NEW RESTAURANTS 2010: Bar Celona

An elegant, European atmosphere abounds in Bar Celona, where dim lighting and live Spanish guitar evoke the romance of the historic Spanish city for which it’s named.

Owners Marcel Fortuin (originally from the Netherlands) and Mimi Gonzalez have graced the Valley with a taste of fine European cuisine.

The menu offers a carefully selected variety of delectable “tapas,” or appetizers, including fried potato bites (patatas bravas), cheese plates with pamplona chorizo and seasonal fruits. The roasted lamb chops are especially popular.

A diverse European wine selection complements the menu, and desserts such as the flan, a customer favorite, complete the meal with something sweet.

“I am simply in love with this place,” said Maria Elena de la Torre, a customer from Mexico City who was visiting McAllen for the weekend. “I am crazy for the Spanish guitar and everything Spanish. The food here is incredible, and even the house wine is fantastic. The ambience is like I am back in Europe”.

If you’re interested in an exotic Mediterranean experience, Bar Celona may be the next best alternative to crossing the Atlantic.

Bar Celona

• WHERE: 10 S. 11 St., McAllen
• CALL: (956) 618 12-65
• TYPE: Spanish
• COST: $$ out of $$$
• HOURS: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday closed

TRY THIS: CHULETAS DE CORDERO: roasted lamb chops garnished with rosemary, garlic and Spanish olive oil, served with paprika sauce.