The Croquetas I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Croquetas and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the deeply aromatic was right, Arborio-style Bomba rice was handled the way it should be.

the tapas tradition developed as small accompaniments to drinks. Growing up it was always a Sunday family paella, which shaped my reference point entirely. Cava sparkling wine alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.