Abanico in Chelmsford

We happened up on El Chigre Tapas Restaurant in Chelmsford, a) because we love good authentic tapas, b) didn’t want a heavy meal and c) we’re a bit bored with central cities being dominated by soulless chains. El Chigre is a one-off, family owned traditional Spanish tapas bar. The family hails from Asturias in the north of Spain and the cooking tells that story. Simple, elegant and delicious tapas. We ordered cod-loin stuffed roasted red peppers, fried aubergine fingers drizzled with honey, hand made ham croquetas, gambas cooked in garlic, calamares with aioli and sliced chorizo cooked in white wine. It was all rich in flavour, authentic, and simply delicious. Washed down with a white Rioja, this was a treat. They’ve been here a number of years but we’re thrilled to have found them. If you give them a few days notice, they’ll even prepare traditional suckling pig, garlic roasted lamb shoulder and other traditional dishes. Having sampled the tapas as a measure of the restaurant, next time we’ll try their paella and see how that measures up. Excellent food, reasonably priced, great family service. Muy bien.

A great selection of delicious tapas in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Convenient for central Chelmsford, the Odeon cinema and the Meadows car park.