Delightful Little Spanish Tapas

Food and wine have a veritable holy status in the Mediterranean, but nothing gets more reverence than the tiny Spanish tapa. These bite-sized appetizers are delectable treats that can sometimes be had for free at many bars and cafes. You didn’t hear me say this, but if you’re a traveler on a dismal budget, it is certainly possible to almost eat gratis in Spain by hopping from place to place while picking on tapas. Just make sure you are ordering a round of drinks at least!

Since dinner happens later in the evening in Spain–usually around 9PM–tapas are a way to bridge the meal gap and allow you to enjoy a bite to eat without getting overly full. You usually enjoy tapas with a glass of house wine, which can be had for a mere 80 cents at any local bar. Tapas can be either hot or cold, and can contain an endless array of ingredients. Everything from sardines, eggs, olives or anchovies can all be a possibility in a tapa. Sometimes it’s a complete surprise until you take that first bite, which is part of the fun with these little snacks. The key is to be open-minded and not give your server a what-the-hell-is-that?! look.

Tapas have become so popular recently, that restaurants will now serve them as full meals. The great news is that if you can’t decide on one particular thing to eat, you can have a bunch of things on one plate. It is considered in proper taste to let your server know if there is an ingredient you’re not fond of. For example, I will usually tell my server: no anchovies por favor. You should then be served an array of tapas without the salty buggers or any other ingredient you are adverse to. Of course, this rule doesn’t count with the freebie tapas served at bars–and you risk offending the proprietor if you turn your nose up at the stuff that is offered complimentary. So, don’t do it and hazard being called un Americano arrogante.

My favorite tapas are croquetas. These cylindrical shaped goodies are made from either tuna, ham or chicken and are breaded with a light cornmeal then fried. A slice of warmed chorizo (sausage) with a chunk of manchego cheese on a piece of bread is also a really simple tapa that is a true delight. Tortilla Espanola is a mini omelet with egg, potato and fresh peppers. Fancier joints may have more upscale and unusual options, and seeing calamares (squid), gambas (shrimp) or pulpo (octopus) tapas is not uncommon. There’s something for everyone.

Since it can be somewhat harder to find free tapas these days in some regions of Spain due to the costs to the cafe, you may have to order a platter when you pull yourself up to the bar. Usually, this will be priced at no more than $3 or $4 and you get to select from a long list of offerings. So don’t hesitate to trade in a big meal for a  lighter one with a smorgasbord of these little finger foods.

Though every region of of Spain serves tapas, Granada is certainly the king when it comes to them. It is also still one of the areas in the country that continues to serve them free with the order of a round of drinks. I advise a stop at Casa Enrique in the cathedral section of town if you desire any tapa with ham, as their serrano is out of this world. Rabo de Nube is another that local Spaniards frequent, and the bonus is that it provides a breathtaking view of the Alhambra while you imbibe in a glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing.

Buen apetito!