Boqueria

...has two locations in NYC. "J" and I visited the Flatiron location at 53 West 19th Street.

We both started with a glass of Musva Moscatel wine which was very sweet and bubbly $10/glass).

And we shared the following dishes for our food journey:

- Pan con Tomate - grilled bread rubbed with tomato, garlic and olive oil ($5)

- Jamon Serrano - hand cut "Jamones de Segovia" Serrano ham aged 18 months ($9)

- Patatas Bravas - crispy potatoes, "salsa brava", roasted garlic ajillo ($7)

- Pintxos Morunos - seared lamb marinated in lemon and cumin, salsa verde ($8)

- Gambas al Ajillo - shrimp, garlic, Guindilla pepper in olive oil ($13)

- Mejillones - Daily special mussels and chorizo ($13)

The food was all excellent and tasty. Our waitress was very sweet and friendly. And the place was packed with a line outside by the time we left.

The only disappoint was the pedestrian dessert menu so we skipped it.

El Quinto Pino

is a darling little Spanish Tapas wine bar in NYC's Chelsea at 401 West 24th Street.

"A" had a glass of Sangria ($8) and I had a Pomada - a frozen basil vodka drink ($10).

We shared the Patatas Bravas - fried potatoes ($6), Gambas al Ajillo - shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce ($9), two orders of Pinchos Morunos - lamb skewers on bread ($8 each) and Tomaca - tomato bruschetta ($5). We were also given a small plate of additional bread which we used to soak up the sauce from the shrimp and potato dishes.

The food was delicious and flavorful.

Jardin de China

This translates to Garden of China. This no frills 39 year old Chinese Spanish restaurant is located in NYC's borough of Queens at 37-37 Junction Blvd. in the bustling shopping district of Corona.

You are a little disoriented when you are greeted in Spanish by the Chinese staff. The extensive menu is in both English and Spanish. They serve standard Americanized Chinese fare and array of Spanish food.

The clientele is predominantly Hispanic which reflects the neighborhood. Each table is given a basket of fresh french bread and butter.

I had my usual Bistec Palomilla which is flattened beef, fried with onions and served with fried ripened plaintains with your choice of rice and beans or white rice with red or black beans. I chose the latter. For $9.95 this is a hearty meal.

Then I topped it off with housemade flan de caramel.