In the shadows of the tour de force that is Mosto and Moka Bros and the entrancing rooftop of summertime hot spot Migas, the rest of Nali Patio often gets overlooked. This is a shame. I say this in particular regard to Agua, which has never yet disappointed me – and more than a few times has brought some truly exceptional things to the table. Their spring menu, which launched last week, is case in point.

The spring additions include six new tapas, two mains and a dessert. I went by for a taste when the menu was still in development and was pleased to see that my favorites all made the cut (two pictured above, one below). With its avocado emulsion and pickled baby radishes in crème fraiche infused with dill and sherry, the marinated salmon is everything you would want in a bite of spring. Anything with sweet potato and bacon should need no further justification – particularly when it comes lightly-breaded and fried in croquette form.

Same goes for eggs and potato – no explanation necessary – but you should know that the small cubes of potato are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, the yolk of the egg quivering and ready to run, and the generous shavings of Iberian ham salty and unforgettable. (Luckily, this dish makes a second appearance on Agua’s new Infinity Brunch, premiering this weekend.) I wasn’t able to taste every new tapa, but you’ll find a run-down of the others here.

The two new mains (pictured above and below) that Chef Jordi Valles ultimately ran with are both notable – fairly rich for the season, but such is the concurrent curse and blessing of red meat.

Lastly, what should never be missed: dessert. The house-made green tea ice cream is exceptional, a lovely balancing act of flavors – the deep yet flowery notes of the tea paired with the intensity of raspberry and punctuated by the sweetness of a sugary honeycomb.

Photos: Cat Nelson

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