Step into the Surreal
Written: Jan 13 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Amazing escape from New England frigidity
Cons: You'll have to wait, fer sure
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| asilrenrut's Full Review: Dali |
I’ve never had a bad time at Dali. It's the first restaurant that jumps to mind as I write my flagship review of an eatery.
Dali was founded by a perennially sexy woman named Tamara and her Spanish-cum-Argentinian-cum-American husband, Mario. The pair owned and ran the restaurant for many, many years before finally getting hitched -- a move that was a “phenomenal excuse to party with our friends,” as I remember Tamara describing it.
There are no bad seats at Dali, although some bejeweled nooks are more private than others. If you happen to head there on a date, be forewarned that your man could be chided by Mario for walking ahead of you, and might be asked, “Exactly what are your intentions toward this woman, young man?” If you don’t have a sense of humor that can weather this kind of inquiry, you might as well just hit Taco Bell and call it a day.
Be forewarned: Dali does not accept reservations, and the hostess has been known to say "an hour and a half wait" without blinking an eye. I know firsthand because I used to be the person who delivered that message to salivating newcomers. :) And still, the guests pour in . . .
Dali’s cuisine, décor, and sangria (the best in town) will wrap you up in a bohemian enclave far removed from the stress of the campus down the street. Tapas are standard fare here, and recommended for their economical delivery of myriad tastes. I have tried the entree that involves rubbing oil and rosemary on a cooking stone set upon your table, then cooking individual skewer-sized meats to each eater’s liking; I think that the romance of this setup suggests a more savory scenario than actually exists.
Dali's tapas, though, are not to be missed; I haven’t been at the restaurant since I moved West two years ago, but I can still name the old standards: Gambas al Ajillo offering up savory shrimp cooked in olive oil and plenty of garlic; Queso de Cabra, the simplest and most divine, warm, goat-cheesy spread you’d ever want near your bread; and the Setas -- pure mushroom love that tastes like beef. An old boyfriend also introduced me to the fine little delicacy of Quail in Raspberry sauce; Looking across at his plate, I felt bad for the wee chirpies for a second or two, then ordered my own serving.
The waiters (most were male when I was there last) will keep these dishes coming like clockwork, slowly stuffing you to the gills by your own bidding. They can also suggest seasonal specials such as figs wrapped in bacon, which they served there one fateful spring, and which I’ve never seen offered anywhere else.
I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here. Just go to Dali. Go. I beg you. It’s a sweet bit of Catalunya sitting just on the line between Cambridge and Somerville.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
asilrenrut
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Member: Lisa Turner
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 77 members
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