$164

The calamari is amazing. Baby squid is deep fried with a well seasoned batter. It is tender with just a the right level of rubbery bite. The sauce (aioli maybe) is a little sweet and a good accompaniment. Perhaps a little acid would seal the deal. At $25++ though, it does feel a little expensive. I was also hoping for a steamed / grilled dish instead so that the squid flavor comes through unadulterated by the batter.

The ceviche is perfect. It has the right amount of acid and salt to create the addictive umami sensation. The sweet potato is cooked somewhat al dente and has a gentle floral scent (i.e. not your run-of-the-mill sweet potato). Sure, it is ‘simple’ dish that doesn’t require any cooking, but the dish is a true test of the ingredient’s quality and the chef’s mastery of balance.

The Gambas is ok. A little too much oil/butter imo, and it could use some acid (like the lemon served with the paella)

The paella’s not too bad either. The rice is cooked al dente, but a little over-seasoned. I was tasting paprika and more paprika in each bite which could mean that the chef added too much paprika, or that the paprika is of really high quality. There is also a distinct lack of socarrat, but at least the top is crisp (inverse socarrat perhaps?). The jowl is a delight as always, and the lemon slice ties the whole dish together.

I liked the dessert (butter cookies and tres leches). The tres leches in particular is a solid option if you enjoy a mildly sweet dessert with coconut and want something substantial to end the meal.

I don’t think it is worth the price, but OLA did prepare an enjoyable meal.