With its warm eclectic aesthetics and artfully conceptualised Spanish interiors, the 75 seater restaurant helmed by Chef Manuel Olveira and his wife Mickee Tuljapurkar hope to give diners not only an extensive taste of Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy but also an immersive experience led with a curated wine and remarkable cocktail menu.
After working in high profile roles with Michelin Chefs such Sergi Arola and Paco Perez in Spain and Chef de Cuisine at Arola, J.W. Mariott (Mumbai), St. Regis, Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi) and Le Cirque & Café Belge at The Ritz-Carlton (Dubai), Chef Manuel Olveira set his roots in Mumbai. In 2019, La Loca Maria was born with “la loca” translating to “the crazy” and Maria – an ode to his mother who sparked his desire to be a chef from a very young age.
Tapas is an integral part of Spanish culture – an essence of the way Spaniards love to eat, socialise and live life to the fullest. At the heart of the Tapas culture is one definitive – food that is always meant to be shared and enjoyed with family and friends.
With this inspiration, Chef Manuel has created a Tapas menu where there are small and elaborate sharing plates influenced from Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy. One can find classic Spanish tapas such as the Gambas Al Ajillo (garlic prawns in chili oil), Charred Octopus (dusted in paprika, baby potatoes, tomato chutney) to lighter dishes such as the BFF Carpaccio, Kale & Brussel Sprouts Salad (beetroot hummus, passionfruit dressing, seeds granola) and a Warm Chevre Cheese Salad (served with poached pear on toast).
To build on the flavour profile Chef Manuel Olveira introduces naturally fresh, light and flavorful Peruvian dishes. Patrons can look forward to a vegetarian ceviche made with palm hearts, grapefruit, miso Tiger’s milk, cucumber, red onion, and a spicy popcorn brittle and sea bass ceviche (manadarin Tiger’s milk, red onion, avocado). A perfectionist at heart, Chef Manuel takes great pride in serving dishes created completely from scratch – think fresh homemade pasta, sauces, artisanal bread and ice-creams.
The art deco chandelier located in the central done casts a warm soft glow on the hand painted Murals by (by Zahabiya – Zaworks). The natural stone cladded arches showcase elegant murals of Spanish culture and life. The beige textured walls & décor features ornate mirrors, tapestry cladded bar façade, wrought iron grills and a refined selection of pottery radiate an “au naturel” flair. The private dining room that seats 8 to 10 dinners is one of the highlights of the restaurant space. The beautifully aged hand painted mural ceilings, ornate mirror and heavy textured walls set the mood for a celebration.
