Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published January 18, 2008 It's Spanish Mardi Gras Carnaval At Vega Tapas Cafe Jan. 29 Vega Tapas Cafe, the excellent Mediterranean (but mostly Spanish) all-appetizers restaurant on Metairie Road, plans a special dinner a week before Mardi Gras. That holiday, which we think of as so uniquely ours in New Orleans, is celebrated in one for another all across Europe, and Spain is no exception. So the Carnaval Dinner is a parade of small courses, matched with Spanish wines. At $75 inclusive, this sounds like a terrific dinner. Here's the menu: Ensalada De Queso Frito Fried Manchego cheese over baby arugula, shaved red onion, and membrillo-roasted grape tomatoes. Tossed in sherry vinaigrette. Sopa De Serrano Jamon serrano consommé with fresh melon ribbons Ceviche De Venera Al a Plancha Grilled diver scallops in citrus, olive oil, and fresh herbs Salchicha De Cerdo Y Crustaceo Crawfish and pork sausage over truffled stone-ground grits with basil oil Pescado De Golfo Con Paprika Corteza Paprika-crusted Gulf fish over Spanish dirty rice Costilla De Vaca Estofado Sherry-braised beef short ribs with cauliflower pureé and rosemary-madeira-date reduction Sopa De Queso De Cabra Con Churro De Naranja Sweet goat cheese soup with cinnamon-dusted orange bread The wines: Amontillado Sherry Solaz Blanco Montecillo Crianza Osborne Senorio del Cid Osborne Vintage Port Reservations are required for this dinner, which begins at 7 p.m. Vega Tapas Cafe. 2051 Metairie Rd. 836-2007. © 2008 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com