foodadelic

All the way in Chelsea is where some great but hidden restaurants are located. Tia Pol is not one of them. It’s not the best that I’ve had and it is way over hyped by reviewers on the web.

I was not initially impressed with this place at all. Perhaps my expectations were off the charts…or perhaps I was too hungry to have gone to a tapas/small plates establishment. Nothing on the menu popped out at me screaming “EAT ME!” like it did the day before on menupages.com. Everything just looked uninteresting. BUT, thinking back, the main factor that plays a huge part in giving off this effect is the STARVING PART.  I did like some of the small plates and looking at the menu now, I want to try some of the other dishes. The atmosphere is a plus and the wait isn’t too long. The good news is that the restaurant was fully seated (must mean the food can’t be too shabby) Regardless, this is not a place that I’d trek across town for again; only if I’m already in the area. Here are the things I’ve tried.

Taste: different

Pulpo la ideal-galician style octopus terrine

Taste: tasty 

Patatas bravas-rough cut potatoes with spicy aioli 

Taste: distinctive adobo, almost hides the natural flavors of fish

Pescado en adobo-crispy marinated fish

Taste: delicious, scallops perfect in texture

Scallops and ink rice

Taste: hearty

Navajas y almejas-razor clams and cockles

Taste: tender, crispy skin, but overall->not impressive

12 hour roasted pig

Taste: heavy cake, almond-y. 

Torta De Santiago-spanish almond cake with dulce de leche and turron ice cream.

Taste: interesting, but sucked. Quality of the different ingredients did not help make this dish work.

Chorizo con chocolate palacios-chorizo with bittersweet chocolate

Taste: Absolutely mouthwatering. The custard had the right level of sweetness and richness. And the fried part adds to its bursting flavors.

Leche frita basque style-fried custard with drunken cherries

Taste: not bad. Cheese is delish, presentation lacks.

Plato De Quesos De La Casa-manchego, garrotxa and valdeon

We sat two in there! Unique seating!

So what are my thoughts? MIXED. I don’t love it, but I also don’t hate it. So I bid farewell and until the next meal…

Tía Pol
205 Tenth Avenue
New York, NY 10011 
(btw 22nd & 23rd St)
(212) 675-8805