Explore Everywhere: Ocho

Located on the corner of NW Market, Ocho is a small, unassuming addition to the hustle and bustle of restaurants, bars and storefronts in Ballard. Once inside, the tapas bar is full of people, interesting cocktails and stellar small plates. Do you already have plans next weekend? Cancel them and head to Ocho. We promise, it's that good.

The portions are small, so to make a meal out of it, you have to order a variety (which is fine with us!). The food usually ends up coming in several rounds, so you can fit all the plates on your table--and because you will notice people around you eating things that look so delicious, you just HAVE to try them. Here's a quick rundown of what we ate:

Aceitunas (Olives): What Mediterranean dinner could be complete without snacking on some gourmet olives?
Tortilla Espanola: This is a classic Spanish dish--egg and potato and tasty sauce. It's a little bit like a quiche.
Huevo del Diablo: Deviled eggs with salmon roe, pickled onion, fried capers, and dill.
Banderilla de Chorizo: with apple marmalade and blue cheese. This was basically two bites of chorizo on a toothpick sitting in marmalade and topped with a bit of cheese. Delicious. Order more than one.
Potatas Bravas: For the less adventurous, this is an excellent start. Bite size bits of fried potato with dipping sauces.
Abondigas: Lamb meatballs in carrot puree and yellow raisin sauce.
Pan con chocolate: We always get this for dessert whenever we come. A slice of crispy toast topped with chocolate, nuts, and a hint of spice. Beware of cutting it in half. See evidence below.
La Carolina: Pancetta wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese in balsamic vinegar. This is our favorite thing on the menu. It sounds odd, but all the flavors go perfectly together! I wanted to eat a whole bowlful of these, but they only give you three per serving. :( If nothing else, get a great cocktail and order these.

Lessons learned: Order more than one of the tower o' meat. Get a bowl-full of the dates. Don't try to cut the pan con chocolate with a knife. Make friends with the people sitting next to you who might be eating something you haven't tried yet. We hope you will take our lessons to heart when you eat at Ocho yourself!

-Megan & Janelle