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Last night saw a battle of the balls commence, as the first ever Croquetas Challenge took place at Soho’s Ember Yard. A panel of journalist judges (Time Out included) tried and tested tapas from 14 different London restaurants to find one croqueta to rule them all.
After much deliberation, the winner of the overall competition was announced as Aqua Nueva. The restaurant’s punchy, fishy creation, was a naughty black seafood allioli number (pictured above), which won on texture, flavour and all-round delicious Spanish-ness. A prize was also awarded to Social Wine & Tapas, whose Iberico jamon croqueta with manchego béchamel and Japanese breadcrumbs was named the crunchiest croqueta of the night. And Duende took the title of most original and innovative croqueta for its aubergine and goat’s cheese version with crystalised acacia honey and rosemary.
Here are Social Wine & Tapas' crunchy croquetas. Get a load of these balls...
© Laura Richards
And here's Duende's innovative take on the Spanish snack. Ooh...
© Laura Richards
For more Spanish foodie inspiration, visit our list of the best Spanish restaurants in London