359 6th Ave (corner of Washington Place, essentially between Waverly Place and West 4th St.) 646-559-9909 www.tertulianyc.com
Spanish. The best advice I got all weekend came when the waitperson declared, “Don’t fill up on patatas, the paella is very generous.” That is easier said than done since those crispy potatoes are quickly habit forming. I was consoled by the thought of having some packed for home then turned my attention to tapas. The Spanish octopus (atop sour grains, olives, preserved lemon chimichurri) and beef and pork meatballs with almonds, tomatoes and sheep’s milk cheese were so good, I wondered how the paella could possibly compare. However, their incarnation – pasture-raised chicken studding the rice like flawless diamonds is such a flavorful experience, you do not want the meal to end. Ultimately, it does, but just until the next day when the patatas are yours once again.