Sol Y Sambra Yelp Eats! Promotion

Went to Sol Y Sambra for the Yelp Eats! promotion. First things first, they were very upfront about offering the deal. I have been to other restaurants that don't supply the special discount, unless you specifically ask for it (which is uncomfortable). Sol had the menu on the table, and the waiter pointed it out (saying - "you should definitely go with it, as it will be much cheaper"). Great start.

We got the following items (they had 3 or 4 different selections in 3 categories - Apps, Meats, and deserts): Grilled Broccoli, Shrimp, Short Rib, Duck Breast, Baked Apple., and chocolate tart (sorry I don't remember the flowery names for these dishes).

I had wanted to try this place, but never got around to it, so this promotion was definitely a reason why we went. I was expecting authentic tapas atmosphere, but it was quite the opposite - the room was very upscale (urban and hip). Our table wasn't ready, but they seated us quickly in another one in the bar area (which was great).

The food was great, and the portions were quite large (we left absolutely stuffed). Me and my SO love to share, so the Tapas type presentations were perfect for us (all the items were setup to share easily).

The standouts were the short rib (really beefy, and fatty which is how it should be). The shrimp consisted of quite a few small shrimp (I would guess 30 -45) in a light tomato sauce. The duck was nice (prepared well, still juicy, but not raw in the least) - with a nice sauce that must have had ground up nuts in it. The chocolate tart for desert was nice (and you could taste the high quality dark chocolate used in it). I did find some of the dishes a bit salty, but still quite nice.

Overall, I was very impressed with the overall experience - especially some of the small things (like the confirmation call earlier in the day, and the great service from the hostess when our table wasn't ready). Our service was polished (exactly as it should be - the waiter was around when we needed him, but not in our face too much).

I should mention we had a few cocktails - of them, the Calibra was a standout for me (it was Cherry, Grapefruit and Sprite). All the tastes meshed, but stood on their own. I also had a ginger lemonade, which was only OK. My SO had something with Pomegranite, but I didn't taste it. The fact that their drinks come with fresh squeezed juices is a major plus (and indicative of the kind of attention to details I found throughout the whole dinner).

Bottom line, this promotion was a great deal, and the restaurant itself exceeded my expectations. We will return.

Here is what we ate: 1. Pick 1: Carribean sweet shrimp with sherry sauce and herbs, grilled broccoli with caramelized onion sauce and sea salt 2. Pick 1: Grilled short rib with Romesco and calcots, Roasted duck breast with sauce picada 3. Baked Apple, Dark Chocolate Tart

Deal was $25 per person.

Update (Sept 1, 2009): Sol Y Sambra has closed for business.  We ate there a few weeks before they closed up.  Aaron may is opening other restaurants (looks like the location is in the Ice Den in North Scottsdale - replacing Peter Piper Pizza).   Apparently they closed due to a dispute with their landlord, and not because they didn't have enough business (it was packed the night we were there).