IT is hard to get too enthusiastic about Spanish food when you are walking through Southampton on a cold, wet and miserable mid-week night. A rain-lashed Town Quay is hardly a boulevard along a beach resort in the Mediterranean.

But a selection of Tapas could be just what was needed on this damp night to rekindle memories of warmer summer days.

And we were not going to be disappointed.

La Regata offers a large range of Tapas listed on blackboards around the restaurant. There is also a menu offering a selection of traditional Spanish dishes if your appetite begs for more than a starter-like serving.

We had a couple of Tapas dishes to start with, including spicy meatballs and the most divine-tasting tortilla I have ever tried - home or abroad.

My companion wanted to sample some more of the Tapas so opted for these instead of a main course. My growling stomach wanted more, so I chose the chicken in a white wine sauce which came with plenty of fresh vegetables.

And I was pleased to see that the chef had a bit more imagination than just serving up limp carrots and bullet-like peas. The vegetables including broccoli, beans and courgettes were all freshly cooked and came with a serving of delicious crunchy sauted potatoes.

My friend opted for calamari and yet more of the amazing tortilla.

With a couple of glasses of red wine, the bill came to around £28, which for a tiny piece of Spain wasn't bad at all.

Reservations: 023 8022 3456