Acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant El Gato Negro has launched its new seasonal menu as it celebrates three years in Leeds.
The work of Head Chef, Chris Hemsworth, the new menu harnesses the season’s finest ingredients to create a generous number of intricate dishes with a real depth of flavour. Accounting for over half the autumn/winter menu, it may take more than one reservation to experience them all.
The new list of small plates can be found in every section of the menu including El Gato Negro’s Para Picar and charcuterie.
Featured dishes include boquerones – marinaded anchovies served with extra virgin olive oil, dill and charred focaccia (£9); stuffed Medjool dates – Medjool dates filled with goats cheese mousse and wrapped in Iberian lardo (£6); homemade rosemary and confit garlic focaccia with North South olive oil and Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar (vg) (£5); Salchichón Ibérico with cornichons (£6); and Chorizo Ibérico bellota with baby artichokes (£6).
Those with a passion for cheese will love the Monte Enebro goats cheese with fig chutney and olive torta (£7.50), and La Peral blue cheese with caperberries and crystal bread (£8).
The newness continues into the acclaimed restaurant’s fish and meat dishes with the return of Chef Patron and Creative Director Simon Shaw’s signature chargrilled octopus served with sautéed potatoes, aioli and capers (£14.50), and gambas pil pil – gamba roja prawns in a chilli and garlic sauce with fresh parsley (£16). Both feature alongside Josper-fired Scottish mussels with fino sherry, confit onion sauce and chargrilled focaccia (£12), and seared cod cheeks with chorizo and haricot bean stew (£13).
Completing the list of new dishes on a sweet note and a dish that has to be tried is Hemsworth’s rum baba, a honey-scented sponge soaked in orange and Pedro Ximénez syrup and served with bee pollen and vanilla ice cream (£7.50).
Speaking on the new menu Hemsworth said: “The new menu’s a real labour of love, inspired by Simon’s incredible passion for Spanish cuisine and delivered with my own style. You can expect to find some great classics on there, such as the gambas pil pil, which I believe you should find in every quality Spanish tapas restaurant, alongside a good number of new and intricate dishes that have a real depth of flavour. There’s something for everyone.”
Returning for autumn/winter and in celebration of the award-winning restaurant’s third anniversary in Leeds is El Gato Negro’s hugely popular dining event, Tipsy Tapas.
The event, which invites guests to enjoy three small plates and bottomless sangria, Aperol Spritz, Bellini, Cava, Estrella and Cerveza for just £35 is available every Saturday in November and December with sittings from 12pm – 3pm.
Reservations are based on a 90-minute sitting and are guaranteed to add a little cheer to the weekend as the longer nights continue to draw in.
Located on Park Row, El Gato Negro is recognised for its impressive small plates and cocktails. All are served against the backdrop of the restaurant’s stunning Grade II heritage building, with exposed brick walls, an ornate tiled floor, vast windows, and a beautiful historic ceiling creating a memorable setting.
For reservations book online at https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/leeds/ or speak to a member of the team, on 0113 322 0763.
El Gato Negro is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm-late (last sitting 22:00). The restaurant and bar is located in a stunning Yorkshire stone-clad former bank on the corner of Park Row and Bond Street and boasts 200 covers across two beautiful open floors. Key features include a private dining room for 20 when seated and 40 standing. Christmas reservations are open now.
