I shyly peaked in through the door and saw a group chatting around the bar table and smaller groups spread through the back of the restaurant. Clearly a popular place with the neighborhood crew. Just the kind I like. What I wasn\t expecting was the warm welcome by Roberto who waved me in from behind the counter as he had a huge smile on his face, as though I had been a returning regular and it was obvious I was going to come in. A real life experience of "strangers are friends we just haven\t met" yet. I love salmorejo and that was the first dish I ordered. Actually, that was my go or no-go criteria for the night - must have salmorejo. I wanted some wine and Roberto recommended a tinto de verano to go with the soup. The drink was fresh and cool; perfect for the warm evening. I got to enjoy it while the bar table group chatted about the ongoing football game between Portugal and Iceland and a few of the Latin American countries (which is where I live at the moment). The soup was served with the traditional jamon serrano, but also with tuna, balsamic vinegar reduction and a leaf of cilantro - an amazing twist to the traditional dish and an explosion of flavors. Did I already say it was amazing? Once I settled my salmorejo craving, I went onto ask for a recommendation for my next tapa and ordered the pastel de cangrejo - a crab paté served on top of an avocado/tomato salad with a wasabi saouce and a side of gari. Again, beautiful presentation and fantastic combo of flavors. Meanwhile, I slipped into conversation with the new friends at the bar and chatted away feeling right at home. All in all, delicious food, friendly staff, great beverages and an amazing atmosphere!