DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2024
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Go for Tapas:
Vamos a Tapear!
SPEND HOURS.
SHARE PLATES.
NOW GET READY TO
SOCIALIZE IN THIS
AGE-OLD DINING
TRADITION
IN SPAIN.
T
he tradition of enjoying a spread of sharable plates is popular
the world over. You'll find mezes in Greece and Turkey,
botanas in Mexico, and bocas in Central America. But in
Spain, it's all about the tapas. These aren't just little plates of
food, they're a cultural hallmark throughout the country. Here's how
to tapear like a local.
BUT FIRST, LA HISTORIA:
THE TAPA BACKSTORY
There's no single answer as to how these tasty tidbits came to be, but
there are fun theories about tapas' humble history. Tapar in Spanish
means "to cover" and it's said that as early as the 17
th
century in
Spain, one savvy barkeeper covered their patron's glasses with a salty
slice of ham to keep dust and fruit flies out of their sweet sherry. It's
said King Alfonso X saw this as he made his way through Andalusia
on official business and asked for his next tipple "¡con tapa!" (with
lid). Whatever the story, it's safe to say that the tapa is a huge part of
the country's proud gastronomic heritage.
THE WEEKEND AFTERNOON TAPA
I studied Spanish as a foreign exchange student in high school to
perfect my native tongue. On weekends, my host family liked taking
BY MARY LUZ MEJIA
TAPAS
