Tapas at Tablas Woodstone Taverna

One of the newest restaurants in Mill Creek is Tablas Woodstone Taverna. Located at 15522 Main Street in Mill Creek, it is a Spanish Mediterranean tapas restaurant which is a welcome addition to the Town Center.

Tablas Woodstone Taverna from Main Street

My sister and I recently went for lunch. I love appetizers and small plates so I was really looking forward to this. This was the third visit for me and the first for her. We started out with a glass of the Carra Prosecco. It was a sip of crisp tart apple with a dry finish and just the right amount of bubbles — the perfect apéritif for lunch.

Tablas has several pages of tapas & small plates to layer and/or share. Decisions, decisions. We started with the Tomato, Basil and Mozarella flatbread drizzled with balsamic vinegar, a variation on the classic Margherita pizza. It arrived hot and the crust was perfectly crisp — a nice foil to the melted cheese and hot juicy tomato. We also ordered the Salmon & Dungeness Crab terrine, light and airy served with a garnish of greens and brandy aioli. We both thought it could have been served with crackers or crostini on the side.

After finishing those, we agreed that we wanted a little something more, a meat perhaps and decided on the Chicken Mignon. Described as “tenders” it arrived as four “rolls” of chicken wrapped in bacon with a demi-glace. They were okay, but we expected something a bit lighter, a thinner cut perhaps. They seemed heavy and a bit dry. Feeling satisfied, not stuffed we passed on our server’s offer of dessert.

On a previous visit with a friend, I ordered the Mediterranean Garlic, Parmesano, Oregano Flatbread and Spicy Garlic Shrimp to share. Both were delicious, and my only comment: it’s an order of 3 shrimp and was awkward for 2 to share. On all visits, service has been attentive and orders come out in a timely fashion, but I’ve never felt rushed. It’s been relaxed sipping, conversation and “grazing” as one would expect with tapas.

I love the ambience of Tablas Woodstone Taverna. It’s a big improvement over other attempts at locating a restaurant in this spot. Previously the space felt cavernous and empty. They were “franchise, order at the counter and take a number to the table” style. The owners of Tablas [also the owners of long-time local favorite, Kafé Neo, btw] opted to divide the space making a separate bar area including the ubiquitous flat screens. Mental note: come back for “Happy Hour”.  Tables line the window and raised booths cozy up to the inner wall. Down the center, there is a long table for groups. Hmmm, another mental note. A free-standing gas fireplace near the center of the space adds warmth, literally and visually. Candles dot the walls. I know I will return again and again for a variety of occasions and to sample more from the extensive menu. Do tell.

Phone: 425-948-7654

www.tablaswoodstonetaverna.com