Eating Out – Spoil Yourself, and Your Partner

1. Eating Out – Spoil Yourself, and Your Partner It is true that many people enjoy eating out at a favourite restaurant, whether only on special occasions or regularly. There are so many choices today, of which tapas restaurants, or restaurants that serve a choice of tapas as part of their menu, are popular. WHAT IS MEANT BY TAPAS? Tapas (singular form tapa) is a Spanish word used to describe appetisers/snacks. It originated in Spain and is still very popular as snacks at bars where people socialise; however the idea has transcended borders and cultures and is now enjoyed all over the world in bars, and also in restaurants that serve drinks. Tapas can be served either hot or cold and be enjoyed before a substantial meal such as, say, fish with salad or vegetables, or they can make up the whole meal. In many bars you would be offered tapas with your drinks, before you sit down in the dining area for your meal, and in certain restaurants tapas appear as a choice on the menu. BACKGROUND Where did the idea of tapas originate? Some say it goes back to 13th century Spain when King X of Castille, who was gravely ill, recovered by drinking wine which was served to him with several small dishes between his main meals. So, when he got better, he ordered that no tavern would in future be allowed to serve drinks to visitors and customers unless they were also offered a small snack, i.e. the tapa. This is just one of the explanations. What is more certain is that, even pre-19th century Spain, the idea became popular when innkeepers would offer small meals with the rooms they rented to travellers, when they offered these small meals on a ‘tapa’, which is the Spanish for a pot lid. Tapa stuck as term for these small offerings. The original tapas were thin slices of bread or meat such as chorizo or ham. Innkeepers soon realised that they were able to sell more sherry (a preference in those centuries) if they offered the customer tapas. Therefore tapas in bars and places where customers could drink wine in Spain, soon became very popular. And today, of course, tapas are served throughout Europe, the U.K. and the rest of the world in bars, pubs and restaurants with – or without drinks. And the original idea of the first tapas has also evolved so that today there are many options available. SOME EXAMPLES Tapas come in many forms today. You may order olives, with or without a filling of anchovies or red bell pepper. You may be able to order small meatballs with a sauce, or small pieces of cod or other fish, pieces of battered squid, chorizo sausages, fried cheese and a whole host more. Choices are almost limitless. TAPAS AS MEALS Even though most people may know the idea of the tapas bar, and tapas enjoyed only during cocktail hour, you may want to make a whole meal of it. That is up to you. If, for example, you visit a restaurant known for its many choices of Spanish- inspired food, you may well be able to spoil your partner and yourself when you order tapas as a snack before the main dish, or as a meal by itself. You can now decide to order a proper tapas meal, which could be argued that it is a meal made up of starters only. Nothing wrong with that. You decide how much – or how little – you want to eat, and order accordingly. Most restaurants may class their tapas under Starters to be enjoyed if you sit down to a meal, as opposed to standing/sitting at the bar where you are having drinks, with the odd tapa from time to time. Tapas have evolved, and these days good restaurants, in addition to their main meals, now offer a great selection of tapas as well – also as a main meal, with combinations a great option too. About Us : At Swansea’s El Pescador we take pleasure in serving excellent seafood and other Spanish-inspired dishes and meals. Our chefs take care to prepare meals that visitors are likely to come back for, and our menus appeal to various tastes and preferences right from seafood to grilled beef and other options. Most of the produce we use is locally sourced to support our community’s businesses and fishermen that supply us with the highest-quality offerings from the ocean. Every care is taken to offer everybody the best of what Swansea restaurant dining is about. We are situated in the Old Marina from where patrons can enjoy stunning views to add to the ambience we create in our restaurant.