What is the tapas dish?
TapasTapas is simply a small snack or appetizer taken with a drink or two at lunchtime or in the early evening before the main meal. The Spanish generally won’t drink without eating something and originally these small snacks were given free to anyone who bought a drink. Now almost all bars will charge you for anything other than maybe a bowl of olives. The Origins The origins of tapas are the subject of many an argument in the local bar. (It seems to depend on which area of Spain you are from!) It is said that the first Tapas was simply a hunk of bread which was placed over the glass to keep the flies out. Hence the word ‘tapas’ was born. Tapa literally meaning ‘cover’ or ‘lid’. In the beginning somewhere must have been the humble olive. What better accompaniment to a glass of dry fino sherry? Or perhaps some almonds; fried in olive oil, sprinkled with salt and served while they’re still hot? These are the original tapas; the simplest of foods, requiring little or no preparation. As t
Tapas is a plural term, so your question should really be ‘what are tapas’. There are a number of myths about what tapas is all about. Here are just a few: What Tapas is Not • Tapas is not a particular type of food. Anything can be tapas – paella, croquettes, ham and cheese on toast, truly anything. As long as it is small and served with your drink (either free or at a surcharge), it is tapas. It doesn’t even have to be Spanish – in Granada there are a number of Morrocan bars that offer cous cous, falafel and kebabs as tapas. • Tapas is not a starter. If you start eating tapas, you finish eating tapas, and you don’t stop until you’re full. • Tapas is not a collection of small dishes brought out on a platter and eaten as a main course. The Spanish have a word for this – ‘tabla’. If you are invited to “go for tapas”, you’ll be visiting lots of bars and probably only taking a single tapas in each. The Meaning of the Word Tapas A ‘tapa’ is a ‘lid’ or ‘cover’.
Many people who have read foodie magazines or checked out a travel show may have heard of tapas, but didn’t follow up on finding out exactly what they are. Of Spanish origin, tapas are “little dishes,” that is, snack-size foods meant to be eaten between meals. Tapas are still extremely popular in Spain and there are tapas bars in the U.S., as well. The history of tapas is an old one. It probably dates from the Middle Ages, when field workers would take a small meal with them into the fields, meant to be eaten as they worked, or on a short break. Olives, bread and cheese, perhaps with a small slice of ham or other meat, often comprised this small meal. As customs do, eating tapas evolved, becoming a social ritual in small restaurants all around Spain. Some say that the name tapas came from a slice of ham covering a glass of sherry – perhaps to keep out flies. Another advantage of serving cured meats is that they created a greater thirst, making the customers purchase yet more wine. Nowa
“Tapas” (sometimes considered little appetizers), originated in Spain over a century ago, most likely in Andalusia. Andalusia is the home of Sherry, and customers and travelers were given pieces of bread to cover the glasses (“tapa” means lid or cover). This led to Innkeepers adding ham, sausage, seafood, or cheese to the bread. Today in Spain, tapas have evolved into a sophisticated array of little dishes, which are eaten at all times of the day and night. Isabella’s will provide value and quality to its customers by giving them a small slice of Spain in Frederick. A wide variety of tapas, an exclusive Spanish wine list, and reasonable prices give you the quality you deserve. We are very excited to open Isabella’s in the Celebrated Hendrickson Building at 44 North Market Street in Historic Downtown Frederick, MD. Hopefully, we will give you an opportunity to take a trip to Spain when you visit us at Isabella’s. Buen Provecho!
