Tapas One in Downtown Punta Gorda adds Tantalizing Food to Bin 82 Atmosphere -- Restaurant Review

In Spanish tapa means lid.  According to various sources tapas may have originated from when bartenders would put slices of bread or cured ham over sherry glasses to keep fruit flies away.  A slightly more upmarket story suggests that the tapas tradition began when king Alfonso X of Castile recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, he ordered that taverns not be allowed to serve wine to customers unless accompanied by a small snack or "tapa."  Regardless of which origin is true, the custom evolved into one which Spaniards go out to tapas bars after work for small plates of simple food and drinks. It didn't take Americans long to embellish the tradition and mold it to fit their tastes -- in fact, the dining practice is not much different than selecting two or more tantalizing appetizers from a menu instead of a main course.

And from the looks of it, Punta Gordans are quickly taking to the custom as well.  Tapas One arrived this year where Bin 82 was situated.   The only issue I ever had with Bin 82, which I loved for its sleek, upscale atmosphere and great wine selection, Tapas One has solved -- food!  It didn't need to be a lot of food -- just more than what Bin 82 offered.

The restaurant has retained and for the most part extended much of Bin 82's allure -- the high ceilings, cool bar (improved upon by the new owners), elegant atmosphere (here the addition of some garish color didn't add much).  What has added more atmosphere is the lovely, lighted outdoor patio.

And then there's the food.  Absolutely incredible. The tapas wouldn't be classified as Spanish authentic, they are more a  kaleidoscope of  interesting world cuisine -- I definitely prefer this direction.  While I think the traditional Spanish tapas are tasty, they can be a bit boring.  Tapas One tapas are not boring--they are magnificent.  From the time you bite into Japanese meatballs with the flavorful noodles until you've devoured the succulent meat that just falls off the bones of the Thai spareribs your taste buds are screaming with joy.

In addition to these wonderful choices, we also tried seared scallops, which were perfectly cooked and served over a bed of wilted spinach, topped with fresh herbs, manchego cheese and sherry cream sauce, and the charcuterie and cheese plate, a generous portion of delicious sausages, cured meat, and cheese served with bread points.

The selections are good, and I think reasonably price given the quality, although I have heard some grumblings from others about this.  There are 24 tapas selections in all, average price $9 -- two per person should fill the average diner, maybe with one extra for the table to satisfy the larger appetite.

The wine choices are excellent and the beers are quite interesting with some very eclectic choices.  Service though was dicey. attentive in some regards, but not consistent and as professional as I would like in others.  I attribute this to Tapas relative newest and trust it will improve over time.  They are definitely trying hard.

Our Rating:

Food = 5 stars
Atmosphere = 4 stars
Service = 3 stars
Overall = 4 stars

If you go:

Tapas One is on Marion Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda.  In addition to dinner, they serve brunch (wide selection of omelets, egg dishes, pancakes, pain perdu and more); and lunch with wraps, flatbread selections, and salads.
Phone:  941 639-0900
Website: http://www.tapasone.net/