Continuing with my Abacus-raving (see below) ... I sampled the Spanish menu there last night. Fabulosity on a plate! And in a glass -- we had wine pairings. First we started off with the Big Daddy signature cocktail, which was a sweet, lemony delight! I was afraid of it being too puckery, but the sweet and sour balanced out the tartness. Next up was a plate of traditional Spanish bites: manchego croquettes, Serrano ham, pan con tomate, manchego chunks and olives and almonds. What's not to love?

Post-tapas, we had clams drowning in garlic, herbs and brothy deliciousness, with a butter-drenched side of thick toast. Just look at those succulent little morsels up there. The thought "taste explosion" kept running through my head -- I didn't want the dish to EVER end.

Also on the limited-time Spanish menu are foie gras (which I skipped), a soupy paella with mussels, shrimp and diced chorizo, and a star-anise-flavored Calatrava pudding. The five-course menu is $45 without the wine pairings, and you better hurry to Abacus to enjoy it -- the menu will only be offered until Sept. 30.