We are on our way to Spain in a few days and I’m
already dreaming of tapas. Synonymous
with appetizers, the word tapas is Spanish in origin. The name (meaning “cover” or “lid”) is
thought to have been coined centuries ago when patrons were served a glass of
sweet sherry prior to a meal with a slice or ham or a piece of bread on
top. The food acted as a cover to
prevent fruit flies from swarming over the sweet wine. Tapas have now morphed into an international
phenomena. On a recent trip to Vietnam
tapas appeared on the menu of a swanky restaurant.
Tapas make a perfect first night meal for jet-lagged
travelers. Bodies that are totally out
of biological sync can ease into the new time zone with tidbits of these
lighter foods, versus a heavy three or four course meal. Yes, most tapas bars require standing, but
for travelers who have been sitting mega hours on transatlantic flights this is
probably a good idea. Besides, tapas
bars are fun, exhilarating, and are known for the art of conversation---how can
one not converse with others in a crowded tapas bar with glorious food? For
me, the whole tapas scene provides the perfect welcome to Spain.
The Bullfighters Bar (aka Torre del Oro) is a must experience
I usually fly into Madrid and make a bee-line to the
Plaza Mayor. The Bullfighter’s Bar is
always a great first stop because of the friendly bar men serving the tapas
(they will also make you a special order of padron peppers, one of my favorite
starters on any continent).
The refurbished Mercado in Madrid is ground zero for upscale tapas
A block away
is a quite sophisticated spot for tapas, the Mercado San Miguel. Once the old food market for downtown Madrid,
this now super trendy spot has been entirely renovated and is now filled with upscale food stalls and high-end tapas bars. The crowd is definitely the young and
beautiful with lots of Euros to spend on French Champagne by the glass or
caviar- topped-tapas.
Txakoli's smoked salmon (left), crab (right)
My favorite tapas bar in Madrid, however, is <10
minute walk from both of the above places.
Txakoli (at #42 Calle Cavas Baja, a tiny pedestrian only street in a
residential area) is a huge cut above everything else and offers the best
quality/price ratio. I try to time my
visit for the moment the doors open (7 or 8 pm depending on the time of
year). This place feels like a
neighborhood spot to me and the clientele is young and hip. The tapas are killer---don’t miss those made
from crab or salmon. Wine choices are
limited but decent.
Best buck (per piece) I know
Another favorite tapas bar of mine is in the Rioja
wine district in the town of Logrono. They only serve one tapa
here and it’s grilled mushrooms. Funghi lovers will be in heaven. The
line often snakes out the door. Bar Soriano...look for their sign in the shape of a large mushroom over the front door.
Most of Palma's traditional bars are in the old streets near the cathedral
This year we’ll be flying into Palma de Mallorca. Our
tapas crawl will be in the cobble-stone streets of the old town (where we’ll be
staying overnight before heading to Ibiza for several days). We’ll be heading to traditional tapas spots. (I don’t want Asian-inspired tapas, tapas
with a French flair, or any other fusion-type tapas). Here’s
my list: Bar Espana, Bar Dia, and Taverna Boveda. But, a great way to find the best tapas is
simply to wander, check out the food, and choose the most crowded spots filled
with locals rather than touristas.
Olé!
If you would like to make tapas at home, you can make them with imported Spanish meat, and buy it online at:
ReplyDeletehttps://store.caviarlover.com/meats-c28.aspx