Chef Jason Toledo Takes Over The Kitchen at Barcelona Wine Bar West Hartford

Last week we took a road trip to Barcelona Wine Bar in West Hartford to meet Executive Chef Jason Toledo who recently joined the team there from the Boston locations. Barcelona Wine Bar, which first appeared on the scene in 1995, has been a go-to for tapas and wine lovers ever since. Known for their rustic Mediterranean and South American inspired influences, regulars seek out the restaurant’s signature dishes as a source of comfort and consistency. (I cannot, for example, not order the spinach and Chickpea Cazuela and the Gambas al Ajillo - ordered with extra bread to soak up the divine garlicky juices). While we all have our go-to comfort foods, discovering new items is an equally thrilling part of the experience.

With 18 locations in nine states, Barcelona prides itself on celebrating each chef’s individual talents, allowing for certain dishes to be exclusive to each restaurant. Each location, while unique, has a familiar and welcoming atmosphere.

As we waited to sample Chef’s signature dishes, we were encouraged to try something from the cocktail menu. How could we resist something with a name like Guns & Roses? Made from Brut Rosé, Lillet Rosé, Vodka, Peach Nectar, lemon juice and grapefruit bitters, this tasted like liquid sunshine.

Barcelona has long mastered the veggie and Chef Toledo keeps the bar high. A gorgeous spring green Grilled Broccolini, slightly charred, served on a vibrant tomato-colored, almond Romesco, was creamy and nutty with a hint of sweetness to balance the broccolini’s earthiness.

If you like mushrooms, I urge you to try the Mushrooms a la Plancha. The assortment of shiitake, oyster and crimini mushrooms in a chive caper sauce allows the earthy mushrooms incorporate the wonderful lemon-olive flavors of the small edible flower buds. 

Cauliflower finds a new home in the Cauliflower Hummus. This twist on an old favorite is flavored with Za’atar. The traditional middle eastern spice, a combination of oregano, thyme, sumac and toasted sesame seeds, gives this dish its uniquely floral, tangy flavors. You’ll notice Chef’s version is lighter yet somewhat coarser. Instead of pita bread, he serves a toasted lavash seasoned with dried pimento powder which offers a nice touch of heat. 

To celebrate the new season, Butternut Squash has been added to the menu. Cooked with boiled cider and spiked pepitas, the autumn favorite bursts with flavor and a sweet richness that embraces the cooler weather to come. You may have had butternut squash, but you haven’t had anything like this before – This is a must!

Before I move on to the animal proteins, I must pause for a moment and praise the Ricotta Montadito. A dish so sublime, we unanimously agreed this should be a staple at all 18 locations. Imagine this… the smoothest, creamiest ricotta you have ever had, onto which honey and black truffle join forces to create something truly magical on top of a generous wedge of toasted bread. If you’re dining at the West Hartford location, to pass this up would be criminal.

Halibut a la plancha – A tender and mild piece of Halibut surrenders to the tangy, zesty flavors of the salsa. I highly recommend eating this with some of the wonderfully crusty bread because you’re going to want to sponge up the sauce. The Grilled Chicken Thigh was so tender. While the chicken offered up a nice smoky heat from the harissa, (a middle eastern spice made from assorted peppers and spices and herbs) the accompanying tzatziki offered a nice cooling balance to the spices. The Lamb T-Bone Chop was rich and succulent. Seasoned with just a little bit of salt, the sweet blistered cherry tomatoes complemented the meat’s grassy flavors exquisitely.

Should you have room, you should check out Barcelona’s desserts. From the cheesecake to the flan to the crepas, there’s something for everyone. The true star of the dessert menu, however, is the olive oil cake with sea salt. This fruity, (from the olive oil) incredibly moist cake will linger on your taste buds for days and is the ultimate end of meal palate cleanser. Do yourself a favor and order it with a few extra forks for the table. You’ll thank me.

As the foliage starts to peak, this is the perfect time of year to discover those areas unfamiliar to us. West Hartford has the most charming downtown area and perfect for some pre lunch or dinner shopping.  We strongly recommend making a reservation before you go to ensure seating. 

Barcelona Wine Bar West Hartford 971 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107