Tapas is Spain's gift to the culinary world: little portions of food made to be shared and enjoyed at any time of the day. Small bites with big flavor!
The word Tapas comes from the Spanish verb "Tapar" which means to cover, and the first Tapas was a piece
of bread or sometimes a thin slice of jamón serrano (cured ham) served on top of a sherry glass, reportedly to keep the flies away, this soon became other foods on a small plate and a tradition was born.
Some other sources assert that the tapa was born when, due to an illness, the Spanish king Alfonso the 10th, had to take small bites of food with some wine between meals. Once recovered from the disease, the wise king decreed that no wine was to be served in any of the inns in the land of Castile, unless accompanied by something to eat.
Regardless, they can be spicy or subtle, meaty or light. The tastes are as varied as the cities from which they hail. From Habas Catalanas (Rich Catalan stew), and Pincho Cordero (Pieces of lamb infused with spices grilled on a skewer) to the sensational Butiffara Y Secas (Pork sausage served with fried white beans) or Boquerones En Vinagres (Fresh anchovies cured in oil, vinegar & garlic), there is a broad choice to be sampled and shared.
And of course there is the Sangria… From its humble roots in Spain, Sangria has grown to become a popular, refreshing party drink around the world. The concept is all about good friends, great food and drinks... And good times!
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