CT’s newest tapas bar a local destination for worldly cuisine. Here’s what makes it a national hit

Yann de Rochefort grew up in Europe with happy memories of the tapas bars in Barcelona, but he could never find one in America with same feel of fun, food and drink flowing together.

So Rochefort decided to create a tapas bar from scratch that felt Barcelona — and the result is Boqueria, which recently opened it’s tenth restaurant, this one in West Hartford.

It’s the only Boqueria outside of an urban core, as the others are in New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Nashville and Chicago.

But he took a chance on the West Hartford dining scene after experiencing its vibrancy last year during a visit.

“We knew other concepts were doing well there.” he said. “I was impressed by how busy West Hartford was — the businesses.”

He thought a tapas bar of small, shareable plates with lively, upbeat music would fit in nicely at Blue Back Square and so he opened Boqueria

Already, guest reception and sales are great, de Rochefort said.

“People are still finding out about Spanish cuisine and what a fun experience a tapas bar can be,” de Rochefort said. “It balances the fluidity if a bar with the conviviality of a table.”

De Rochefort grew up in France until the age of 12 and spent a lot of time in Spain, including when he was younger.

He loved the tapas bars in Barcelona, but here in the United States, “I felt the energy of the tapas bars wasn’t what it was in Barcelona.”

So he decided to create that feel by combining fun and food to create a vibe.

In 2006 de Rochefort opened his first tapas restaurant in New York City’s Flatiron district, and from there his brand has flourished.

Every aspect of Boqueria is carefully planned.

De Rochefort’s tapas restaurants have a bar, high tables for dining to continue the bar feel and an open kitchen where guests can view the food action. It all flows, he said.

“It blends the energy of the kitchen, bar, dining room into one,” he said. “It’s much different when you’re sitting at a table and food’s being brought out to you.”

The music is upbeat, but not so loud guests can’t have a comfortable conversation.

“I want music to create a vibe without getting in the way of conversation,” he said “It’s a fun place to dine, it’s like a party.”

The lighting is soft and the materials used in the décor are not less than 50 years old – wood, glass, marble and leather.

Not only is de Rochefort the taste tester for every dish that goes on the menu, he visits restaurants and listens closely to what guests have to say.

“We’re constantly watching every aspect of the guest experience,” Yan said.

At the helm of creating the shareable dishes/recipes for all 10 Boqueria’s is Carlos Sanz, the company’s executive chef.

“Spanish cuisine is simple. We take a lot of pride in the ingredients we use,” Sanz said.

Their produce and fresh ingredients are locally sourced for optimal freshness, but many other items are imported from Spain, including saffron, cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, Iberico ham that is dry aged 48 months, white anchovies and even their sea salt.

“One of the misconceptions is that Spanish food is spicy. Spanish cuisine is not spicy,” Sanz said.

Sanz has been in the restaurant business for 22 years, beginning when he was14.

He’s mastered Italian cooking, steakhouses and Spanish cuisine, the latter of which matches up with his Spanish roots, Sanz said.

“I love the adrenalin of the kitchen,” Sanz said, adding he also loves the worldwide “camaraderie” of those who work in the restaurant business.

“If you love to eat and give people an experience that’s related to food,” this is the business to be in, he said.

“A lot of connections are made at the dinner table and to be part of that is really something special,” he said.

De Rochefort said they make food that “matches the energy and sense of fun the restaurant has.

“It’s not a Michelin-starred restaurant, but the flavors are there…,” de Rochefort said.

De Rochefort said he has spent a lot of time eating in Spain and Sanz said his boss “has a great palate” and is skilled at describing what he likes and doesn’t about a dish.

So far, the online reviews of Boqueria in Hartford are glowing.

“Boqueria is a must-try restaurant,” one review says. “The food is amazing, the service always surpasses expectations, and the restaurant itself carries great energy. I’ve been back nearly every week.”

Other reviews are focused on the food.

“The food here is delicious! I love the paella and find the servings are humongous and jam-packed with seafood,” a reviewer wrote. “The menu has a lot of variety and has something for everyone. If you’re unsure what to order, always get the patatas bravas, the gambas, and of course the paella!”

Another review considered it all.

“Best tapas I’ve ever had!!! Absolutely amazing. Great service, great food, nice location, modern and hip. 100% recommend.”

Another simply wrote, “Great vibe!”