Fuego has been a part of the Fenwick Foodhall in the center of Newcastle for the past few years now and I can honestly say it's one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat. Offering up mediteranian style tapas and hand stretched pizzas it's the perfect place to while away an afternoon. One thing that takes this place to the next level is the Enomatic system they've installed, this clever little machine allows you to sample super fancy wines, normally sold by the bottle (with an eyewatering price tag) by the glass allowing you to sample some pretty nifty wines without breaking the bank.
After a good long while studying the menu we decided to go for a handful of dishes to share rather than a pizza. I mean, why get pizza when there's tapas on offer. We settled on a portion of padron peppers (minus the balsamic drizzle, I just think they're better with a simple sprinkle of salt), pan con tomate (a staple of any self respecting tapas establishment), patatas bravas, gnocchi al forno, polenta chips with a romesco sauce and finally butterbeans with chorizo. Phew, now there's a mouthful!
Everything was delicious, my only gripe is the patatas bravas need a little something extra. A thicker, spicier sauce or a drizzle of aoli. Just something to make them pop beyond crispy potatoes and tomato.
The polenta chips were crispy little slices of heaven, blanketed by shavings of parmesan and acpompanied with a superbly garlicy romesco. I could have devoured portion after portion.
Even though we were both full to bursting I just couldn't resist a glance at the desert menu. Kris noticed the churros the second we sat down so I knew there was no way we'd be able to leave without ordering a portion. Not to be left out, and neither of us is too keen on sharing a dessert, I ordered the baklava. It was tasty, but by no means the best I've ever had. It was a little too solid and not the sticky, crumbly mouthful I love. If I could go back in time I would have ordered the crema catalana which sounds unbelievable. Oh well, there's always next time.
Fuego, Fenwick Food Hall, 39 Northumberland St, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7AS
