I am deeply overjoyed that Coqueta is redifining the gastronomy scene on Embarcadero, a location that is just a few minutes walk from my place! I was supposed to celebrate my birthday at Coqueta a few months ago, but due to difficulties in booking a group, I opted for another restaurant, Park Tavern, instead. But this time around with my extreme foodie friend in tow, sssourabh, we tried our luck walking in at Coqueta and scored a table in their enclosed, heated patio dining. The sexy, Spanish vibe itself means you get to gawk...err... observe other diners/couples. Coqueta means flirt or infatuation in Espanol, afterall. 

Tip: Come on weekdays when there is ample walk-in seating. 

After tasting myriad Spanish tapas with a modern twist, curated cocktails and multiple desserts, I vowed to myself to return to Coqueta -this time in the actual dining room- for my birthday in 2014. Yes, it is that good. Kudos to Chef Michael Chiarello's team!

Each dish had a distinct taste to it so the tapas flowed freely. When dessert time came, we ordered 3 desserts for 2 people and got a surprising wide-eyed look from the lady who took our order. Little did she know that she was serving 2 food bloggers - one of whom specializes in desserts. Ha! Among the platter of sweets, the petite manchego cheesecake was my favorite since I have a penchant for savory, non-chocolate desserts.

Vegetarian croquettes- deep fried goodness!

Not the best in the lot. Can you see the small manchego cheesecake on the blurred background?

Wood-grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes, pimenton and olive oil. Just like how I like any seafood that is grilled. Soft and succulent.

My first time having white gazpacho and it was amazingly creamy and light! How do I recreate this at home? White gazpacho with marcona almonds, grapes, syrah reduction and syrah grapeseed oil.