Tapas
The Origin of Tapas
Tapa literally means lid or cover and it thought to be an edible cover over the glass of wine. It could be bread, cheese or even a slice of ham.
Whilst this protocol would keep insects from entering the wine, it probably relates to a time when the Spanish King Alfonso the tenth, was struck down with illness. During his recovery he ate small quantities of various foods to help his strength. Upon recovery he decreed that all taverns in Spain were to provide a small food accompaniment with each glass of wine.
This style of food has remained to this day.
Tapas is not just eating snacks to replace a meal, it is a style of eating that brings all sorts of people together to chat, share, and experience a variety of gorgeous flavours in an informal and ideal setting.
It is about sharing, conversation and informality.
Tapas, Strictly speaking, are an Andalusian way of eating because Andalusia is truly the home of tapas.
Spaniards go to tapas bars before lunch and before supper to meet friends, to converse, and to watch. It's hard to think of a tapas bar as an eating establishment because it functions more like a trysting establishment. Conversation ranges from the mundane to the philosophical, and the food ranges from the simple toasted almond to the complex callos (stew).
La Concha tapas experience
We have visited some very remote areas when wine tasting in the Spanish mountains, and some of the tapas dishes we have tried for example pig's ears in batter, Hens stomach and heifer guts in peculiar sauces would not be in too much demand in England!
However, we feel that La Concha's selection of tapas dishes are all genuine Spanish recipes suited to British tastes and compliment a glass or two of wine.
We change our 'specials' board regularly and often choose dishes from other areas around the world. Our tapas food is served in traditional terracotta dishes and when table space in limited we use larger dishes for duplicate choices. All dishes are served with crusty bread.