October 19, 2017 · Lodewijk Portielje
Friday, October 6 was the grand opening of Bodega y TapasMatthijs Vinckemöller, the founder, claims to create the best tapas in Groningen and combines this with a small but cozy cocktail menu.
Because it is always a hassle deciding whether to order the patatas bravas for €2 or the calamari rings for €3, Bodega y Tapas does things differently: all-you-can-eat. For €17.50 (Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun) or €22.50 (Fri & Sat) per person, you can enjoy unlimited tasty bites and a cozy atmosphere.
“Why yet another tapas restaurant in Groningen?” we asked Matthijs.
In Business Administration, you learn about consumer-pull and producer-push. Are tapas the latest trend (like sushi), or does Spain have a surplus of small bites since Catalonia is being difficult? Matthijs explains that he wants to bring delicious tapas. No chains, no reheating hassle, just well prepared by experienced tapas chefs.
Matthijs has been the owner of for years Grand Café de Biechtstoel, which, as you know, is the restaurant where you can enjoy heavenly dishes under the watchful eye of the enormous collection of saint statues.
He told us that he has been walking around with the idea of opening a tapas bar for a year or two. After many trips to different regions of Spain, plus experiencing how Spanish tapas *should* be served, Matthijs made up his mind: I'm going to do it myself. After all, he already owned the building where Bodega Y tapas is located.
Adapting the menu to the Dutch (Groningen) taste buds was a bit of a challenge. We prefer spare ribs, for example, and eat less fish, Matthijs explains. However, we feel they succeeded completely. The appetizers that were passed around were delicious, and what we ordered ourselves later was also really superb. We didn't touch the cocktails, but judging by the sangria that came from the bodega, they must be good too.
Since we suspect that news of the good tapas will spread quickly, we recommend making a reservation soon.
