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Tapas
Tapas are snacks designed to be served with your drink. It is widely believed that the name comes from the custom of the barman covering your glass of sherry with a slice of bread, cheese or salami to keep the flies from drinking too much - "tapar" means to cover.
However research suggests that the King Alfonso X el Sabio introduced the term and is said to have refused to serve his glorious wine to his visitors unless they also had something to eat - he would "tapaba" them.
Madrid is possibly the best known tapas destination, but the tradition is observed in many parts - especially in the southern half of the country. The are two approaches to tapas, a freebie that comes with your drink at no extra cost ( often called a "pincho"), the second is a side-order snack purchased to accompany your glass of local wine.
Spaniards go to bars to chat, meet friends, argue, joke and flirt. Tapas are provided to keep them going and encourage the sale of drinks. Tapas is rarely eaten instead of a main meal, but are good for soaking up the wine! Some of the best tapas bars can be found by universities and where commuters may congrigate. This makes Murcia city a tapas haven.
Each region has it's own specialities. In fact, each bar has it's own favourites. Here is a selection you may meet (or eat!)
JAMON - cured ham off the bone, cut to order in almost all bars and restaurants. You will usually see the leg on a special holder at the bar and often many more legs hanging up from the ceiling, with little upside down umbrellas to catch the fat. The Jamon is taken very seriously in Spain with many varieties including Iberico, Serrano and Bellota. The best and mosy expensive being of the pig with the "pata negra" (black hoof)
PATATAS ALIOLI - Boiled potatoes in a creamy Alioli sauce (raw garlic mayonaise) topped with a sprinkle of parsley.
PATATAS BRAVAS - Potatoes with a hot mustard, tomato and tabasco sauce
TORTILLA - A fat omlette made with potatoes which sometimes includes peas, meat, tuna, peppers or mushrooms.
MAGRAS CON TOMATE - fried duck cooked in a sweet tomato sauce.
CALAMARES - Fried, beautifully fresh calamaris that melt in your mouth.
ACEITUNAS - Olives - big fat juicy and firm to bite.
POLLO AL AJILLO CON VINO - Garlic chicken with wine
GASPACHO - a delicious cold tomato and vegetable soup with garlic- only available in the summer - unfortunately!
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