Dining at Dali for my birthday dinner recently, I couldn't help but think that this experience was much like what I imagined sleeping with Grover Washington Jr. (everyone has their thing) to be--edgy but delicious, unpredictable but exciting. I was not disappointed. Much like Grover, I was immediately struck by Dali's charm and welcoming atmosphere. Floor to ceiling memorabilia of the Spanish old country that makes you feel like you've jumped into the vacation home of Baz Luhrmann and Paula Dean: just the right amount of "home cooked" feeling, and a huge helping of intoxicating visuals. But enough obscure 80's references and stretched similes--clearly winter break has left me a puddle of pop-culture.
Just like Mr Washington Jr. however (last one I promise), the (forty-five minute) wait was worth it, and may have even been the tantalizing flirtation necessary to build my excitement for the meals to come. I feel the need to preface this by explaining that my culinary companion and I are freaks...freaks who will eat everything and anything that is put in front of us. It's become a challenge to see who can eat the weirdest thing on the menu, so far I'm ahead. It's a lot like Andrew Zimmern, but only slightly sexier than watching a large bald man eating some poor animal's testicles.
With that said, I can only express my great enthusiasm for Dali's delicious Queso de Cabra Montañes, Chipirones Rellenos, Conejo Escabechado, and wild boar which was on the specials menu, and I can't remember the Spanish name. The baked goat cheese was an easy choice, and a last splurge since "the one I now shun" has forgone dairy. The first tapas came just in time too, since I had finished off all the homemade hummus and was left with fistfuls of bread that needed to be eaten, or they were going in my purse. Next came the Chipirones Rellenos...squid stuffed in its own ink. Zimmern would be impressed, but alas, the inky stains and jaw-locking chewiness was just something I couldn't get over. Who was I squidding? (terrible...just terrible)
For me the boar was truly the highlight of the evening (right after the third Kir Royale), with a savory smokiness that made me consider taking up hunting (do boars roam Western Mass?) We topped off the evening with Conejo Escabechado, don't visualize it, but I could not get over the tenderness of that rabbit--I mean fall off the bone tender. Maybe hunting is my calling, and could get me an employee discount...the braising and juniper/garlic glaze is so worth fair-weather ethics. Add onto that mouthwatering Churros and one or two backwater Absinthe's, and you'd think my paycheck actually resembled Zimmern's (I just can't get over him today)...but even my party and I could afford Dali's reasonable rates. With the Tapas Caliente averaging between $5 and $9, it's the perfect place to stay for the long haul, and try a variety of selections off the perfectly priced menu.
And if you're snickering at my celebration of 22 because you've past that number long ago, do not despair. The inoffensive Sangria pitcher is for you, and there is plenty going on inside these dimly lit rooms that you won't even notice the 22, 45, or 70 year olds all having Feliz Cumpleanos sung to them. Dali has a chair for everyone, as long as you can handle the wait.
So muchas gracias to Jose for this exquisite recommendation! Dali was a deliciously quirky experience and allowed 22 to start off the same way.
