal of attention paid not only to the flavor, but the textures and overall appearance. Bananas and caramel are sprinkled with a crunchy nut crumble. The velvet chocolate truffle was amazing, rich and creamy. The lemon cake with tangy lemon sauce went the other direction, sweet and tart. Hints of lemon meringue memories, warm summer fresh-cut-grass Sundays, flowed over my palate and through my mind.
