337 JoiedeVivreMusic

This morning on my front porch swing, I heard redbirds sing. If those birds sing, oh, why can’t I?

-LIVIN’ ON THE LOSIN’ END

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“Every time I put my arms around you,IfeltthatIwashome.”

-ErnestHemingway

The feeling of “Home” is found in Hemingway’s love affair with Pamplona, Spain The medieval, quaint town is known for The Running of the Bulls, and of course the famed writer of the 1920’s The connection to the Spanish Culture, Cuisine and Mixology met with Hemmingway’s obsession, has gifted our part of the world with a venue worthy of the intolerable, master-of-words, adoration – Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant.

Hidden in plain sight sits the inspired space that has captured the hearts of those craving “more” here in Lafayette. Claiming the coveted downtown location, Pamplona has been gifting our pallets with delectable tapas and innovative mixology for fifteen years.

As you walk up the mysterious front door, it feels like you are stepping onto a Tarantino movie set. The Pamplona sign swinging above in the wind is met with the eerily quiet mood of the night. The adventure begins.

Guests step inside and are met with the most divine aroma – garlic, in all its fragrant glory. It is as if the kitchen is saying hello alongside the friendly host, waiting to take you to your seat. The dimly lit room’s walls are lined with photos inspired from Pamplona Spain, that instantly transport you to a “Speakeasy of Spanish Flare ”

Excitement is around every corner, as the bustle of the cozy restaurant is in full swing From Flaming Cocktails to the Absinthe Drip, the bar has a whole vibe of its own The Pamplona bar staff are fully equipped to take you down whatever rabbit-hole you desire Did I mention Absinthe – yes….the green licorice dare is a focus here as they offer a lovely variety of the “Green Fairy ”

As you find your table, settle in and dive into the menus placed in front of you. The range of bites are there to please and you will not be disappointed.

Chef Joshua Fenston has carried the Pamplona torch to new delights as he took over as head chef In presentation I would say Chef Joshua has hit the bullseye with his many circular dishes. Each tapa holds a unique taste ranging from the infamous ciabatta bread with garlic chili oil to crawfish croquettes and gambas al ajillo, a shrimp dish.

The team of Pamplona, led by GM Andrew Payne and Bar Manager/ Sommelier Phillipe Calais, would like to share Pamplona’s “Top Chef” inspired video that takes you on a tour through the restaurant.

You can almost smell the garlic and taste the various spices watching how the team artistically prepares foods and drinks. Their fast-paced motions are exact in the placement of each garnish. Hearing from the creative minds behind Pamplona offers a personal look into how the restaurant opporates.

Pamplona's innovative take on Spanish cuisine allows guests to step into the beautiful country. The small plates reflect Spanish dining, yet the hearty ingredients fill each guest

The intimate dining is perfect for a couple's night, and guests can order plenty tapas to share with each other the varying flavors provided. I like to think Ernest Hemingway would love to dine here- he did refer to Spain as the, "last good country left "

-- Elisse