It doesn’t take long to find your way abroad in the City of Angels… drive due east for a few minutes and you’ll end up on the Iberian peninsula, sharing  traditional Spanish cuisine and good conversation.  SPAIN is located in the heart of Echo Park on Glendale Boulevard- blink and you’d miss it, but stop for a second to give it a try, and you’ll be a convert soon enough.

Honestly, the exterior is a bit of an eye sore, or rather fits well into the non-extraordinary aesthetic of that particular area of Echo Park.  It could be overlooked as a bodega, it’s a true “hole in the wall” find nestled into a mini-strip mall right by the freeway- but don’t be discouraged yet- the crowd gathered there last Friday night was a testament to the culinary treats served up inside.  It’s a great place for a friendly gathering (not sure about a date), but we were a group of 10 or so and found it easy to all sit at a long table and the food style is perfect for a group setting.

We shared many appetizers including the tasty empanadas, but found the most enjoyment with our entrees- we split a few of the delicious risottos including one with large shrimp and another vegetable one.  Both were well worth the wait as risotto takes quite a while to cook properly.  Some people filled up on Sangria, while others sampled the authentic Spanish sodas– equally satisfied with all beverages though the former was naturally more outwardly enjoyable.

All in all the night was a success- wouldn’t necessarily run out for a repeat experience, but it was a financially viable, gastronomically satisfying evening and great for the group.  Something to consider next time you get the urge to travel (on the cheap)…