Not everyone is familiar with the dining style of tapas. It is, however, becoming a popular concept with many new restaurants in the Baltimore/Washington area. RANAZUL (pronounced ra-naz-ool), located in the ever-expanding neighborhood of Maple Lawn, is one such restaurant. In the words of Chad Price, Director of Marketing for Ranazul,the owners “used tapas as a springboard to encompass all nationalities and provide an international array of delicacies and taste sensations complimented by fine wines.” The tapas concept is meant to be socially engaging, while sharing sample portions of several dishes rather than the usual, one appetizer & one entrée. Since tapas are meant to be savored, at an unhurried pace,the dining experience is actually relaxing and lots of fun! Let’s begin the tour. 

      Sleek and sophisticated describes the décor and design of Ranazul. The restaurant fills a vast room, featuring a magnificent semi circular bar only steps away from the entrance. Caramel colored walls wrap the room, a rich but soft compliment to the dark brown wood and splashes of tiffany blue and silver chrome. Plush leather sofas, comfortable chairs and low marble topped tables, even a cozy corner with a long banquette, carve out sitting areas that beckon guests to relax and enjoy the culinary small plate delicacies of Chef Jamie Ayala while sipping a glass of wine.

     The back corner of the restaurant houses authentically designed wine vaults from floor to ceiling and a step-in, temperature controlled wine cooler. At Ranazul, wine is as important as food, and the extensive selection of fine wines completes the dining experience. Over two-dozen wines are available by the glass or 1/2glass, and if you want to “flight it out” and pair different wines with small plate selections as you dine, you can!

     The menu offers cold and hot tapas, soups and salads, as well as a choice of three traditional entrees for those who prefer a single selection. We started with Sopa Azteca, a light tomato based soup with just the right amount of heat, chunks of chicken and avocado, Monterey jack cheese and garnished with strips of tortilla, cilantro and a dollop of sour cream – perfect! As the small plates began to arrive, our sensitive palettes were heightened by the variety of tapas. First, Arepas, a corn cake piled high with fresh crabmeat and shrimp, topped with a tomato ragout, exuding the subtle but sweet flavor of tarragon. Sautéed Scallops, yes it sounds so simple, but this small plate was complex in taste. The gnocchi melted in my mouth and was surrounded by mouthfuls of sautéed scallops, covered with a smidgeon of mushrooms, haricot verts and a brown butter and cream sauce. APetit Fillet, sat atop a portabella mushroom, with a thin layer of potato and wilted spinach, sauced with a rich red wine demi glaze. At once sweet and tart, Espinacas Catalan, a spinach side dish from the Catalan region of Spain, presented a medley of sautéed apples, raisins, and pine nuts, and spinach. Patatas Bravas, crispy potato cubes, accompanied by a spicy tomato and chilisauce, and actually translated as fierce potatoes was hot only if you wanted it to be. Thankfully for me, the sauce was served on the side! The desserts were equally impressive. We sampled Crème Brulee, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Soufflé, but my favorite was the Sopapias, fantastic!

     And finally I must mention La Galleria. Ranazul’s in house art gallery is actually a room within the restaurant. The walls showcase the talents of local artists and provide a semi private area for scheduled wine tastings (check the website for dates/times) and Chef Jamie Ayala’s new Cuisine Series, where the Chef will prepare a four course meal (with dessert) accompanied by the perfect wine pairings, chosen by Directora de Vinos, Julie Dalton. You can even take dancing classes at Ranazul and learn Salsa dancing on Salsa Night! This promises to be a favorite gathering spot for great food, wine and friends!

Lunch: daily11am – 2:30pm;

Dinner: Sun.– Wed. 5pm – 9:30pm, Thurs. – Sat. 5pm – 10pm

Price Range: moderate   Visit http://ranazul.us