Spanish food has always had a place in my heart, hence, my love for Spanish resto-hopping. I can never forget the night when my bestbud J “baptized” me into Spanish food by bringing me to Casa Armas, which became our barkada’s favorite Spanish restaurant. After that, I have been checking out other resto’s and comparing their paella’s and dishes with the former.

my stunning view for the night. fantastic interiors.
As for Gaudi, I have heard so much raves from friend A about it. My friends and I have been dining in Gaudi for a few times already, but never tried the paella, which is the “defining point” of a Spanish restaurant. So far, I’ve enjoyed Gaudi’s pepper steak (Solomilio de Ternera a la Pimienta) , and I’ve “visited” friend B’s plate for some spicy, delicious salpicao called Salpicado de Ternera ( really spicy, I must say , I want to order this for me next time ), and loved their Chic Pasta. Last night was a different experience as my friends and I tried something new - something that everyone should try! We dined at Gaudi, Serendra for J’s despedida. What a fantastic way to say goodbye - with exquisite cuisine!

Our first appetizer was Rollitos Gaudi. These lumpia’s are not in any way common slash ordinary. They are filled with ground chorizo. Very, very flavorful. Dipped in tabasco sauce, this appetizer which was first served immediately gained a place in my heart. I’m so getting this next time. Again! ( YUM )

Surtido de 8 Pintxos Calientes (A selection of 8 hot tapas) .These looked like clubhouse sandwiches, Spanish version ( haha! ). They were alright. Not exactly a must-order, but pretty delightful nonetheless!

This next dish that we tried’s pretty hefty. It’s called Chuleton Villagodio. We were given a plateful of slices of prime angus beef ( steak ) to cook,

Thick slices of beef ready for cookin`!

“the cooking plate”. This is how we cook it!

The cooking plate’s filled with salt to add more flavor to the slices of steak.

Waiting for the reds to turn brown…

With the numerous shot’s I’ve taken of this, it must be evident that I loved this dish so much. The beef’s flavor, mixed with the salt on the cooking plate was terrific. No “too chewy” moments there even if the beef slices were a little bit too brown already, and it tasted really good. Just a bit of fat there if you’ve chanced on those parts.

Last but not the least, the one that I’ve been waiting for all night, the paella.

We’ve always preferred to order Paella Valenciana over other kinds of paella because it was a mix of chicken, shelfish, chorizos and some pork. It’s pretty much a mix of everything. This time it’s different - we ordered something new-

My bestbuds ordered another kind of paella, and was different from what I’ve tried before. It’s called Arros Sobrassada(Spanish chorizo paella served with a fine herb sauce) . Filled with garbanzos, semi-mushy potatoes, chorizos, and some pork. The rice is pretty “mushier” than usual paellas, and it was a good experience trying this. I enjoyed this dish, but I was looking for the usual “burnt bottom” ( the rice that is burnt from cooking that sticks on the casserole) on the casserole that I did not find here.

So bottomline? The dining experience at Gaudi was excellent. Great food, great ambience ( perfect for intimate dates, I must say ) , superb service. The night ended with my tummy being filled up, and wanting more sweets ( which led us to go for ice cream, haha ). I would definitely go back to Gaudi to dine there, but I think I am happier ordering their steak dishes and pasta. Their steak and pasta dishes are simply divine, and are well worth your money. For paella, it’s a matter of preference. People who want their paellas moist and soft would truly love what Gaudi has to offer. As for me, I think that Casa Armas’ Paella Valenciana still holds that very very special place in my heart *wink*. Yes, I still love “burnt bottoms”

P.S. Thanks to Munchpunch that they have menus - I am really really poor in remembering things I order. Teehee.