When it comes to food I have a discerning palate (read: picky), especially with seafood. I love vegetarian or chicken paella, so when I didn't find one exactly like that on the menu I asked if I could order one that had seafood and chicken, but omit the seafood. The waitress looked horrified, and said this could never be done because it wouldn't be called paella if it did not have seafood. Not wanting to be the argumentative tourist, I settled for five tapas on the long tapas list, suited for all tastes. My boyfriend ordered paella valencia, and was served an enormous pan of fluffy saffron rice with every kind of seafood imaginable, chorizo sausage and vegetables. He was in heaven, and the plate was so full of food that he could only eat half. My tapas were also fantastic, hot and spicy enough for my taste. The best part of the meal was the sangria, a bargain at $9 a pitcher!

The restaurant was decorated in traditional Spanish fashion, with white stucco walls, dark furniture, and colourful artwork. Instead of having the usual mariachi band play next to your table and drown out any attempts at a conversation, contemporary and hip-hop(!) Spanish music played on their stereo throughout the night. I highly recommend L'Escorial for the quality of its food, prices, and atmosphere.