Santiagos Bodega - Orlando
John Hornick Chef’s Apprentice Category: Not-just-Spanish Tapas. The long bar curves like a meandering stream, facing a towering liquor cabinet with stained glass doors. Frida Kahlo-ish paintings (but happier — I like them more than Kahlo) populate the earth-tone faux-painted walls. The open front windows blend the inside dining room with the outdoor umbrellaed patio. Multi-toned wooden plank floors and hightop wood-plank wooden tables and chairs with the color of dark honey complete the festive atmosphere. Because it’s a tapas place I expected Spanish but found a selection of well-executed small plates, the cuisine of which pretty much spans the globe. Everything was good, as was the service. We especially liked the saganaki, which was flamed tableside. Discounted drinks and tapas are offered during the two happy hours, 3-6p and 11p to 1 am for night owls.





