Ca la Mar

They say that the Cabanyal is going to be the new Russafa, just like they said that Russafa was going to be the new Notting Hill; that is if the politicians don’t ruin everything first.

There is certainly energy and activity there on a Friday night; not to mention the Ku Klux Klan.

Ca la Mar, not to be confused with calamar, although it may be a pun, is a lively, popular tapas bar on a pedestrian street, run by young people (judging by the piercings) and with a friendly, inviting atmosphere.

The first thing that strikes is the wine list, focusing on the best Valencian wines, a Pinot Noir from Enrique Mendoza from Villena, Alicante and Daniel Belda’s emblematic Verdil.

The decor is eclectic, not to say random, with each table having a variety of chairs, although no two are the same, and the occasional slogan on the wall, so that we know for instance that the kitchen has a heart.

The fare is tapas, although they do a midday, midweek fixed menu too. The menus themselves by the way include maps, which won me over almost immediately.

The tapas were, I have to say, tasteful, surprising and varied, including a Tandoori chicken on toast, smoked sardines, chorizo in cider, humus, with or without beetroot, served with what looked like tiny swan wings, carpaccio, bacon rolled up with a filling of chicken, cheese and curry, but thankfully no annoying dates; and then there are salads, including a pear salad, which I now regret not trying.

The squid cooked in caramelised onions and a kind of ratatouille pudding were delicious too.

The music is pleasant and not intrusive, as are the waiters. The diners on the other hand are an outrageous mix of ageing bohemians and trendy young artistic types.

Ca la Mar also encourages artists to display their work, changing the exhibitions weekly.

As for the Ku Klux Klan, I am informed by informed people that they were parto f some Easter maritime procession, although they looked pretty scary to me.

Ca la Mar is in Carrer de Just Vilar, 19. Booking advisable at weekends, as the place was full and rocking.