by John LaFollette
‘Ville Voice Eats Correspondent

Its doors have been shuttered for nearly a year, and La Bodega, the tapas bar adjacent to De La Torre’s on Bardstown Road, is finally ready to celebrate its grand re-opening in style.

Damaged in a fire in November 2008, La Bodega will re-open with a month-long celebration starting October 2nd that will feature a new tapas menu and nightly drink specials.

The new La Bodega has been designed in Spanish style, with a large wood bar, tile imported from Spain, and new mosaic lighting.  The restaurant has also grown to accommodate private parties.

“We are so relieved to finally put that behind us and concentrate fully on what we love. . . sharing the taste of Spain,” said Maggie de la Torre, who co-owns both restaurants with her husband, Chef Miguel de la Torre.  “Miguel has delicious new tapas on the menu and we’ll be offering our hand-crafted cocktails, Spanish wines, and house-made Sangria,” she said.

The fire started in the second floor of the building that houses the restaurants.  La Bodega suffered extensive water damage from the efforts to contain the fire, which lasted for several hours.  De La Torre’s next door had its bathroom and storage areas damaged by smoke and water as well, but to a much lesser extent.

Both restaurants were initially closed after the fire, but De La Torre’s, which needed only minor repairs, re-opened in mid-December of 2008.