In recent years, various ethnic groups in Europe have been taking center stage, both in political and cultural arenas. According to renowned author of European travel guides Rick Steves, the Catalans are one of those groups, and their home of Catalunya (also written as Catalonia) in Barcelona, Spain is currently one of the most interesting places to be right now. This description is especially true when it comes to food, specifically tapas:
“In Barcelona, as in many places, vermouth bars are trendy these days. And as this photo shows, a refreshing glass of vermouth is complemented by a plate of sweet, locally flavored treats. Especially in Spain, this “tapas” style of eating and drinking makes for fun meals.”
Outside of Spain, a glass of vermouth on one side and a plate of tapas on the other would look so exotic and unique. However, those who frequent the restaurants and bars that serve the best tapas in Barcelona would say that those portions are nothing out of the ordinary. To spice things up a bit, these establishments introduce new blends and twists to tapas recipes from Catalunya. For example, Ziryab Fusion Wine and Tapas Bar offers “Tapas-Mezze”, which combines the most renowned finger food of Spain with Arabic mezze, or small foods that are eaten with sauces like hummus and muhammara. According to Steves, Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is a great place for a crash course in enjoying tapas.
First-timers can bring a tour guide or a local friend along with them; however, ordering tapas in Barcelona is a rather different experience. For starters, tapas come in various flavors and styles, depending on the region they come from. Catalunya prides itself on its pa amb tomàquet: white bread that is seasoned with tomato, salt, and oil. While it is possible to eat pa amb tomàquet as is, the dish is best served in conjunction with other tapas like patatas bravas. Aside from that, it is typical to eat tapas at crowded bars and counters while standing. Based on experience, Steves also says that the best time to eat tapas is at 9 PM, the unofficial start of Barcelona’s nightlife.
Foreigners who have eaten tapas before at some restaurant or bar in their home country should not miss the real opportunity for authentic Spanish cuisine. If it is exotic food and vibrant culture that they want, tourists should follow Steves’ advice and fly to Catalunya as soon as possible.
(Source: Back in Barcelona, where there is always something new, Huffington Post April 30, 2014)