I find it actually impossible while in the East Village to try and find a place to eat, as in: there seems to be a new restaurant opening every other week. But I’m one of those inevitable “judge a restaurant by its signage” (and Health Department grade of course) people, which is what lead me to try Huertas, a new-ish Spanish restaurant that’s name translates to “orchards, or small gardens” that are prominent in the landscapes of Northern Spain.

I stopped in between the start of happy hour and prime dinnertime, sitting at the bar where I stared at the simple yet exquisitely complex menu blankly, never having tried most of the things on there. OK fine, I blindly picked the Migas tiny plate: cauliflower, shrimp, fried egg with crumbs.

After I decided my first tapa wasn’t enough, the foie gras and membrillo pintxo melted in my mouth perfectly:

To top off the night—much thanks to the bartender who swayed me—I ended my short but sweet Huertas experience with some pulpo, aka the yummiest grilled octopus with potato and pimentón (see main photo). And I mean, it’s not every day a girl gets to eat some fancy schmancy octopus.

Huertas is the perfect place for a quick drink and some appetizers but also doubles as a great spot for a four course meal. The place even has a “secret” menu according to the “Off the Menu” app, where you can order a special “Hot Dawg”: a butifarra sausage with aioli, house pickled cabbage and mustard seeds for $11. Yum! Needless to say I will be back dining at Huertas ASAP.

(photos via Instagram)