Tapas

by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
June 8, 2005

TIA POL
205 10th Ave
(22nd & 23rd Sts)
New York, NY 10011
212-675-8805

I’ve been meaning to try this tapas restaurant for more than half a year now.

Down the street from Half King and The Red Cat, Tia Pol lies discreetly next to the gas station on the corner of 23rd and 10th Ave. The restaurant is a long sliver with the bar in front, seating in the back, and the kitchen partially open to view in the middle.

One of reasons it’s taken me so long to actually try it is the restaurant is perennially busy. I tried and failed twice before, both times because the wait was too long.

My third attempt was a success, as it was a perfect evening for a glass of rose and some tapas at the bar. Because it wasn’t overly crowded, I was able to really appreciate the charm of this little restaurant. I felt really at ease and happy.

I had the periwinkles Chinatown style, rough cut potatoes with spicy aioli, ham croquettes, and deviled eggs. All were delicious. There were several other tapas recommended to me, but I couldn’t eat that much by myself. Besides, it gives me more reasons to come back.

If I lived in the neighborhood this would definitely be one of my local hang outs.

Also in Spanish, Tapas, West Chelsea