-Introduction to La Tasca-
La Tasca is a chain of Spanish restaurants with over 60 branches in the UK as well as additional restaurants overseas. This review is specifically about the York branch of the restaurant chain as that is the one I have visited.

-First Impressions-
La Tasca York is located on Swinegate, which is in an area in the city centre that has quite a few bars and restaurants and is therefore normally quite lively on an evening. This occasion was no exception and the street was busier than normal as York races had been held that day. Nevertheless we were seated within seconds of entering the restaurant, and we hadn't even pre-booked a table. The first thing I noticed upon entering was how dark it is inside. This is not necessarily a bad thing as the dim lighting coupled with the Latino style music and the appropriate decor gives the place an asmosphere that feels right for a Spanish Tapas bar and restaurant. The member of staff who greeted us and showed us to a table was very friendly, and over all my first impression of the place was very positive.

-The Food-
The La Tasca menu contains mainly Tapas and Paella, as well as other small dishes such as breads and olives.
The Tapas were the main reason for our visit to La Tasca as we fancied trying some new dishes and also liked the idea of choosing a few small dishes and sampling different things. There is quite a wide range of Tapas available including meat, fish, salads, and vegetable dishes.

We were told that 3-4 dishes per person is the norm as the dishes are quite small and one dish is not designed to be a full meal. Most people order them to share but me and my favourite have very different food preferences so decided to choose our own.

The meat dishes included chorizo, meatballs in rich tomato sauce, salsa chicken wings, and pork belly served with rosemary herb-scented beans.

There were around six fish/sea food choices and these included butterfly king prawns, squid, and deep-fried white fish served with a paprika and garlic mayonaise.

As for the vegetarian options there were several choices there too. Goat's cheese and tomato salad, spanish omelette, and potato gratin to name a few.

We were spoilt for choice as there were around 30 dishes to choose from, but one of the nice things about Tapas is the fact you can choose a few things.

After some deliberation I opted for the deep-fried white fish, potato gratin, a chicken and chorizo dish, and a green salad. For drinks I was on soft drinks so I just had some juice, which was ice cold and nice and refreshing. My friend chose some meat dishes including the meat balls and chicken and prawn paella (they serve paella as a small Tapas dish as well as in large portions.)

The food arrived after a short wait of about 10-15 minutes which we were glad about as we could smell delicious things from the kitchen and we were getting hungry.

All my dishes looked really appetising when they arrived, and they didn't dissapoint taste wise either. The fish came in small battered pieces and the batter was lovely and crunchy with really tasty fish on the inside. The garlic and paprika mayonaise it was served with added a tangy taste to the dish and complemented the fish very well. The potato gratin was my favourite dish-it was made with blue cheese and spinach and was rich and creamy. The chicken and chorizo dish came in a pepper, onion, white wine and cream sauce and again was rich and tasty, although I could have done with a few more pieces of chicken and chorizo in the sauce. The green salad was lovely and fresh, although I think it would be difficult to get that dish wrong!
My friend's food looked just as nice and she said she thoroughly enjoyed it too. We were nice and full by the end-we definitely felt 4 dishes each was about right.

-The Service-
I can't complain about the service. We were seated quickly and we given just enough time to peruse the menu before our orders were taken. Drinks and food were brought out quickly, and best of all the staff were friendly, pleasant, and smiling.

-Prices and Offers-
Tapas dishes vary in price but they're roughly £4-£5 each-which can add up to quite an expensive meal once you've chosen a few. The Paella dishes (the large version, not Tapas) are around £10 each, and breads and olives are about £3 each. Soft drinks are around £3 too.

There is also an option to buy a Tapas selection. There is 'La Tasca Favourites' which includes six popular dishes for a price of £24.95 or 'Chef Recommends' for £29.95 which contains six dishes.

La Tasca also have a loyalty card which offers 20% discount and there are normally various La Tasca vouchers and offers in circulation online.

-Booking Information-
You can book a table at La Tasca York by visiting their website: http://www.latascakitchen.co.uk/, calling them on 01904 521100, or popping in and seeing them. As I said we just turned up without booking and were seated straight away so it may not always be necessary to book.

The opening hours of the restaurant are 11:00-23:00, every night.

-Final Thoughts-
I have heard a few negative opinions from friends about La Tasca York but I can't fault my visit to the restaurant. The staff were friendly and attentive and the food delicious. The only bad thing I could possibly say is that it can work out a little pricey if you choose quite a few little dishes. I will definitely be making a return visit to La Tasca York.