Candela Restaurant – Wilton Manors

Steve R Morse would like to share with you a great restaurant experience in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors to be more specific.  Candela, located at 2909 NE 6th Avenue, has been open for about four years now.  Why I never stumbled across it, it’s tucked away in a small shopping center.  Anyway, dinner was fantastic.  The four of us sat at a large wooden table in the front of the dining room, plenty of space to spread out.  Starting with the wine list, which was more than adequate and fairly priced, we ordered a bottle of Juan Gil, a monastrel from the Jumilla region of Spain.  Reasonably priced, it was a perfect pairing for the largely spanish menu.  Everything is made to order, so be patient.  We shared everything family style, starting with a charcuterie plate, pan con tomate, and fried yuca.  Presentation was excellent and everything was fresh and flavorful.  JoeAnn had Vaca Frita, prepared perfectly: crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside.  Bob had Fideua Negra, thin noodles cooked in saffron broth with calamari rings and squid ink.  Before you think you’re not that adventurous, give it a try.  It was flavorful, yet not agressive.  The use of squid ink lent color and a slight salted quality similar to the use of anchovy.   David had perhaps the most amazing chicken dish we’ve ever come across.  Chicken Extremadura has succulent boneless white chicken breast with serrano ham, aioli, piquillo peppers & manchego cheese.  To die for.  I had Zarzuella de mariscos, a beautiful shellfish stew in a saffron broth.  For dessert, we shared a tiramisu, not exactly spanish, but excellent anyway.  Creme brulee was spectacular,  more french than crema catalana, but much better.  Finally, an almond tort that they import directly from Spain.  Prices are reasonable, the owner and staff very friendly.  Can’t wait to go back.