Restaurant Review: La Bodega on Main

By Sherman Chan,
Special to The Post

La Bodega was a staple in Vancouver before it closed in 2014. Paul Rivas, son of original partner Francisco Rivas, oppened Bodega on Main.
We had the Albondigas (meatballs, tomato sauce and Manchego). The sauce was good, but the meatballs were crumbly and loose. The melted Manchego had a nice pungency. The Pollo Frito (fried free-range chicken drummettes with garlic and sherry) were crispy on the outside; juicy inside.
The Costillas de Res or braised beef short ribs were meaty and tender with a natural taste. The Patatas Bravas or twice-fried potatoes smothered in a dressing with crispy chunks of potato sauced with a creaminess and a zing.
The most flavourful dish was the Chorizo a la Pirrilla. The sausage was grilled with a crunchy exterior. The smokiness heightened the sausage’s saltiness and spice. The mustard cut through the salt and fattiness of the meat. The Gambas al Ajillo (sauteed prawns in garlic, butter, chili and sherry) had adequate seasoning.
We also used the bread with the Mejillones a la Marinara (mussels) sauce, which was creamy, briny and spicy. The mussels were plump, large while buttery and sweet. The Lengua Estofada (beef tongue) was braised in a tomato sauce with onions and capers. With a natural sweetness, it was accented by the capers’ saltiness and tomatoes’ acidity. The tongue was so tender that it was falling apart.
The Paella Mixta had too much moisture and grease in the rice, making it soupy. There wasn't any rice crust. The saffron really came through. The chicken fat and slight brininess of the seafood shone. The meal was not without faults, but it brought back memories of La Bodega.

Sherman Chan is the #1 ranked food blogger on the Vancouver portal of Urbanspoon.com. Read more of his reviews at www.shermansfoodadventures.com.

La Bodega on Main
1014 Main Steet, Vancouver, BC

The Good:
• Generally impactful flavours
• Service was on point
• Lively atmosphere and nostalgic decor

The Bad:
• As with any tapas joint, it can add up quickly
• Paella was a disappointment

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