Re: “Small plates invade one city block”

Totally agree with you about ordering repeatedly over the course of the meal. I did my own review of Mateo (http://www.thevegetariandurhamite.com/2012…), and my main complaint was that I asked my server if I should give some direction as to how we would like the dishes spaced out, she assured me they would take care of it and the dishes would be spaced, but instead they all arrived in a space of 10 minutes. From now on, I'll be following your method.

Also - so is having the patatas bravas covered in the sauce traditional? It was a bit heavy for me; I would have preferred to be able to dip into sauces on the side. But I'm all for tradition, if that's the case.