Despaña

Profile

Jose Pernas and Marcos Intriago display neatly arranged products de España: terra cotta cookware, fruit and vegetable preserves such as asparagus mousse, and the widest variety of turron (a biscotti-esque treat made from almonds and orange-blossom honey) this side of duty-free. A refrigerated counter displays dozens of cheeses that go beyond the usual manchego (e.g. the blander, buttery tetilla) along with Serrano hams of varying ages. For the aspiring tapas chef, there are frozen and canned delicacies such as octopus, Cornish hen, cockles, and squid in its own ink. Piquillo peppers, fire-roasted for a spicy-sweet taste, are fit to be stuffed with cod (whole, crumbled or filleted), and olives are available pre-stuffed with everything from cheese to anchovies to lemon.