Small plates may dominate the menu at Cascal, but this downtown Mountain View tapas hotspot packs big flavor in each and every one. Drawing inspiration from the exotic culinary traditions of Spain and Latin America, Cascal serves up delectable delights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cascal was conceived by seasoned restaurateur Don Durante, who wanted to create an eatery where he and his friends could linger and relax while sampling boldly flavored cuisine and cocktails. Thanks to the culinary magic of executive chef Antonio Flores Lopez and chef consultant Dave Page, Cascal’s menu has evolved into a colorful array of more than 25 small-plate items, as well as regional dishes, paellas and ceviches that keep patrons coming back for more.
On any given day, Cascal bustles with diners, from romantic couples to large parties, and it’s easy to see why: With its chic décor, Cascal could pass for a breezy Barcelona bistro. Saffron- and paprika-hued walls, saltillo-tile floors, dramatic pillars and arches and floor-to-ceiling windows add to the sophisticated atmosphere. On Friday and Saturday evenings, live Latin music performances spice things up even more.
While it may be hard to resist ordering one of everything, a good place to start would be the Spanish Tapa Sampler. From paper-thin slices of Serrano ham with Manchego cheese and quince to smoky eggplant tapenade with zingy piquillo chile, the sampler is great for first-time tapas diners. The platter also includes chicken liver mousse on toast; dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in Serrano ham; slices of potato gratin layered with poblano chiles and spices; succulent, marinated shrimp; a warm octopus salad Galacia in a light vinaigrette; marinated mussels with a refreshing vegetable salsa; and anchovies atop diced onion and crostini.
In the way of larger plates, choices range from delicious slow-roasted specialties such as Cuban pork and paprika-crusted salmon to a variety of savory paella dishes.
The good food is accompanied by Cascal’s inspired cocktail list, which includes Cuban mojitos and a range of Brazilian caipirinhas, as well as a selection of fine wines. Of course, no tapas meal would be complete without sangria—choose from red, white or sparkling.
As if enjoying a Latin-inspired cocktail wasn’t enough reason to stick around, there’s also Cascal’s scrumptious dessert menu. A prime pick is the Tres Leche cake, a fluffy, coconut-infused “three milk” cake served with fruit salsa.
The savory tapas, enticing cocktails, ambrosial desserts and energetic atmosphere are plenty of good reasons to while away an evening with friends in true Spanish style.
--Stephanie Soong
Hours: Daily, from 11:30am for lunch and dinner Location: 400 Castro St., Mountain View More info: 650/940-9500; www.cascalrestaurant.com
