Tapas ... snacking Spanish style!

Mon, Aug 27th 2007, 00:00

Spanish Cuisine has also brought us another favourite ... tapas.


Tapas is the tradition of serving a variety of small snacks with drinks. The word tapas means a cover or lid, derived from the old habit of placing a slice of bread or a piece of ham on top of ones wine glass ... perhaps to keep out insects.

Many believe that tapas started when botillerias (bottle shops) and tabernas (taverns) became established throughout Spain. Spanish king Alfonso the 10th decreed that no alcohol was to be served to the public unless it was accompanied by something to eat. Tapas is the ideal way to soak up the alcohol you consume, and provides a snack to tide you over to the main meal of the day!

Tapas delicacies specific to Valencia are chorizo (spicy sausage), Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas (fierce potatoes topped with a spicy tomato and chilli sauce), croquetas de Jamon (croquettes with ham), octopus, calamares rellenos (stuffed squid), and empanada (pastries filled with seafood, meat, cheese, vegetables or fruit).

Visitors to the tapas bars of Valencia be warned ... there is usually an extra charge if you choose to sit out on the terrace or the patio. That is why you will find the locals inside!

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