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I met up with some female friends for dinner in the Upper East Side. We decided on  Malaga, a Spanish restaurant with an authentic vibe that a friend had been wanting to try out. Entering the establishment, I noticed the interior was a bit too brightly lit and the decor slightly questionable. A number of pictures hung purposely crooked on walls (something that bothered me throughout the evening and gave me the Monkish urge to straighten them all).

But the menu contained an extensive tapas list, along with the traditional paella. We went for the whole thing - ordering 5 tapas, the paella, and a bottle of Rioja. Everything was delicious! Due an unfortunate server’s mistake, the paella contained meat (instead of just seafood as requested), so I avoided it. But the tapas and wine proved a perfect accompaniment to a good conversation with old friends. It might not be the best place if you’re looking for a wild evening, but it’s a tasty spot for good Spanish food in a quiet atmosphere.