Tapas - Almost as Misunderstood as the Siesta!
The basics are quite simple however a quick guide never hurt. In those areas where tapas are given free with the drink you will be given a small plate with a snack. This is one plate to be shared between all those whose drinks you have ordered. The idea being that if you snack whilst eating you will drink a little more and go for a sit down meal, at home or in a restaurant, later than you originally intended. Seems simple so far? When you come to pay the bill you will find there is no charge for the food.
What are typical Tapas? If you are in the south of Spain the tapas tend to be Jamon (Spanish dry cured ham) on a piece of bread or Olives in a variety of sauces. In the north of Spain, where the climate is very different, you will find yourself receiving Shrimps, Anchovies or any one of a number of seafood plates. Of course if you want to experience a little of everything you need to visit Madrid. The central location of which means that you can find bars and restaurants catering for all the different Spanish cooking styles.
How do I know if its not free? To start with you will not be given a plate with your drinks order. This can be confusing however as a number of bars have tapas selections arranged on the bar itself with toothpicks stuck through the middle. Beware, each toothpick will set you back around a euro a piece. Throwing the toothpicks on the floor or hiding them in your pocket is not the best of ideas. Areas where it is typical that you have to pay include:BarcelonaSevillaSan SebastianBilbao& Zaragoza
Best places to try Tapas? San Sebastian (on the Northern border with France) has regular Tapas competitions in which bars are awarded certificates based on the quality of their Tapas. Some bars have built their whole reputation on their Tapas. Of course the big drawback is you have to pay! Granada, in Andalucia, is popular amongst Spanish people who favour the traditional tapas and the added bonus is that in Granada the tapas come free. The final recommendation is in Madrid itself. In Spains capital you can find bars managed by people from the different regions each serving their own distinct tapas. Of course in Madrid you will have to pay Madrid prices for the drinks!
Handy tips? Stay in the same bar for two or three drinks. The quality of the tapas will improve immeasurably and each time you will be served something different. If you have the chance point (or better still say, if you have the language) at the preferred option from those tapas on display. The worst that can happen is the barman says "no".
If all else fails, drink a little more and the tapas will soon become of little concern!
Related Tags: guide, holiday, vacation, food, spain, culture, drink, madrid, tapas, siesta
A Perry-Macleod is UK & NZ national who lives and works in Madrid Spain. He is also the creator of http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com where he shows you Madrid through the eyes of a native as well as detailed information on the different types of typical tapas.
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