Canela Serves Up the Wine and Tapas of Spain on Market Street

By Daniela Przybyszewska

Great Spanish food, an eclectic wine collection and contemporary décor are some of the things that define Canela Bistro Bar, a cozy place in the Castro district. Since its opening in September of 2011 the restaurant has attracted many customers with different tastes. Located at 2272 Market Street (at Noe), Canela reflects the artsy character and atmosphere of the city.

When executive chef Mat Schuster and his life and business partner Francisco (Paco) Cifuentes first started to think of opening a place of their own, the type of menu was a natural choice. The two proprietors love Spanish food and have traveled to Spain many times. In fact, for the Spaniard Paco many of the specialties that Canela offers are reminiscent of the food he grew up with. Although he still works in the biotechnology business and is not as experienced in the kitchen as his partner Mat, Paco grew up in Madrid in a traditional Spanish family, where his mother loved cooking. “She cooks all the time,” he says.

In fact, it was exactly in the kitchen where Mat and Paco’s mother felt that they could communicate. At first, there was a language barrier between the Spaniard’s partner and mother. “My mom didn’t speak any English and Mat didn’t speak any Spanish. But it was funny because the only place they started understanding each other very well was in the kitchen. Mat learned a lot from my mom,” Paco remembers with laughter. And since it had been Mat’s lifelong dream to open a restaurant, the idea of Canela was born.

When it comes to Canela’s interior, Paco had a very clear vision of how the place should look. Even though they worked with an interior designer, the décor is mostly the result of Paco’s style. “I fell in love with the wallpaper first and all the rest had to fit with it,” he says.

Indeed, it is interesting ornamented yellow wallpaper that gives the second half of the restaurant a little more traditional feeling. This contrasts with the first, more modern half where there are light blue walls decorated with colorful, artistic photos, a long sleek bar, several small tables suitable for intimate rendezvous and a huge wine collection kept behind clear glass – one of the best features of the place.

The menu consists of small plates (tapas), entrée plates, salads and soups, and an exotic desert list, all of which beautifully presented. “The presentation is very important to Mat,” explains Paco. There are items for every taste – from Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) to Garlicy Gambas (shrimp with smoky paprika, sherry and lemon) to Setas a la Plancha (mushrooms with garlic and herbs). “I love everything on the menu, but the mushrooms are my favorite,” shares the chef.

Paco is especially picky when it comes to the Spanish wine served in Canela. “I found out that Spanish wine that you can find out of Spain is not necessarily the best wine you can find in Spain. That’s why I am very specific with my orders. I make sure that I order the best Spanish wine you can find and they deliver it to us,” he says. And of course, for those who prefer Californian wine, there is plenty of it as well.

Now Mat and Paco are getting ready to welcome a very important guest – Paco’s mom. She will be visiting soon and they are excited to show her the restaurant they have created. She might not speak English, but she can certainly understand the Spanish menu and dishes. But Paco and Mat have nothing to worry about. They can only make her proud.

Copyright 2012 Castro Courier