13 Gypsies - February 25

13 Gypsies

Price: $ ($2.00-$11.00)

Location: Historic Riverside District

Website: http://www.13gypsies.com/default.htm

 I have been wanting to go to this place for months now and I finally was able to go tonight and I am so glad that I did. This little neighborhood restaurant is so different and unique. They serve mainly Tapas which basically means small entrees. The inside looks exactly like what a traditional Mediterranean restaurant should look like. They have daily specials and dessert menus but have a pretty solid menu full of delicious options. And what I did not know and wish I had known is that it is probably necessary to make a reservation because they get busy quickly. 

 My mom and I went and ordered three things to split between each other. First was the Roman Gnocchi that is made from semolina which is course, purified wheat middling used in making pasta. If you like cheese you will absolutely love this dish. The gnocchi is mixed with Parmesan cheese, cut into rectangles and seared on both sides then served with a peppery mushroom sauce topped with more cheese. The gnocchi was so creamy but a little crispy on the outside and it soaks up the mushroom sauce which is good enough to lick off of the plate. 

 Second was the Fresh Chorizo and Pears which was unexpected yet unforgettable. They give you two chorizo patties which is handmade, spicy sausage that is seared to give it a light crust on each side. The pears are also seared, in honey I believe, and I don't know what else but they are firm yet soft and have just the right amount of sweetness. It is also served with dates and those were good as well; very sweet. I had never had dates before this but they were pretty good I must admit.

 The third dish we ordered was the Escargot and Basil which I was not too fond of. I have had it a few times and I loved it but this dish really didn't impress me. I may just have high expectations when it comes to escargot but these seemed too chewy for me. The seasoning of the basil and garlic was good but I personally was not a fan. 

I went a little overboard thinking about how all of the dishes were so affordable and decided to get dessert. We shared the Tres Leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream, and it was so good. It was delectably moist and swimming in a pool of sweet milk and cream. If any of you decide to visit here, and if you're lucky enough that they have this on their menu that day, I would definitely recommend it. And I am sorry about the picture, we dove into and I forgot to take the untouched photo.