Si o No ?

Tapas for the 2nd time in two weeks- this time at one of Richmond's most touted new spots, Si, on Lombardy Avenue in the Fan. At eight o'clock on a Wednesday night, we sat down without a wait in a light wood space that seemed more Scandanavian than Spanish. Our server was enthusiastic and recommended almost everything on the menu. We started with tasty bacon wrapped dates, piping hot and crispy. Patatas bravas came next with a tangy tomato sauce and a fresh aoli. Marinated anchovies were small and shriveled, without much body. Piquillo peppers were stuffed with chevre and a fennel conserva - not bad but lacking any sort of kick. The stuffed squid was disappointing, save the black rice that had been cooked and pan fried to a crispiness. My favorite dish was the crisp pork belly, served with seckel pear and spice bush berry. Shaved serrano ham was rather bland, saved only by the tasty carmelized black mission figs. We shared a few desserts- a chocolate cake and an almond torte, ok but forgetable. The food at Si is passable, but compared to a meal at MAS a few weeks ago, it falls well short. The flavors are flat, the menu uninspired, and the decor rather forgettable.