Valencian Gold
The Soul of Spain – Edwards Surryano, Burger’s Ozark Ham, Redondo Iglesias Serrano, Fermin Iberico, Chorizo, Foie Gras, Cheese, Marinated Olives, Marcona Amonds, Apricots, Apple Butter, Crisps, Piparra Peppers
Bread Basket – Pan Cristal, Sourdough Pan Gallego, Housemade Pan de Aceite
La Mancha Clams – Chorizo, White Beans, Grilled Bread
Foie Gras Rice Krispie Treats – Goat Cheese, Sea Salt
Shaved Brussels Sprouts – Roast Duck en Escabeche, Pomegranate, Manchego, Lemon
Huevos Rotos – Truffle Potato Chips, Peppers, Jamon, Fried Eggs, Hollandaise
The Spanish Rose – Iberico Floss, Honey Aioli, Bloomed Onion
Iberiburger Sliders – Iberico Bacon, Mahon Cheese
Spanish Gnocchi – Peas, Asparagus, Spring Onion, Confit Rabbit
El Greco Salad – Greens, Tomato, Olives, Onions, Moruno Shrimp, Sheep’s Milk Feta
Artichokes Al Judeo – Crab, Parmesan, Hollandaise
Paella Valenciana – Snails, Rabbit, Chicken, Judia Verde, Gigante Beans
Marcona Almond Tart – Dulcey Chocolate Ganache, Sherry, Orange, Sour Crema
Goats Milk Basque Cheesecake – Amarena Cherries
Located in the Southwest Marketplace, off Rainbow Boulevard, Valencian Gold reopened in mid-August 2021, the former “Spanish fast-casual” spot now a more complete concept focused on Tapas, Paella and Cocktails with great customer service.
Owned and operated by Chef Jeffrey Weiss, now a solo act assisted by new recruits, it was with business in mind that three guests sat down just prior to 6:00pm, tables arranged amidst pounded tin, tile, murals of Salvador Dali and a beautiful open kitchen with live fire toward the back.
Benefited by extensive training, Chef Weiss previously awarded an Institute of Culinary Education scholarship to train overseas before authoring “Soul of Spain,” it was after Drinks were poured that a parade of plates commenced while hip-hop played overhead alongside Harry Potter on Television.
“Paella for the People” glowing in neon, and Gil Hayon leading a front of house already outpacing other Off-Strip Restaurants around for years, Almonds and Olives arrived first alongside Cheese and Charcuterie including four types of Ham plus house Chorizo and a creamy Foie Gras Terrine.
Pairing the board to three types of traditional Spanish Bread plus Fruit and Peppers, additional openers included signature Foie Gras Rice Krispies Treats, roasted Clams in vibrant Broth and a Brussels Sprouts Salad with roasted Duck and Citrus.
Omitting Patatas Bravas this time in favor of Huevos Rotos, crisp Chips holding their own amidst Peppers, Ham, Yolk and Hollandaise, The Spanish Rose one-ups a “Blooming Onion” by way of shredded Pork and Honey Aioli while the “Iberiburger” is so rich and juicy that one quickly understands why Chef Weiss chose to make it a Slider.
Seamlessly shifting from classic to modern, much like the Food offered in Tapas Bars throughout Spain, Spanish Gnocchi eats like Spring in a bowl preceding Artichokes Al Judeo while an “El Greco Salad” seems mostly Greek but is executed beautifully.
Going traditional with Paella Valenciana atop crispy socarrat Dessert could easily comprise nothing but imported Cheeses, but that would certainly be ill-advised considering Valencian Gold’s world-class Basque Cheesecake plus newcomer Marcona Almond Tart with hints of Cocoa and Sherry atop Sour Crema.
FIVE STARS: Chef Weiss has reinvented something unique and delicious with Valencian Gold, and although the location may be obscure to some its flavors, price point and creativity should be enough to make the Restaurant a destination for many.
RECOMMENDED: La Mancha Clams, Foie Gras Rice Krispies Treats, Pan de Aceite, The Spanish Rose, Spanish Gnocchi, Artichokes Al Judeo, Paella Valenciana, Basque Cheesecake, Marcona Almond Tart.
AVOID: NA.
TIP: Open 4p-9p Tuesday and Wednesday, 4p-10p Thursday through Saturday. Reservations recommended.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.valenciangold.com

