Tried Barca Velha in Little Falls. The Portuguese restaurant in the location that was once La Vingna.
Found that you don't necessarily have to go to the Ironbound district in Newark to get good Portuguese cuisine.
They also have a marevelous wine list and many offerings by the glass.
Unfortunately Barca Velha has closed.
Met Carlos Fernandes the cordial proprietor, who is also an accomplished sommelier, he loves to offer moderately priced small production wines. Of course he places a particular emphasis on Portuguese wines. We tasted three.
The staff at Barca is present and responsive to a fault. We were warmly welcomed and never lacked for attention. We were the second of two tables seated on Halloween night, so on a busy Saturday service may not be as attentive. I did sense that the staff was well trained.
The food was good to very good. The wine was perfect.
2004 Catarina, Vinho Branco of the Terras Do Sado region a blend of Fernão Pires and Chardonnay. A full bodied wine with vanilla and spice on the nose, converging into deep citrus. Complex with a delicate smoky flavor and a touch of new oak evident.
The second was Esporão Alentejo, a lovely blend of Antão Vaz, Arinto & Semillon. Again rich and complex, but with a creamy ripe peach and melon palate, and tangy oak. The first wine does not seem to be available in the US, this can be found at Clinton Wine and Spirits.
With these we had Seafood Salad "fresh from the sea with a light white wine vinegar and lemon vinaigrette." The shellfish was fresh, but the dressing lacked zing. A little salt and olive oil, that was on the table, brought the dish alive.
A Mixed Green Salad with "with air dried figs, poached pears and caramelized walnuts in a strawberry vinaigrette with Serra goat cheese" was next. This was spectacular. The cheese was scrumptious.
Next time we visit Barca, we plan to order a cheese course "From the Wooden Block - a selection of fine imported cheese from Portugal regions, accompanied by homemade flat breads, grapes and fresh fruits." Barca Menu
Our entrees were a delicious Paella and a Monk Fish special. Both were wonderful in spite of the chicken in the Paella being dry and one clam a little off flavor. The mussels, lobster and smoked chorizo were delicious. Served with steamed carrots and zucchini, served luke warm, home made potato chips and Spanish rice.
The last wine was a red from Vila Nova Tazem, Tinta Roriz or was it Ribaboa? Delicious full bodied, forward fruit and persistent end. As good as any red I have had lately.
The dining room is not as attractive as the photo above, but comfortable nonetheless.
Barca Velha
440 Main Street
Little Falls, NJ 07424
973-890-5056
Review Date: 11/1/2006
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
yes - I just found out the restaurant closed too. Is it open somewhere else??
Posted by: Laura Mancinelli | 09/05/2007 at 08:42
Carlos,
What happened. I came to the restaurant and found out that you closed it down the previous Sunday which amazes me since we were there with friends on the Saturday night, before you closed.
Will you be opening elsewhere?
Posted by: Joe Riggio | 01/17/2007 at 13:28