NEW EATS: Restaurant serves delicious Spanish food for adventurous grown-ups

El Meson, 903 E Dixie Dr. in West Carrollton, introduced its new Barcelona Tapas concept last week in its Conga Bar dining room.

>> PHOTOS: El Meson's Barcelona Tapas in pictures

Bill Castro, the restaurant's co-owner, said Barcelona Tapas, a dining experience meant for adventurous adults, is about exploration, relaxation and fun.

Check out what’s on the menu below.

“Dining is a total experience,” Castro said. “Spain brings so much to all the senses.”

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It will roll it out again this Friday, March 10 from 5-10 p.m. with a bounty of tapas --  smaller, often shareable plates of Spanish food.

Reservations are requested.

>> Click here to reserve a spot on the Barcelona Tapas Eventbrite.com site.

Castro said the goal is to make Barcelona Tapas an every-Friday occurrence in the Conga Bar dining room.

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El Meson’s regular menu will still be served in the eatery’s other dining areas.

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS AT BARCELONA TAPAS:

Diners pick items from the cold and room temperature bars. Servers roam the dining room, offering selection of hot tapas in the traditional Spanish fashion.

It is similar to how dim sum is served in some Chinese restaurants, or how food is served at Brazilian steakhouses.

About 20 tapas are on the menu, ranging from $5 to $12.

The Tamiami Mami, El Meson's winning entry in the Miami Valley Restaurant Association's Buckeye Vodka Battle of the Bartenders, is featured on the menu. Items on the menu are subject to change.

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Take what you want, but take it from me: only a sillyhead would pass up the polenta and spiced shrimp, the thin-cut jamon serrano, or the grilled chorizo with bread.

WHAT WE TRIED 

We ordered a pitcher of El Meson’s red sangria, settled in, and feasted on plate after plate.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some of the dishes we tried and enjoyed.

1.) CHORIPAN, $9

Note: Three chunks of chorizo come served on crusty bread. It is a tasty way to try the classic Spanish sandwich.

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2.) MAC & CHEESE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND CHORIZO, $9

Note: A familiar food spiced up with Spanish flavors.

3.) ARROZ CON POLLO ARANCINI, $9

Note: These crispy panko fritters are filled with cheese, rice and moist chicken.

4.) JAMON SERRANO, $9

Note: Slices of light, natural ham right from the source.

5.) POLENTA WITH SPICED SHRIMP, $12

Note: You can't go wrong with shrimp with a kick and creamy, cheesy polenta. There is so much right here.

6.) EGG, SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS BANDERILLEROS, $9

Note: This surprisingly refreshing dish came with plump shrimp and a sauce made with dill pickle, olive oil, celery and onion.