Sans Patrie – Tapas – Nottingham

The very first thing you learn on Sans Patrie’s web site is “Tucked away” and that’s definitely a good evaluation of this spot in no-mans-land between Alftreton and Ilkeston Highway. Their strip of hospitality is stylishly appointed although and would really feel extra at residence in Hockley. The truth is its gentle minimalist type jogged my memory of Mesa, one other of Nottingham’s new eating places . One small subject on a heat July night was opening the door to provide some air is a good suggestion however the site visitors from the very busy junction made it a loud expertise. While I’m with regards to excessive decibels Sans Patrie additionally place themselves as a spot to simply have a drink and provide a number of reside music if thats your type of factor. On drinks there was a stable choice and was good to see Harvest Pale getting a glance in to the beer record somewhat than your run of the mill Estrella or Moretti.

Crimson Pepper Flatbread

The meals menu was largely an interesting mixture of flatbreads and “Tapas” though surprisingly Patatas Bravas showing beneath a separate “sides” part when it may (ought to?) be thought of a tapas dish. There was additionally patchy labelling of the meals, the tapas part masking (V) and (VE) nicely however others lacking this off altogether. This was notably related to my night as I used to be eating with a vegan couple. Pleasingly although there have been loads of engaging choices for the these on the lookout for all issues plant-based. A flatbread (£9) was first to reach and had a beautiful char from the pizza oven. A fairly easy set of toppings with crimson pepper dominating however a mix of dried and contemporary herbs additionally purchased it to life which was an ideal contact alongside the superb base. Spiced cauliflower croquettes (£6.50) weren’t croquettes in any respect, they had been cooked as complete florets but when something that could possibly be an enchancment retaining extra of that earthy nutty notes. The mixture with tahini is at all times pairing and labored nicely right here too.

Our subsequent two dishes had been a bit extra muted for me. Chickpea stew (£6) and vegetable tagine had very related tomato primarily based sauces. While they had been nice they didnt have a depth of flavour that steered they’d been effervescent away for hours like the perfect examples of their form. I additionally couldn’t detect any North African affect within the tagine which is one thing I anticipate from that dish. I’ll forgive asparagus being on a menu after the English season is over if it was pretty much as good as this. Mixed with chimichurri and dukka you may assume, as I initially did, there can be an excessive amount of happening. It actually labored although, the contemporary heat and acidity of the South American affect in concord with the spices from the Center East.

Chilli Gambas

My solely departure from the vegan choices was a foray into fish. Argentinian Chilli Gambas (£9.50) sounded actually too good to not attempt as one among my favorite tapas dishes. You’ll be able to’t do a lot fallacious with this one in lots of respects and I’m happy to say they had been nicely grilled with punchy garlic and chilli oil. It may solely be improved by completely different plating actually, a wider shallower dish to permit them to take a seat and absorb that oil as a lot as attainable! Lastly some sweetcorn fritters (£6) had been virtually all sweetcorn somewhat than a lot egg/flour to bind them which did make for a pop of sweetness from all of the kernels. The pairing with some whipped avocado gave extra freshness in addition to a beautiful wealthy texture.

Sweetcorn Fritters

There was a beforehand not a dessert possibility however they’ve began stocking Beeston Brownies which you will get with a scoop of ice cream. I assumed I’d give it a go. It was fairly pleasurable from a flavour perspective, I selected a raspberry blondie that got here with raspberry coulis and banana ice cream. The problem was the feel, it was severely stable…you wanted some muscle tissue to get a spoon via this brownie! It might have been nice with a cup of tea however didn’t fairly work as a plated dessert for me.

Raspberry Blondie

Having sampled a good array of, and largely vegan, dishes at Sans Patrie I used to be pretty impressed with many of the providing. There have been some easy classics just like the gambas but in addition some creative new thrives just like the asparagus dishes. Everyone knows there’s numerous competitors for Tapas in Nottingham however Sans Partrie does have its personal place in that crowded market and I suppose a little bit of a monopoly as this much less trendy finish of the town.

Try Sans Patrie right here: https://sanspatrie.co.uk/