Barcelona Tapas

Small plates. Plenty of options. That’s how it’s done at Barcelona Tapas! Wondering what Tapas are? Watch as Chef Zach gives us a lesson and makes us two authentic dishes!

WHAT ARE TAPAS? The word ‘tapas’ literally means ‘lid,’ and the origin of the tapas custom most probably lies in the placing of a small plate or lid over a glass of wine when served in the neighborhood bodegas. It is also said that a centuries-old decree insisted all bars and roadhouses serve food as an accompaniment to wine, in an attempt to ensure at least a modicum of sobriety among the nation’s coach drivers. A tapa is a delicious morsel of food that defines a lifestyle as well as a culinary style. Tapas in Spain are almost always accompanied by wine, but they are as much about talking as they are about eating and drinking. The wine is, perhaps, the medium that holds the conversation, the friends, and the food together. The primary purpose of tapas is to talk to friends, to share the gossip of the day.

Here are today’s recipes:

Sautéed shrimp and chorizo with portobellos and purple kale:

Serves 2:

– 1 tbs. olive oil

-10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 oz cooked chorizo

-3-4 large leaves purple kale, torn into small pieces

-1-2 medium portobellos, diced

-2 tsp. crushed garlic

-4 oz. white wine

Directions – heat oil and chorizo in a sauté pan and add mushrooms and shrimp when hot.  Sauté lightly and add garlic, then deglaze with white wine and wilt in kale.  Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Radish, Apple and almond salad with Sherry vinaigrette

Serves 2-4:

– 1 radish (recommend watermelon radish) quartered and sliced thinly

– 1 sweet apple (pink ladies work nicely

– almonds and raisins, to garnish

Sherry vinaigrette:

– 2 Tbs. Sherry vinegar

– 4 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive oil

– 1 tsp. Prepared mustard

– 2 tsp. Honey

– salt and pepper, to taste

Barcelona Tapas is now booking for holiday parties! To learn more, visit: www.barcelonatapas.com