Origin of Tapas
The first course of meal in Spain is called Tapas or in simple words
we can say that Tapas are Spanish starters. They are usually described
as small portions of food that are eaten before or in place of a meal.
Tapas may be a smaller version (normally a quarter version) of some
other food on the menu or it may be sold wholly as tapas. It would be
correct to say that a tapa is invariably a small dish of something
palatable.
The Myths
Several stories have originated regarding tapas, which are a part of
the tradition. Few of the stories are as follows:
1.It is believed that King Alfonso X, also known as “the Wise One,”
made sure that Castilian inns would serve wine accompanied by something
to eat, so that the wine would not affect the clients’ mental power
directly
2.Another story claims that while on a long trip, King Alfonso had
stopped to rest in the town and ordered a glass of sherry which is a
fortified wine, made from white grapes that are grown near Spain.. There
was a strong wind, so the inn keeper served him his glass of sherry
covered with a slice of ham to prevent the sherry from getting mucky.
King Alfonso apparently enjoyed it, and apparently asked for a second
glass, requesting it to be just like the first.
3.There is yet another story which states that once upon a time there
was a sick king who could not consume alcohol without taking some food
with it. He issued a royal verdict that insisted that everyone should
have food with their drinks. A slight variation of this story is that
the compassionate king simply insisted that food should be taken with
any drink due to health issues associated with consuming alcohol on an
empty stomach.
Free For All
Some years ago tapas would be given free with meals that would be
ordered but unfortunately now tapas are no longer given free with meals.
However if you do go to a Spanish restaurant and tapas are given to you
without you ordering for them then it will be on the house.
Bar Snacks
If you are in a mood to go for Tapas then you will be visiting many
bars. If you are new to a city, you may be hesitant about moving on from
one bar to another, simply for the fear of not finding delicious food at
every bar you visit. Under such situations, it is advisable to take a
Tapas tour of the city that you are visiting. Guided by a local of the
city, you will be taken to a number of tapas bars, where you could taste
each dish with a drink.
The Energy Food
Tapas provide energy to the Spanish for their long journeys from bar
to bar before their afternoon meals and in the evening before their
supper. For no matter what reason Tapas may have originated, prepare
them in any manner you like and relish them just like the Spanish do –
with a glass of wine and a carefree mind. |
