A Master Tapas Chef in D.C. Breaks Out With His Own Rockville Restaurant - Eater DC
"El Mercat Bar De Tapas is a new dining venue in Rockville Town Center, opened by George Rodrigues, former chef de cuisine at Boqueria in Penn Quarter. The restaurant offers a menu that includes a variety of Spanish tapas and paella dishes. The venue is designed with Basque country influences, featuring artwork of flamenco dancers, rustic wood paneling, and European tile work. The restaurant seats 60, with plans to expand with a 30-seat patio. The menu includes both familiar and lesser-known Spanish dishes such as shishito peppers, calamari, and Catalonia's calçots. Paella options include seafood, chorizo and chicken, and squid ink sauce with saffron aioli and shrimp. Desserts feature burnt Basque cheesecake and churros with caramel or chocolate sauce. The venue aims to transport diners to a Barcelona tapas bar atmosphere." - Tierney Plumb
