Digital camera + close encounter with ceramic tile = not good.
Someone told me it can probably still take pictures, but I was so freaked out by the jagged streak of red and black lightning searing across the now-completely white LCD that I didn’t even consider said possibility and left it behind while Scott and I went to La Merenda.
Which is a shame, really, that I can’t give you a visual account of this fantastic little place with their warm-colored walls, close-set tables and tiny plates of delectable tapas.
Although tapas originated in Spain, the plates at La Merenda are inspired by flavors from around the globe. Cold options include the Tel Aviv Citrus Salad ($6), made with avocado, oranges, grapefruit, watercress and mint tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, as well as the Wisconsin Artisanal Cheese Plate ($7), and the Som Tum Salad ($5.50) made with papaya, jicama, carrots, and Napa cabbage tossed with a Thai vinaigrette.
On the hot side, I recommend the Spinach and Cheese Toasted Ravioli ($6.50), the Jerk Seasoned Pork Tenderloin ($7.50), and the Colombian inspired Empanadas de Res ($5) stuffed with a blend of spicy beef tenderloin and yucca.
As for wine (Always a must with tapas!), I was thrilled to see several selections from Spain, Chile, and Argentina and enjoyed my dark garnet glass of Malbec, which was great for the price. For those of you who prefer something sparkly, La Merenda also offers a nice Prosecco and some champagne; however, I personally have a penchant for all things Spanish, and would have liked to see some Cava.
At any rate, the lack of Cava didn’t diminish my evening at all. I am always a fan of the more energized social atmosphere that seems to go along with serving small plates and will certainly return again sometime. Next time, though, I’ll make reservations and I’ll take the new camera, which is stored far away from any place it could crash into the floor, so I can snap a few pictures and keep all of you digerati in need of a multiple art forms entertained.
I once dropped my digital camera on the sidewalk. Same thing happened to my LCD screen.
It did indeed still work, though I had to look through the viewfinder (which felt very old-school). Unfortunately the drop made the viewfinder a little crooked, so none of my pictures were centered - not even remotely.
It would have cost more to replce the screen than it would to buy a new one. Lesson learned.
Posted by: Sara | July 25, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Wines from Spain and Argentina are my favorites.
Posted by: KarenC | July 26, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Eight days and counting since your last post, slacker!
(just kidding. sort of.)
Dennis Getto died. Big news in the Milwaukee food world.
Posted by: Erin | July 27, 2007 at 03:30 PM