You cannot fail to notice the delicious tapas dishes on offer in the various bars, cafés and restaurants whenever you're visiting Spain. They're a must-do on every trip! The bottom line is that the urge to eat one or more of these scrumptious dishes is irresistible!
Where tapas originated from hasn't been established. There are several legends as to its origin and each legend will have its passionate advocates. Fortunately, tapas has continued to develop over the years and although they are still basic dishes, they can be a delectable treat and when enjoying the company of family and friends, they are the ideal nibbles.
Socializing like this is traditionally Spanish. The Spanish do not eat tapas as a meal like a Middle Eastern mezze as a lot of westerners do. Instead, Spanish people enjoy tapas say on a night out, where they will enjoy a tapas dish with a beer or a glass of wine in each bar they visit.
Indeed, Spanish people will rarely make tapas at home. When they are going out for dinner, Spaniards will usually meet-up in bar and call in to a couple of bars en route to the restaurant and so will enjoy a tapa in each bar as they go. This is called Tapeo, and it is about stimulating the appetite whilst drinking an aperitif and enjoying the company of friends and family.
You'll find tapas on offer at various eateries. There's a popular belief that tapas bars are replete with beautiful tiles in hues of red, yellow, green and blue; have wooden beams and oakwood barrels; where pictures of flamenco dancing and bullfighting adorn the walls and where hungry diners sit at mahogany tables illuminated by candles but this really isn't the case!
You'll find great tapas in much more modern establishments complete with designer furniture and bright lights and in small, simple little cafés and bars that have basic furnishings and are quite common, indeed, the best tapas bar in Barcelona that I visit regularly is just like this. Also, you'll be sure to see people from different walks of life such as youngsters, large family groups, young lovers, workers and professionals in these vibrant places having a tapa or two as they relax.
So when you next visit Spain, you'll know how to do tapas just like the locals!
Restaurateur Urbano Gomez is the director of Pasa Tapas Restaurante Barcelona. He has a passion for the Spanish and Catalan cuisines and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the world. His Tapas restaurant in Barcelona serves traditional hot and cold tapas along with a variety of fresh meats, fish, seafood and salads. When visiting the city, come to Pasa Tapas restaurant and enjoy the best tapas in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Read More From Urbano Gomez
|
